Broadway Award, L-R Graham Parker editor at Retail Destination, Averil Sinnott at Retail Report, Ian Ward GM at The Broadway, Dominic Holland comedian
Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway Shopping Centre in Bradford, has been awarded Centre Manager of the Year in the national Retail Destination, Sceptre Awards.
The criteria the award covers includes footfall levels in the previous 12 months, customer spend and dwell time. Also, new tenants to the Centre, the success of marketing campaigns and the extent of the Centre’s involvement in the local community.
The Broadway was in the ‘large centre’ category against Meadowhall, Sheffield and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol.
“I’m delighted to have received this award,” says Ward. “The Broadway is a huge part of the Bradford community. It is part of the unique DNA of the city and all it has to offer to residents and visitors alike.
“Whilst my name is on the award, this is an accolade for the full Broadway team that contribute to keeping the Centre an exciting, safe and vibrant place for people visiting for leisure and shopping.
“It’s also an achievement for the city of Bradford. Without the strategic direction and cohesive work with Bradford City Council, and the partnerships we have with multiple stakeholders, much of what we do wouldn’t have the same impact.
“The new approach we operate under as part of the successful Bradford BID has opened up new opportunities, visions and inward investment for the city. I’m delighted to be part of it.”
Highlights from the award entry commended in feedback from the organisers included the successful unveiling of ‘Sparkling Bradford’. The 2018 Festive Launch drove over 52,500 people to the Centre, marking the highest footfall since its opening weekend. It also saw 12,000 more visitors than the 2017 launch.
Furthermore, Ward’s hard work has led to an increase in footfall year-on-year; footfall in years two and three were up by two million in comparison to year one. This equates to 2018’s footfall being +1.8% verses 2017.
About Ian Ward
Ward has more than 30 years’ experience in the retail sector, beginning his career with Marks & Spencer and Safeway. After managing Stafford Centre in East London since 2008, he became centre director at St John’s Shopping Centre, Liverpool, in 2010.
In 2016, Ward became general manager of The Broadway, Bradford. The £260 million development opened just months before his arrival. He has since worked tirelessly to cement its position as the heart and soul of Bradford.
Ward is the chairman of Bradford BID where he led the city from BID conception to a ‘yes’ vote. This opened up inward investment of £2.5 million over the next five years.
He is also part of the Bradford Strategic Economic Partnership and member of Bradford Breakthrough. At Bradford Breakthrough, Ward works with multiple stakeholders to generate ideas on how to build a sustainable and better future for the city.
Recently held in London, The Sceptre Awards 2019 recognise the best practice and people in the shopping centre industry.
