THE SPOTLIGHT AWARDS RETURNS FOR AW 2024
BRINGING NEWNESS FOR AW24
Following the success of the Spotlight Awards at our Spring 2024 show, they returned for Autumn! Top Drawer wants to celebrate their exhibitors across the show, and highlight those truley innovative products. The Spotlight Awards are where exhibitors get the chance to win based on their newest product on the market and on being the standout newcomer.
Entries are now closed!
DISCOVER THE TOP DRAWER A/W24 AWARDS SHORTLIST
SPOTLIGHT AWARDS JUDGES
Preena Patel
Buyer, Design Museum
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Preena Patel is the Senior Buying and Product Development Manager at the Design Museum, with over a decade of experience in retail positioning, licensing, and product development. She leads the development of commercially successful ranges for both in-store and online platforms.
As a champion of sustainable practices, Preena has reshaped the museum’s retail strategy to prioritize eco-conscious products. With a background in fashion design, she blends creativity with a strong commercial focus, finding great satisfaction in seeing her products "in the wild."
Alongside her museum role, Preena is a freelance retail consultant and product strategist for artist Yinka Ilori and other clients.
Sarah Holmes
Owner, Pencil Me In
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Sarah Holmes founded Pencil Me In a beautifully curated stationery store in 2014. 3 times voted Elgin’s favourite shop, and winning Moray Business Women’s Established Business of the Year 2022, she is supporting many other female founded small design businesses based all over the UK. The pencil printing machine you can see in the shop window prints over 52,000 pencils a year to be stocked in independent shops & galleries all over the UK, including the UK Parliament Gift Shop, Shakespeare Globe Theatre and The Tate.
In 2023 Sarah launched her second retail project, Seasgair Store on South Street in Elgin. A delicious selection of homewares & gifts creating a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience.
Priya Aurora-Crowe
Owner, Lark
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Lark is a family run independent based mainly in London and their aim is to provide beautiful products for your lifestyle and home. We have been slowly expanding over the last 20 years and now have 19 stores; Balham, Earlsfield, Tooting, Wimbledon, Streatham, Herne Hill, Askew Road, Chiswick, Clapham, Fulham, Raynes Park, Putney, Richmond, Woking, Southfields, East Sheen, Blackheath, Esher and Weybridge.
To Priya, Lark is not only her hobby but also part of her family life. She loves buying new and exciting products and creating a positive impact within her stores communities. As an independent they support local companies, people and brands, as seen in all their shops.
Sarah Laker
Owner, Stationery Supplies
Sarah Laker, a self-confessed stationery geek, founded Stationery Supplies in Marple, Cheshire over 18 years ago. Leaving behind a nursing career, Sarah pursued her dream of owning a stationery, gift, and card shop. Her deep passion for stationery and independent retail has been the cornerstone of her business success.
In 2020, Sarah expanded her business by acquiring a second stationery shop. This decision was driven not just by business prospects, but also by a heartfelt desire to create a supportive workplace that would positively impact her daughter’s mental wellbeing. Throughout the pandemic, Sarah became a vocal advocate for independent stationery shops, raising awareness of their challenges and securing media recognition on major UK platforms including BBC Radio and TV.
In 2023, she took on the prestigious role of coordinating National Stationery Week, the stationery industry's biggest marketing event, which unites suppliers, retailers, and consumers in their shared love of stationery.
A strong advocate for community and collaboration, Sarah actively supports her local community and fellow independent retailers. Her dedication has earned her multiple BOSS Independent Retailer awards, as well as recognition for her contributions to local charitable initiatives.
Hannah Bishop and Clare Bishop
Owners, Cornucopia
Hannah Bishop is one half of the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Cornucopia Home and Gift, a charming family-owned business in the heart of Worcester. With a degree in Interior Design, Hannah brings her keen eye for detail and passion for aesthetics to every corner of the shop. Cornucopia has earned a stellar reputation, being recognised as Britain’s Best Shop in 2020 for its exceptional products and outstanding service. Specialising in high-quality gifts and homewares, the shop reflects Hannah's dedication to excellence in both her professional life as a judge.
Clare Bishop is one half of the dynamic mother-daughter team behind Cornucopia Home and Gift, a charming family-owned business located in the heart of Worcester. With a wealth of experience in Floristry and extensive experience in the home and gift industry, Clare has been deeply involved with Cornucopia long before she took over the business in 2014. Under her leadership, Cornucopia has gained a stellar reputation, earning the title of Britain’s Best Shop in 2020 for its exceptional products and outstanding service. Specialising in high-quality gifts and homewares, the shop embodies Clare’s commitment to excellence both in her role as a judge and as a dedicated entrepreneur.