More than 400 people were in attendance on Tuesday at the biggest Progressive Preschool Awards yet. Hosted by award-winning comedian Stuart Goldsmith, the event was a roaring success, with retailers, suppliers and industry legends all taking to the stage to collect their trophies.

“Once again the PPS awards have been a genuine celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment that has been seen across the preschool industry over the past year,” said publishing director Rob Willis. “We are honoured to host an event that brings together the cream of the preschool sector and our thanks go out to every entrant, sponsor and guest for making this year’s event so very special.”

The Outstanding Achievement Award was given to Robert Anslow, Managing Director of the Baby Products Association (BPA) and Harrogate International Nursery Fair, who thanked the industry in an emotional and heartfelt speech. Robert was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the nursery industry.  A staunch supporter of child safety serving on several British and European safety standards committees and acting as an expert witness in court cases concerning product compliance, Robert’s career in the childcare products industry began in 1971 with his family-owned business Charlesworth Developments manufacturing nursery and toy products. In recent years, Robert has led the Baby Products Association to become a voice of the industry at European level as a founding member of the Europe Nursery Products Confederation (ENPC) where he is now vice-president having served as president for four years.

Other deserving winners of the awards are:

Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products

Asda

Sponsored by Cooneen By Design

Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products

The Entertainer

Sponsored by Misirli

Best Mixed Retailer of Preschool Products

Argos

Sponsored by Rainbow Designs

Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products

Bentalls – Fenwick Group

Sponsored by Dennicci / Blues

Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products

Amazon.co.uk

Sponsored by Aykroyd & Sons

Best Preschool Retail Initiative

The Entertainer

Sponsored by Viacom Nickelodeon

Best Independent Nursery Retailer

A3 Baby Barn, Surrey

Sponsored by East Coast Nursery

Best Independent Apparel Retailer

Snügg Kids, Sheffield

Sponsored by Amscan International

Best Independent Gift Retailer

The Growing Tree, Market Harborough

Sponsored by Hippychick

Best Independent Toy Retailer

Toy Galaxy, Ealing

Sponsored by RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys)

Best Preschool Apparel and Accessories Range

Peter Rabbit TV range for George from Aykroyds

Sponsored by WildBrain spark

Best Preschool Toy Range

Tiny Paws Pet Hotel from Playmobil

Sponsored by BBC Studios

Best Preschool STEM Range

Explore & Discover range from GALT

Sponsored by Fundamentally Children

Best Preschool Publishing Range

That’s Not My… 20th Anniversary Collection from Usborne Publishing

Sponsored by Redan Publishing

Best Preschool Home or Furniture Range

Next2me Magic side-sleeping crib from Chicco

Sponsored by Harrogate International Nursery Fair

Best Preschool Gift Range

The Snowman Tonie from Boxine

Sponsored by Centum Books

Best Wheeled Goods/Car Seats Range

Maxi-Cosi 3wayFamily range from Dorel

Sponsored by Vista Public Relations

Best Preschool Essentials Range

Moby bathtime essentials from SkipHop

Sponsored by Respiro by Baby Trend

Best Preschool Kids Lifestyle Range

Children’s unicorn suitcase from LittleLife

Sponsored by Poetic Brands

Best Infant Development Range

Taf Toys Koala Daydream collection from Halilit

Sponsored by PreschoolNews.net

Best Preschool Marketing and Communication Campaign

The Entertainer with The Big Toy Rehoming

Sponsored by Azaria

Best Wholesaler or Distributor of Preschool Product

Hippychick

Sponsored by Diono