Sutton shopping centre Idlewells has been shortlisted in three categories at the prestigious SCEPTRE Awards.

The awards recognise “best practice and the best people in the shopping centre industry”, with a particular focus on management teams, retailers and suppliers who clearly demonstrate excellence in how they operate and engage with customers.

Businesses from across the UK will compete in 15 categories on 23rd November, including Community Initiative of the Year, Customer Services Team of the Year and Christmas Campaign of the Year.

Idlewells has been named as a finalist in Operations Manager of the Year (Ian Pratt), Young Achiever of the Year (centre manager Chloe O’Donnell) and Sustainability Initiative of the Year.

Ian Pratt’s nomination for Operations Manager of the Year comes from his ability to continually innovate and input into a wide range of areas from energy consumption and sustainability, to marketing and commercialisation. Chloe’s nomination for Young Achiever of the Year comes after she adapted the centre to the cover pandemic – preparing and recovering Idlewells for a changing landscape at an unprecedented time.

The final nomination for Sustainability Initiative of the Year follows on from the recent implementation of a sustainability policy at Idlewells – focusing on people, planet and profit. The policy has resulted in a reduction in electricity consumption of 30% in 12 months and the business recently won a Green Apple award in recognition of its focus on general waste reduction, recycling and energy reduction.

Chloe said: “The SCEPTRE awards stand for best practice and celebrate the amazing people that make centres such as Idlewells perform and meet the needs and expectations of customers.

“I’m so proud of the team here. Everyone continues to go above and beyond with a real sense of purpose to make sure that Idlewells is delivering the best possible shopping experience for residents in the town. We’re excited to be among our peers on 23rd November and we wish everyone the best of luck for the night!”

For more information about Idlewells, visit www.idlewells.co.uk.