New judging line up announced as the Stationers’ Company opens its Innovation Excellence Awards for entries
The Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of the most creative and forward-thinking participants in these highly dynamic industries. Entries are judged by a panel of highly experienced professionals offering a wide variety of relevant specialisms.
The awards are a unique opportunity for businesses or individuals to celebrate innovation excellence in their fields and to raise awareness for their company or brand. The awards are presented in at a glittering event in October at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the heart of the City of London: the cutting edge of innovation celebrated in the most evocative of settings.
As the awards open for entry, three industry experts were announced as joining the judging line up for this year:
Amy Hutchinson
Amy is the CEO of the BOSS Federation, the trade association for the Business Supplies Industry, a position she had held since 2019. With over 15 years’ experience in membership bodies she has focused her career on supporting businesses through representation, recognition, professional services support and training and development.
Debbie Waldron-Hoines
With over 30 years in the print and packaging industry, Debbie began her career in the label industry. She holds a French Language and Literature degree and an MBA.
Debbie founded Avant-Tout (Management Services) Ltd in 2001. She previously held senior positions in reprographics and corrugated printing, both in the UK and France.
Avant-Tout Management Services focuses on delivering technical capability, account management and project delivery in multi-language environments. It supports businesses through a number of services especially in improving communication, networking channels, and organising major events.
Debbie is Consultant CEO of FIA UK Ltd, Director of FTA Europe, Vice Chair of the GPMA (Graphic, Print & Media Alliance) and an active member of the Packaging Federation. She is closely involved in lobbying to Government on behalf of the Packaging Industry and passionate about educational development for young people.
She is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, represents interests in the North of England and sits on a number of industrial and education related committees.
Doug Wills
Doug was Managing Editor of the Evening Standard for fifteen years, ten of those as Group Managing Editor, including for the Independent. Doug trained in journalism with Thomson Regional Newspapers in Berkshire, went on to be the political correspondent for the Western Daily Press in Bristol before rejoining Thomson newspapers in a number of roles including features editor, chief sub editor and Deputy Editor. He moved to London to join the Mirror Group helping to launch the London Daily News as Assistant Editor (production).
Doug is former President of the Society of Editors and currently a board member and hon treasurer, is chair of London Press Club. Doug is the President of the Rotary Club of London and is a Rotary International representative for the Commonwealth. He is currently assisting Rotary International and the Commonwealth on environmental projects.
Announcing the awards and welcoming the new judges, Co-Chairs Vida Barr-Jones and Kate Howell said:
“The Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate the best of the Content and Communications industry in the UK today. Innovation is a vital means for organisations to remain relevant, competitive, and responsive in their respective industries and we want to celebrate it. Our new judges, joining the lineup of industry experts, bring a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise and knowledge to the role and we cannot wait to get started in seeing what innovations 2025 has in store for us.”
Judges review a rigorous set of criteria, including how the innovations improve customer experience, how the innovation meets an unmet need in the market, strength of customer response and scalability for start-ups. This ensures that brands that make the shortlist are the best in their field.
The six categories also include Business Process, Communications including marketing, Customer Experience, Education Technology, Product Design and Start-Ups.
The Stationers’ Company also announced a new tiered sponsorship plan, with Award level commitments available from £1,000 upwards.