Good Retail Awards 2021: Judges

Our judging panel is a selection of industry experts and representatives from both Modern Retail and Spring Fair.

These awards are about celebrating retailers who are making a positive impact in our industry. Our judges are therefore looking for positive innovations in retail that benefit both retailers and their customers. Consideration is given to original and pioneering ideas that are not necessarily reliant on significant financial investment, yet make a significant difference to the retail experience.

More profiles will be added in the coming days – so check back for further info.

Have any questions about the awards? Check our FAQs page.

Catherine Erdly

Catherine has over 20 years experience working with product businesses of all sizes from high street names (such as Paperchase, Laura Ashley and Coast), to some of the most exciting new independent businesses.

She helps product businesses grow their sales, manage their stock and build lasting businesses through 1-2-1 mentoring and her membership The Resilient Retail Club.

Naeem Arif

Naeem Arif is the founder of NA Consulting Ltd, a retail Business Consultancy, and the Vice Chair of the Midlands Retail Forum. Naeem is also the author of ‘Customer First’ an Amazon #1 Best Seller.

Rob Gamage

Rob is Managing Editor of Modern Retail. Combining many years of experience in publishing with a keen interest in small business and entrepreneurship, Rob is passionate about sharing interesting and inspiring content with retailers to help them grow.

James Mansfield

James is Ecommerce, Warehouse and Logistics Consultant at The Access Group, having joined in March this year as the company continued to see growing demand of its Warehouse Management and Order Management solutions. James leads a team of sales consultants who are responsible for advising clients of process improvements and supporting change management through the implementation of new software platforms primarily for online retail, 3PL, ecommerce and wholesale distribution.

With demand on online retailers greater than ever James is helping companies manage their online shopping platforms, and fulfil more orders to their rapidly expanding domestic and international customers through the use of the industry-leading Mintsoft platform.

Holly Worthington

Holly is Modern Retail’s Content Editor and brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing. She is passionate about helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.

Julie Driscoll

Julie Driscoll is the UK Regional Director at Hyve Group plc. Uniting key stakeholders behind ambitious omnichannel strategy informed by customer intelligence is how she inspires and empowers organisations.

Julie is a board director of the AEO and sits on various other advisory boards and committees including the NEC, the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry and the Giftware Association and is a judge for various awards. She recently completed an MBA from Imperial College Business School where she was awarded the prestigious scholarship for ‘most inspiring business leader’ with a specialisation in digital business transformation.