The fifth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards is now open for entries.
The awards. sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud by Marxent, and Goodays, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and include a Most Innovative UK Retailer category.
Deadline for 2023 submissions is Friday, 27th October, with winners being revealed at an exclusive event at the Barbican in central London on Wednesday, 29th November.
Entries are free and you can submit in multiple categories.
Most Innovative UK Retailer
Who has been the UK’s most innovative, customer focused retailer this year?
Judges are asked to look at the tech deployments, pilots etc listed alongside each retailer and decide which one has been the most consistently forward thinking and customer centric in 2022/23.
Download an entry form here.
For all entry related queries, email: [email protected]
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, says: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”
“Thanks to all those who entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”
“I’m excited to launch the fifth edition of the awards. The 2023 event will be the biggest and best yet.”
We’re pleased to announce that the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards are now open for submissions! It’s free to enter, with a deadline of early November and winners being announced at an awards ceremony in central London during December @AwardsRtih #retailtech https://t.co/tuEFF9gIE7
— Retail Technology Innovation Hub (@RTIH_RetailTech) May 11, 2023
B&Q
B&Q was last year’s winner in this category.
It is at the forefront of cutting-edge 3D visualisation, planning, and design technology. In 2022, it announced the largest and most comprehensive roll-out of 3D home improvement design experiences in the market today.
The retailer didn’t just deploy an app or service. It designed and deployed an entire 3D strategy that aligns with changing consumer behaviour.
It lays claim to being the first retailer to move away from an incumbent software solution that the industry has been using since the 1980s to a single SaaS-based kitchen, bathroom and bedroom/storage design platform for consumers and stores alike.
The benefit is a comprehensive and seamless design experience that puts customers at the centre. The initiative also includes a 3D kitchen, bathroom, and storage planner with virtual reality capabilities in addition to a series of mobile 3D product configurators for other products.
Our judging panel said:
“The winner of this category needed to demonstrate it was the UK’s most innovative, customer focused retailer this year, and in that respect, there was one clear winner.
B&Q has taken the sorts of tools available to architects, but arguably intimidating to most customers, and empowered them to make ambitious home improvements with an immersive and interactive experience teeming with customisation and personalisation.
Enhancing the customer experience in this way only works if staff have the confidence and knowledge to use it themselves. B&Q demonstrated its commitment to the initiative – and its employees – by embarking on a large scale training programme in under six months.”
FAQs
Who will be judging the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards?
Mike Cadden, Technology and Business Transformation Director, Start-Rite Shoes
Peter Waugh, Director, International Digital (EMEA, LAC & AP), Starbucks
Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots
Warren Richmond, Founder and CEO, Situ LIve
Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder, Retail Technology Innovation Hub
Toby Pickard, Global Insight Leader, IGD
Matt Taylor, Technology Transformation Leader at EY, Retail and Consumer Products
Amodini Chhabra, Investor, Compass Digital Ventures
Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive
Nadine Neatrour, Marketing Director, Selfridges
David Polinchock, Co-Founder/President, Unified Brand Experience Lab
Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.
Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.
Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.
Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.
When is the deadline for 2023 submissions? Friday, 27th October.
When will the winners be revealed? Wednesday, 29th November at an event at the Barbican in central London.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
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