THE Royal Berkshire Conference Centre hosted the third edition of the Reading Retail Awards back in 2012.

It was another successful year, with a record number of nominations coming through for high street giants and local favourites alike.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, the event’s organisers will continue to look back at previous editions over the coming weeks.

Back in 2012, Reading FC chairman John Madejski handed out prizes, alongside regular host Sangeeta Bhabra.

Bride To Be and The Grooms Room proved popular, bringing home the overall award, as well as the Independent Retailer prize.

Fast-forward to the present day and the awards continue to hold similar principles of shining a light onto the unsung heroes in our community.

The culmination of the next few months will be the glittering black tie awards evening, which will take place on September 28 at the Hilton Hotel.

The awards are free to enter and there are three new categories this year, including Best New Store, Pub of the Year and Outstanding Achievement Award.

The nomination process is open until July 26. Entry forms can be collected from the information desks in either The Oracle or The Broad Street Mall.

Tickets will be available, priced at £75 from the Reading Retail Awards website, from June.

List of 2012 Winners:

  • Service With a Smile: Advance Gym
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Multiple): John Lewis
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Independent): T&T Nail Studio
  • The Shop I Can’t Live Without (Out of Town): Jennings of Caversham
  • Lovely Lunch: Jamie’s Italian
  • Restaurant of the Year: Forbury’s
  • Learner of the Year: Jessica Wicks, Hotel Chocolat
  • Shooting Star: Kaye Munson, Browns Bar and Brasserie
  • Manager of the Year: Kirsty Hunter, Hotel Chocolat
  • Promotional Initiative: Specsavers
  • Store Design and Environment: John Lewis partnership
  • Independent Retailer: Bride To Be and The Grooms Room
  • Multiple Retailer: Apple
  • Retailer of the Year: Bride To Be and The Grooms Room