See what our 2007 winners and judges have to say about Rising Stars...

"Winning the Rising star award was a fantastic acknowledgement of my achievements so far as a credible junior buyer. It has increased my drive and ambition to develop into a buyers role."

Claire Passer, Oasis Stores Ltd Winner: Buying/Merchandiser of the Year 2007

"Oasis were delighted when Claire Passer won the Rising Star Award. It pays tribute to Claire's skill in her role and passion for the business, as well as emphasising the calibre of talent within the brand"

Sarah Welsh, Head Of Buying, Oasis Stores Ltd

"The Retail Week Rising Star Awards recognise young retailers who are already excellent managers delivering fantastic results. We'll see many of them again, running retail companies, in the years to come."

Judge: Alan Giles, Chairman, Fatface

"Developing good people is a key issue in retail. Well done to Retail Week in supporting this important and worthwhile event."

Judge: Stephen Robertson Director General, British Retail Consortium

"I had some fantastic internal recognition from within the whole of the Home Retail Group which was a great feeling. On the career front, I am just coming to the end of a secondment heading up one of the businesses key strategic initiatives with a view of promotion to a senior management position imminently!"

Danielle Plested, Homebase Winner: Store Support Manager of the Year 2007

"I've had a great time since winning the award last year. Not only did I enjoy some lovely internal recognition, but I was also asked to do a number of media interviews on the back of it. It was a real motivator for me to develop my career, and since winning the award I have moved into an exciting new and more senior role within Currys."

Clara King, DSG international