A shopping centre manager credited with bringing life back into a town has been shortlisted for a national award.
Chris Ward took up his role at Longton Exchange, in Stoke-on-Trent, in April last year and has since helped to transform it by bringing in new stores and more shoppers.
He has been shortlisted for the prestigious Spectre Awards 2023 in the category of Centre Manager of the Year – Small Venue.
Chris said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted, especially as I only started last year and this is my first role as a centre manager, although I have worked in the industry for a number of years.
“But it is not just recognition for me, it is for the whole team and all our volunteers.
“We are all working hard together to bring in more offerings.”
Six new stores have opened at Longton Exchange, in the town centre, under Chris’s leadership with more to come soon.
The latest one is dog accessories shop Sew Very Dog, opened by Sarah Taylor on 12 August after winning the space in a competition, as reported by Daily Focus.
Chris has also been behind the revival of the Arts and Culture Quarter, which had stood vacant for 15 years.
The Spectre Awards recognise the best practice and the best people in the shopping centre industry.
Chris will find out if he is a winner during a ceremony in London on 19 October.
