Progressive Preschool Award winners crowned

Dear Zoo, Mr Men Adventures and Beatrix Potter among winners of prestigious awards.

The winners of the 2016 Progressive Preschool Awards have been crowned – with a number of licensed brands walking away victorious.

Among them was the Dear Zoo property, with Milly & Flynn’s wooden toys collection picking up the Best Preschool Toy Range.

Egmont Publishing’s Mr Men Adventures Series was named the Best Preschool Publishing Range, while the Beatrix Potter brand capped a strong 2016 by picking up the Best Preschool Marketing & Communication Campaign accolade.

In addition, Christine Nicholls, vice chairman and director of product development at toy licensee Golden Bear, was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Over 400 guests from across the preschool sector packed into The Dorchester Hotel in London’s Mayfair for the awards, which were hosted by actor and comedian Charlie Baker.

“This year’s awards ceremony was by far the most engaging yet,” said Rob Willis, publishing director of Progressive Preschool magazine, which owns and organises the awards.

“With a record numbers of entries, expert judging panels and a real air of competition, the results perfectly reflect the creativity and flair the preschool sector has to offer.”

The full list of winners is below:

Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products
Tesco

Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products
Mothercare

Best Mixed Retailer of Preschool Products
Argos

Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products
John Lewis

Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products
Very.co.uk

Best Retail Initiative for the Preschool Sector
Piccola for its 50th anniversary campaign

Best Independent Nursery Retailer
Peppermint, Chiswick

Best Independent Apparel Retailer
The Cotton Nappy Company, Leamington Spa

Best Independent Toy Retailer
Toy Galaxy, Ealing

Best Independent Gift Retailer
Natures Purest, York

Best Preschool Apparel and Accessories Range
Love To Dream Swaddle UP collection from Cheeky Rascals