Published 29 June 2009

Centre boss wins top award

THE prestigious Sceptre award for Shopping Centre Manager of the Year 2009 award has gone to Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, Manchester.

The award was made at a glittering industry ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London last week. The Sceptres are known as the shopping centre 'Oscars' - and aim to recognise the best practice and people in the shopping centre world.

Speaking after the event. Gordon McKinnon, 53, said: "This is not an award for me; it's an award for the whole team who make The Trafford Centre the success story that it is.

"It was clear at the awards ceremony in London that there is a great deal of recognition and affection for The Trafford Centre from within the shopping centre industry across the UK - even from our competitors.

"I'd like to say well done to my entire team, and thank them for their continued support."

McKinnon has been director of operations at The Trafford Centre since 2004, and in that time has overseen the opening of the new Great Hall luxury dining experience, as well as a £90million homewares extension Barton Square.

The award for Large Shopping Centre 'Manager of the Year' was made in recognition of the recent commercial successes at The Trafford Centre. Footfall was up 12% last year, and average customer spend rose from £89 in 2007 to £119 in 2008. At the same time, the 2009 service charge has been reduced by 7%.

Thirteen awards were made on the night, from Young Achiever of the Year, to Security Team of the Year. Ex-Irish rugby captain Fergus Slattery compered the evening, which also raised funds for the Wooden Spoon charity.