Now in their 15th year, these awards recognise the best practice and the best people in the shopping centre industry and Kevin was one of five to be nominated nationally in the Marketing Manager of the Year category.

He received a Certificate of Commendation for his successful tailored marketing events designed to reward Wisbech’s loyal community with regular free activities, family entertainment and support for local charities at the awards ceremony held at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Tuesday 24 June.

There are 15 separate categories in the SCEPTRE Awards designed to put the spotlight on management teams, retailers and suppliers that demonstrate real excellence.

“I am simply delighted to have received this prestigious award and very proud to think that the Horsefair Shopping Centre is up there amongst the biggest names in retail. I thought it was a great achievement to be nominated but I am so thrilled to be named the runner-up.

Being a small centre we have limited resources, which can be quite tricky at times. It means I have to be very creative to make the most of our marketing budget; it’s great to have that recognised”, said Kevin.

Lucy Mitchell, Marketing Manager at NewRiver Retail, owners of the Horsefair, commented: “I am delighted that Kevin is the runner-up, it is a terrific accolade and he deserves this recognition for all the hard work that he puts into arranging events at the Horsefair”.

This is not the first award for Kevin as last year he received the title of Shopping Centre Manager of the Year for a Small Centre awarded by NewRiver Retail and in 2010 he won a Purple Apple Pip award at the British Council of Shopping Centres Purple Apple Marketing Award.

Kevin Smith with his Certificate of Commendation.