Standing shoulder to shoulder with industry giants such as Footasylum, Waitrose, Co-op and The Perfume Shop, our brilliant Charity Retail Members Sue Ryder and Martin House were recognised for their passion and community spirit.
The awards celebrate the people who make retail shine - wherever they work. As Liz Walker, the Awards Director, explained:
“In charity retail, we see the difference people make — every day. From volunteers offering a listening ear to staff creating safe, welcoming spaces, these moments of kindness and connection matter. Nominating for the People in Retail Awards is our way of saying thank you. It’s how we celebrate the individuals who bring heart to the high street and make giving part of everyday life.”
At a time when charity shops face plenty of challenges, this recognition is a welcome boost - and a reminder of what makes the sector so special: the people.
It’s wonderful to see colleagues from charity retail celebrated alongside household names!
Here’s what some of those recognised had to say about being part of this year’s awards:
🏆Winner – Employee of the Year
Lucy Swann, Volunteer Manager at Sue Ryder
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be named as employee of the year at the recent People in Retail Awards. To be recognised alongside nominees from some of the UK’s biggest retail names is truly humbling.
“At Sue Ryder, I feel extremely honoured to work with hugely dedicated, passionate colleagues and inspiring volunteers. We all work together to raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder's care for people with a terminal illness or who are grieving, while also encouraging the reuse of good quality items and act as local hubs in communities around the country. Our shops are shining examples of people coming together for good, and I feel so lucky to be a part of the retail team at Sue Ryder.
“This award feels like such a huge and heartwarming recognition for all the wonderful work and care we do to look after our volunteers and make sure they enjoy their time with us. It's genuinely uplifting that we have been recognised in this way, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward for the charity and our volunteers.”
Congratulations to Lucy on this amazing achievement!
🌟Highly Commended – Store Champion/Team of the Year
Sue Ryder’s Maidstone Shop
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been nominated and awarded highly commended at the People in Retail Awards. This achievement is a true testament to the passion, hard work, and commitment every single member of the Maidstone team puts into what we do every day.
“This isn’t just a shop – it's a community, and together we strive to turn creativity into action, provide an excellent service locally and ultimately help fund the vital hospice care and bereavement support Sue Ryder offers.”
Hats off to Lisa and the Maidstone team!
🌟Highly Commended – Manager of the Year
Jason Lickley, Harrogate Shop Manager, Martin House
“We’re proud of Jason for representing charity retail so strongly in a field that also includes lots of highly successful commercial businesses. Jason’s commitment to charity retail and Martin House is outstanding and this award reflects the hard work Jason has done since starting at Martin House.”
Well done, Jason!
Charity shops are more than shops, and Lucy, Lisa and the Maidstone team, and Jason prove the difference that passionate people can make.
Here’s to celebrating our sector - and to more charity retailers taking their well-earned place among the UK’s retail greats next year.
🗓️ Speaking of which, nominations open 1 November!
Find out more about the awards at peopleinretailawards.com.
