CrownGate centre manager wins top national award
Erica Burlace, manager of CrownGate Shopping Centre, was awarded the coveted Shopping Centre Manager of the Year award at a glittering awards ceremony in London.
Ms Burlace was handed her trophy by presenter Nicholas Parsons in front of hundreds of the top names in the retail industry at the SCEPTRE awards, held at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel.
The SCEPTRE awards, launched a decade ago, recognise excellence in the retail industry, and attract hundreds of entries from across the UK each year.
Ms Burlace fought off strong competition from centre managers from across the country to achieve the Medium Sized Centre category of the awards.
Judges were especially impressed with her management of CrownGate’s extensive £4million refurbishment and rebranding, as well as her work to ensure that footfall levels – which were expected to drop – held steady. This work also resulted in an increase in customer dwell time in the centre.
She was also praised for her work to improve relationships with her tenants and reduce tenant service charges as well as her introduction of a number of environmental initiatives within the centre.
Ms Burlace, who has been in the role for just over two years, said she was delighted to have won the award.
“I am absolutely thrilled. I love my job and the team I work with and have worked hard over the past two years to ensure that the centre and my tenants are given the best possible opportunities to succeed and thrive,” she explained.
“The role of the centre manager has changed dramatically in recent years in response to the economic climate and industry demands – so for my work to be recognised is a huge boost,”
“CrownGate has just undergone a major rebranding and refurbishment project, as well as improving its customer offer, and I am committed to further building its reputation as Worcester’s premier shopping destination.”
John Michell, head of shopping centre management at King Sturge, which manages the centre on behalf of its owners, The Crown Estate, added: "This award is a real tribute to all the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Erica and her team in running CrownGate, particularly during a major refurbishment.
“Although King Sturge only took over the management of the centre for The Crown Estate last year, we have been very impressed with the team's professionalism and dedication and believe this award is thoroughly deserved."
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Published on: July 1, 2010
