The finalists in the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards recognise women excelling in the retail sector. Each finalist has been chosen for their ability to demonstrate to a younger generation the value of a career in the retail sector. With approximately £250 billion being spent in the retail sector each year, it is an industry which contributes considerably to the UK economy.
Judith Ayling-Whitehouse , who works at the Shrewsbury branch of Vodafone, is nominated for Store Manager of the Year. During her 17 year retail career, the last nine of which have been spent at Vodafone, Ayling-Whitehouse has consistently strived to deliver excellent customer service and motivate her teams to achieve their best, using positive reinforcement and praise.
The results are evident in her store’s success, which despite its small size beat 350 other branches to achieve Vodafone’s top accolade for customer service, its annual Customer Experience Award.
Katrina Freedman of Vodafone, from Glasgow, has been nominated for the Hidden Talent of the Year award. Recently promoted to regional manager for north Scotland, Freedman has proven through hard work, determination and self-belief that women can progress from store management to a senior level.
Her strength is in people management whether transforming problem employees into high performing managers, persuading young recruits to further their skills through Vodafone’s NVQ programme or instilling inexperienced teams with confidence to make the company’s biggest store opening in Scotland a success.