BASINGSTOKE’S town centre shopping facility is in the running for three industry awards.

Festival Place has been shortlisted in Retail Liaison, Young Person Achievement and Customer Service Award categories at this year’s Sceptre Awards.

The awards celebrate and reward excellence in the shopping industry and put the spotlight on the country’s best management teams, retailers and suppliers.

Shortlisted in the Young Person Achievement category, Paul Sawyer started at Festival Place as finance manager, and was promoted to a senior manager just a year later.

Paul, 29, has monitored all centre expenditure, ensuring service charge comes in under budget, introduced new tenant packs for all retailers for transparency across the board, and undertakes any opportunities for additional training.

He also works closely with local charities, giving up his spare time to take part in events and help with charity collections.

Rachel Moss has been shortlisted in the Retail Liaison category for her role at Festival Place, which has seen her implementing a new retail strategy that highlights opportunities to increase turnover. Rachel has also introduced a mystery shop programme, retailer awards and free retailer training.

With the final nomination, Festival Place bosses say they pride themselves on championing excellence in customer service, and its Customer Service Lounge was created to expand the centre’s range of offerings.

Centre director at Festival Place, Neil Churchill, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for three Sceptre Awards this year.

“This is a huge achievement for both Paul and Rachel, as well as for our superb Customer Lounge Service team. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for the results.”

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner on June 20.