Birmingham’s Harvey Nichols staged its first ever awards night as a thank you to staff for maintaining the high standards at the store. Hosted by general manager Kevin Breese, the “Harveys” included ten categories that recognised high levels of customer service, sales and attendance. The evening awards were held at The Mailbox and included a Champagne reception for more than 100 Harvey Nichols employees.

Winners on the night included Gurjit Chana, the store’s top selling salesperson, and Wendy Cash, Louise Sterenberg-Dyoss and Laura Gould, who recorded no lateness or sickness in the last year. The luxury beauty brand Crème de la Mer was honoured as best concession, while accessories and shoes was named as best department.

“The event was about patting ourselves on the back and recognising that despite a difficult trading year for retail in general we have still managed to maintain the very high standards our customers have come to expect,” explained Kevin. “Much has been reported about dramatic falls in profits and sales across the high street, with very few companies immune. It’s a very tough time but I have been extremely proud of how we as a store have coped.

“And despite the doom and gloom we have many success stories to tell. Over the last few months Harvey Nichols Birmingham has welcomed a number of new departments and labels. We were also double winners in the Birmingham Style Awards, picking up top accolades for Most Stylish Designer Retailer and Most Stylish Accessories Retailer.

“All of our success is down to our staff and their dedication to offering our customers the very best shopping experience. These awards show our appreciation to such a hard working team.”

Pictured: Farhana Choudhury and Emma Simpson with their certificates. Winners on the evening received Champagne, beauty hampers or a meal for their department.