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The Source picked up the prize for National Skills Academy for Retail Trainer of the Year, and highly commended under the Retail Apprentice of the Year category at the prestigious Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

George Elliott, who is a trainer at The Source, Meadowhall, scooped the award at the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards, held at London's glitzy Grosvenor House Hotel on 8th September, just 24 hours after the cream of British music had gathered there for the Mercury Music Prize.

Kieron Ellis, who works at the Dorothy Perkins in Lincoln, was also recognised at the Awards, held at London's glitzy Grosvenor House Hotel on 8 September. The 20-year-old triumphed over stiff competition at the award ceremony.

George, winner of the Retail Trainer of the Year Award,  delivers training to retail owners, managers and their employees and saw off stiff competition to be named the UK's finest retail trainer and was awarded his trophy by Ryman Chairman and Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis.

Judges noted George's passion and consistent delivery of quality training. He knows his audience inside out and can adapt accordingly, whether he is speaking to young people or owner-managers of retail businesses. George said: "I am really proud of this achievement and recognition from Skillsmart Retail. After over 30 years in retail, this award really does mean the world to me and I will be displaying it proudly. I credit all my friends and colleagues at The Source for their support in the workplace; this award is for all of us. It means everything for The Source because we pride ourselves on being an excellent place for training and this reinforces that. Retail is the place to be. It is the business to be in."

Theo Paphitis said: "I congratulate George for winning the Trainer of the Year Award. He is an inspiration to the industry and a great example of the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and sheer passion required to make it in retail."

The Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards are designed to recognise the best talent in all areas of retail, from star apprentices to top-notch marketeers and buyers, all demonstrating outstanding talent, aptitude and initiative in their roles - singling them out as the ones to watch for the future.

Theo said: "Being highly commended at the Apprentice of the Year Award is a massive achievement. The competition was of a very high standard and Kieron is a great example of the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and sheer passion required to make it in retail."

The Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year category was sponsored by ABC Awards, City & Guilds and EDI.

The Awards proved to be a fantastic night, bringing together nearly 500 retail professionals to honour those who have performed outstandingly over the last year. Comedian Alun Cochrane hosted the ceremony and guests enjoyed the post awards disco until the early hours.  

Photo caption: Theo Paphitis and Alun Cochrane present George with his award