Breaking Information: Toymaster Awards Dinner sees trade stalwarts recognisedToy World Journal

An finish to the downpours noticed company collect the second evening of leisure on the Toymaster Could Present, with the Awards Dinner effectively attended by these eager to mark the achievements of individuals from throughout the trade.

Day two of the Toymaster Could Present 2024 ended with the extremely anticipated Awards Dinner, a night of celebration and recognition that pays homage to folks from throughout the entire toy sector who’ve, in a roundabout way, gone above and past for the Toymaster shopping for group.

Opening the awards shows, Toymaster managing director Yogi Parmar praised the Toymaster household in addition to took the chance to thank the devoted and hard-working employees of The Majestic lodge, all of whom have performed a significant position in making certain the present was as soon as once more an unmissable occasion. Yogi additionally highlighted the superb job the Toymaster staff has completed behind the scenes in organising the present and ensuring it ran easily (together with the availability of Toymaster-branded golf umbrellas for navigating via the downpours, which KAP Toys’ Nat Southworth known as ‘the most well liked merchandise of the present’).

Yogi added: “It warms my coronary heart to see all of it come collectively. Thank to all our unbiased retailers, suppliers and members for his or her assist in making this present so particular.”

A 25 Yr Membership award, which – because the identify suggests – are awarded to members marking 25 years of Toymaster membership – was given to Stuart Jamieson of Harrys, Shetland Islands, the group’s most northern member.

The immensely in style Nick Saunders of Brainstorm was honoured with a Mates of Toymaster award. Mates of Toymaster are the ‘unsung heroes’ of the trade, who go above and past to assist Toymaster and the unbiased sector. Paul Reader, Toymaster’s business director, described Nick as “everybody’s dad, captain, chief”, and somebody who actually does insist that his success is all the way down to the staff round him.

Paul added: “Nick is a real gentleman, a credit score to his enterprise, a large advocate of independents, and somebody who absolutely appreciates the advertising alternatives Toymaster presents its suppliers. He’s a supporter of the whole lot we do, understands the significance of constructing relationships from grassroots stage, particularly with independents, and values the contribution of everybody in his staff. Nick at all times finds the very best methods to enhance Brainstorm’s service to Toymaster and its members.”

A Particular Recognition Award was introduced to Philip Kaye of Kayes of Cardiff. Particular recognition awards are given solely to those that have made an actual distinction over time, forging robust relationships with Toymaster in addition to its members, and placing folks on the centre of the whole lot they do. Yogi described Philip as a “actual gentleman who’s made a tangible distinction to lots of people over time”, together with his unfailing dedication and onerous work making him a fantastic supporter of Toymaster and its members.

“Philip will at all times discover the time to assist somebody and is immensely revered not solely by us at Toymaster, however by the whole commerce,” Yogi added. “It takes a sure character to work that tough for therefore lengthy. Thanks for being you and for all of your dedication to Toymaster over time.”

Accepting the award, Philip joked that he wasn’t used to public talking, earlier than providing gracious due to the group, which he’s been a member of for twenty-four years. “It’s a fantastic pleasure to obtain this award. Thanks should go to my staff again in Cardiff and all of you in your assist.”

Provider of the Yr, in the meantime, went to Character Choices, a lot to the delight of these gathered for the occasion. Provider of the Yr is awarded solely to suppliers who’ve proven wonderful service to Toymaster throughout the earlier yr, and whereas Paul was fast to thank all suppliers for his or her assist in bringing the present to life, he additionally detailed why Character was the deserving winner of this coveted award: its robust gross sales efficiency, steady efforts to make sure its manufacturers had been well-represented in Toymaster members’ shops, its resilience and resolve.

Character, he mentioned, embodies the very spirit of onerous work (and onerous play) and works tirelessly to satisfy the wants of members due to its capacity to see the worth of face-to-face relationships.

Talking on behalf of the staff, Spin Grasp’s gross sales director mentioned: “We love Toymaster! We genuinely worth the group’s members and the unbiased commerce, who’ve completed a lot to assist us over time. Thanks a lot.”

Rounding out the night’s awards, the British Toy & Pastime Affiliation introduced Epoch’s Jon Ward with a prestigious Golden Teddy. Golden Teddy Awards are the BTHA’s award recognising people who possess a level of honesty and integrity and are the trade’s genuinely good folks.

BTHA chairman Simon Pilkington, who introduced Jon together with his teddy, detailed how he had served the trade for over 30 years, working with iconic manufacturers together with Okay’Nex, Hasbro, Aptitude, Tomy, Traits UK and, after all, Epoch. Jon is described by his nominators and seconders as somebody who’s an sincere, hardworking and sort man who will get nice satisfaction from serving to others.

The unbiased shopping for present concludes at 4pm at this time after a massively profitable three days at The Majestic Resort in Harrogate. Readers will be capable of see Toy World’s full evaluation of the present within the July challenge.

John, Rachael, Caroline and Gabriela wish to prolong their due to the entire Toymaster staff for his or her heat welcome, the excellent present (and free meals), in addition to to the quite a few suppliers and retailers – of which there are too many to say – who took day out of their day to speak with them and supply suggestions on the present.