The centre manager at the Horsefair Shopping Centre in Wisbech has beat off stiff competition to be shortlisted for this year’s SCEPTRE Awards.

Now in their 15th year, the awards recognise best practice and best people in the shopping centre industry and are the one of the most recognised accolades in this sector.

Kevin Smith is one of five to be nominated in the Marketing Manager of the Year category and has been recognised for his successful tailored marketing events aimed at rewarding the town’s loyal community with regular free activities, family entertainment and support for local charities.

Mr Smith said: “I’m delighted to be nominated for this prestigious award. It’s great to see the Horsefair Shopping Centre listed amongst the biggest names in retail.

“Just being shortlisted is an achievement that I’m very proud of but it would be fantastic to go through and win!”

Lucy Mitchell, marketing manager at NewRiver Retail, which owns the Horsefair, commented: “I’m so pleased for Kevin. This is a terrific accolade and he deserves recognition for all of the hard work that he puts into arranging events at the Horsefair.”

This is not the first award Kevin has been lined up for. Last year he was awarded the title of Shopping Centre Manager of the Year for a Small Centre by NewRiver Retail and in 2010 he won a Purple Apple Pip award at the British Council of Shopping Centres Purple Apple Marketing Award.

The SCEPTRE dinner and awards ceremony take place at The Dorchester in London on June 24.