Retail and Leisure stars are back in the spotlight at our awards

The Retail and Leisure Awards, organised by The News, returned for their second year on Saturday night.

The event saw winners collect accolades in 10 different categories - ranging from Rising Star of the Year to Manager of the Year.

Hundreds of people packed into the glamorous event, which saw a three-course dinner followed by awards presentation and then a disco. An afterparty was held at The Fleet and Popworld.

The night was presented by Nick Wallis, from the BBC.

He said: ‘I love presenting awards in Portsmouth - it’s a great city and everyone’s always up for a good time.

‘The Retail and Leisure Awards bring such a fun mix of people together.’

Rising Star of the Year went to Frazer Goater, from Topman in Whiteley Shopping Centre, while Rae Bryden from Joules at Gunwharf Quays won Manager of the Year.

The night was sponsored by all five major shopping centres in the area; Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham Shopping Centre, Meridian Shopping Centre in Havant, Gunwharf Quays and Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth.

Event organiser Liz Parker said: ‘It was a great night. And one that was only possible thanks to the support of all our sponsors.

‘Last year’s event was a grand affair, but this year exceeded all expectations, it was a truly great night and one that was an absolute honour to be part of.

‘Well done everybody who won, or was short-listed, you truly are all stars.’

More coverage to follow in Monday’s News.

NEW RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Voluptuous Vintage, Village Road, Alverstoke

Runner-up: Southsea Bathing Hut

RISING STAR/ TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Topman, Whiteley Shopping Centre – Frazer Goater

Runner-up: Whiteley Shopping Centre – Lisa MacGregor

BAR/RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Winner: Dim T, Whiteley Shopping Centre

Runner-up: Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR

Winner: Beals Estate Agents & Surveyors LLP, Solent Way, Whiteley

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Winner: Tesco, Whiteley Shopping Centre – Ola Ayeni

Runner-up: Gunwharf Quays/Land Securities – guest relations team

FASHION STORE OF THE YEAR

Winner:Moss Bros, Whiteley Shopping Centre

Runner-up: Joules, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Southsea Bathing Hut

Runner-up: Voluptuous Vintage, Alverstoke

LEISURE VENUE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Rock Up, Whiteley Shopping Centre

NON FASHION STORE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Lush, Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth

Runner-up: Thomson, Whiteley Shopping Centre

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Joules, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth – Rae Bryden

Runner-up: Thomson, Whiteley Shopping Centre – Lizzie Whitcombe