Categories 2026 - Revo Community

As our industry evolves, so do The Revo’s. We’ve introduced new and refreshed categories for 2026. Explore them below.

The following comprehensive judging criteria serves as our blueprint for evaluating entries. While the ultimate winner may not meet every criterion, our judges will prioritise entries that exhibit exceptional quality, industry leadership and/or innovation.

THE REVO’S

Recognise and reward the best of the best in the built environment including examples of development, investment, asset management, operation, customer experience, and destination marketing in the sector.

Best Asset Management Initiative - Small (budget less than £1m)

In recognition of comprehensive and strategic asset management initiatives, this award celebrates excellence in optimising retail and leisure destinations. Successful entrants must provide a detailed overview of their asset management activities, showcasing a holistic approach that integrates retail or leisure leasing and innovation, as well as outstanding pop-up initiatives within the managed assets.

Entrants are required to highlight the involvement of key stakeholders, including funders, local authorities, leasing agents, marketing agents, commercialisation agents, and the management team associated with the award activity. The winning initiative should demonstrate a transformative impact on the overall customer experience, creating vibrant, accessible, and engaging environments that resonate with the target audience.

What are the judges looking for?

Strategic Planning: How well does the initiative showcase a strategic and comprehensive approach to asset management? Are there clear plans and strategies in place to optimize retail and leisure destinations?
Effective Partnership: To what extent has the entrant collaborated with the wider team? How has this collaboration enhanced the overall effectiveness of the asset management initiatives?
Detailed Overview: Does the submission provide a detailed overview of the asset management activities undertaken? Are key components, such as retail or leisure leasing and pop-up initiatives, thoroughly explained?
Seamless Integration: How well is retail or leisure leasing integrated into the asset management strategy? To what extent does the initiative optimize leasing opportunities for the managed assets?
Innovative Pop-Up Concepts: Does the initiative include outstanding pop-up initiatives? How innovative and engaging are these initiatives, and what impact do they have on the overall asset management strategy?
Customer-Centric Approach: How does the initiative prioritize and enhance the overall customer experience? Does it create vibrant, accessible, and engaging environments that resonate with the target audience?
Aesthetic and Functional Enhancement: To what extent does the initiative contribute to the creation of vibrant and accessible environments? How has it enhanced the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the managed assets?
Audience Resonance: How effectively does the initiative engage with the target audience? Is there evidence of resonating with the preferences and needs of the intended demographic?
Measurable Impact: Can the initiative demonstrate a transformative impact on the managed assets? Are there measurable results or key performance indicators that showcase the success of the asset management activities?

Best Asset Management Initiative - Small (budget less than £1m)

What are the judges looking for?

Strategic Planning: How well does the initiative showcase a strategic and comprehensive approach to asset management? Are there clear plans and strategies in place to optimize retail and leisure destinations?
Effective Partnership: To what extent has the entrant collaborated with the wider team? How has this collaboration enhanced the overall effectiveness of the asset management initiatives?
Detailed Overview: Does the submission provide a detailed overview of the asset management activities undertaken? Are key components, such as retail or leisure leasing and pop-up initiatives, thoroughly explained?
Seamless Integration: How well is retail or leisure leasing integrated into the asset management strategy? To what extent does the initiative optimize leasing opportunities for the managed assets?
Innovative Pop-Up Concepts: Does the initiative include outstanding pop-up initiatives? How innovative and engaging are these initiatives, and what impact do they have on the overall asset management strategy?
Customer-Centric Approach: How does the initiative prioritize and enhance the overall customer experience? Does it create vibrant, accessible, and engaging environments that resonate with the target audience?
Aesthetic and Functional Enhancement: To what extent does the initiative contribute to the creation of vibrant and accessible environments? How has it enhanced the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the managed assets?
Audience Resonance: How effectively does the initiative engage with the target audience? Is there evidence of resonating with the preferences and needs of the intended demographic?
Measurable Impact: Can the initiative demonstrate a transformative impact on the managed assets? Are there measurable results or key performance indicators that showcase the success of the asset management activities?

Prop Tech - Commercial

This award recognises PropTech companies whose technology is transforming the commercial performance of retail and leisure destinations. Winning entries will demonstrate how technology is helping owners, asset managers and operators drive revenue, improve efficiency, optimise occupancy and make smarter investment decisions. Entries should reference specific solutions delivered or advanced in the previous 12 months, supported by real-world results and stakeholder evidence.

What are the judges looking for?

Innovation and Differentiation – How original is the technology, and how clearly does it improve asset performance over existing solutions?
Commercial Impact – How has the technology improved commercial performance, with clear evidence such as revenue, occupancy, yield, cost savings or ROI?
Data and Commercial Intelligence – Does the technology provide useful insight that helps owners and asset managers make better commercial decisions?
Occupier and Investor Value – How does the technology create value for occupiers, investors and the wider commercial ecosystem?
Scalability and Replicability – How easily can the solution be applied across assets, locations or ownership models?
Client and Stakeholder Validation – What client or stakeholder evidence supports the technology’s claimed commercial impact?

Prop Tech - Place Management

This award recognises PropTech companies whose technology is transforming how places are managed, activated and experienced by the people who use them. Winning entries will demonstrate how technology is making destinations more responsive, more engaging and more valuable to visitors, communities and place teams on the ground. Entries should reference specific solutions delivered or advanced in the previous 12 months, supported by real-world results and stakeholder evidence.

What are the judges looking for?

Innovation and Differentiation – How original is the technology in place management or visitor experience, and what sets it apart from existing options?
Impact on Place Experience – How has the technology improved the visitor experience, with evidence such as dwell time, satisfaction, repeat visits or engagement?
Operational Place Management – How has the technology improved day-to-day operations such as security, cleaning, maintenance, events or wayfinding?
Community and Social Impact – How has the technology improved community outcomes through accessibility, programming, partnerships or better-informed decisions?
Sustainability Enablement – How does the technology reduce environmental impact or improve efficiency, with evidence such as energy, waste or carbon savings?
Scalability and Replicability – How transferable is the solution across destinations, management models or geographies, and is there evidence it can scale?
Client and Stakeholder Validation – What feedback or evidence from place teams, visitors or communities supports the claimed impact?

Professional Service Provider of the Year (Legal, architecture, M&E etc.)

This award recognises an outstanding professional service provider operating within the retail destination industry. This category celebrates businesses that have demonstrated excellence through innovation, collaboration, client service and measurable impact.

What are the judges looking for?

Quality of Delivery – Entries should highlight specific projects or commissions and demonstrate the value, rigour and professionalism of the work produced.
Client Relationships, Collaboration and Innovation – How strong are client relationships, and has the business demonstrated creative or innovative thinking in solving problems or seizing opportunities? Evidence of long-term partnerships or novel approaches is encouraged.
Industry Contribution – How has the business contributed to the wider sector through thought leadership, industry engagement, or efforts to raise standards of practice?
Sustainability and Social Value – How are sustainability, ESG and social value embedded into the business’s work in practice, not just in principle?
Measurable Impact – What tangible outcomes has the work produced? Entries should be supported by client feedback, data or third-party validation.

Centre Management Team of the Year (Commercial Success)

This award honours outstanding teams in various sectors, including security, asset management, centre management, leasing, and more, who have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, dedication, and excellence in their respective fields. Whether comprising an entire department or a specialised sub-team, this accolade recognises the collaborative efforts that contribute to the success and positive impact of the team on their operational environment.

Entrants for this category are invited to showcase instances where they have consistently delivered best-in-class performance, exceeded expectations, and gone above and beyond in their roles. This could include successful initiatives, innovative approaches, or instances where the team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills.

What are the judges looking for?

Innovation and Collaboration: Does the team exhibit innovative collaboration within their sector? Are they able to think creatively and come up with unique solutions to challenges through collaborative efforts?
Communication Excellence: How effectively does the team communicate both internally and externally? Do they employ innovative communication strategies to foster a positive and inclusive team culture?
Milestones and Achievements: Have there been notable achievements or milestones reached by the team that showcase their excellence in performance?
Innovative & Unique Approaches: Does the team showcase instances of introducing innovative solutions or unique initiatives and approaches in their operational environment? Are they proactive in identifying and pursuing opportunities for improvement? Are they set apart from other teams in the industry?
Efficient Problem Solving: How effectively does the team address challenges and solve problems? Can specific examples be cited where the team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills? What impact did the team’s problem-solving initiatives have on overall outcomes?
Surpassing Benchmarks: Are there instances where the team surpassed predefined expectations? How consistently does the team strive to exceed benchmarks and set higher standards for themselves?
Adaptability: How well does the team adapt to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges? What strategies do they employ to remain flexible and responsive to evolving situations?
Team Dedication: To what extent is the team dedicated to their roles and responsibilities? How do team members support each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and contributing to a positive working atmosphere?

Rising Star

This award is for anyone under the age of 35 and recognises the positive impact that the individual is making on the property industry right now. They could be an up-and-coming entrepreneur, a successful dealmaker or agent, a digital disrupter, have made a positive sustainable impact in the industry or had a large influence on successful placemaking and regeneration – the award is open to anyone who has achieved something special that stands out and has and is making a positive impact on the industry.

What are the judges looking for?

Innovation and creativity: Are you the mastermind behind fresh, out-of-the-box ideas? We want to see your knack for innovation and your ability to craft unique solutions to industry challenges. Show us your creativity at its finest!
Impact on the industry: Have you left a mark on the property industry landscape? We’re seeking individuals who have made waves with their work, contributing significantly to industry growth and success. Your impact matters, and we want to recognize it!
Collaboration: Team players, this one’s for you! Have you worked hand in hand with others to achieve shared goals? We’re interested in seeing your collaborative spirit and your talent for building strong partnerships within the industry.
Performance: Are you a high achiever, consistently exceeding expectations? We’re on the lookout for individuals who have achieved outstanding success in their field. If you’ve got the results to back it up, we want to hear from you!

So, if you’re ready to showcase your talent, make your mark, and join the ranks of industry leaders, this is your chance to shine.

Occupier of the Year

This award recognises and celebrates retailers and leisure operators who can demonstrate a combined vision of driving footfall, usage and/or members and/or sales in an innovative way, enhanced and excelled at customer experience, embraced social value (they may have worked in partnership with local suppliers, engaged in employment programmes etc), resilience and adaptation to current challenges, and any other initiatives that may set them apart from their competitors. They should be able to demonstrate increase in sales, improved customer satisfaction, and/or social value commitments.

What are the judges looking for?

Innovative strategies to drive footfall, usage, and/or membership growth.
Excellent customer experience, including feedback mechanisms and response times.
Demonstrated commitment to social value, including partnerships with local suppliers and engagement in employment programs
Resilience and adaptability in the face of current challenges in the retail and leisure market
Measurable success in increasing sales and improving customer satisfaction
Evidence of sustainability and environmental initiatives, such as the reduction of energy consumption in stores.
Unique initiatives that set the operator apart from competitors.
Demonstrated commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.
A fit out that challenges the industry and inspire other operators.

Independent Operator of the Year

This award recognises outstanding achievements by an independent business operator in any the retail, leisure and placemaking industry. This award is open to individuals who own and operate a business independently without being part of a larger corporate chain.

Criteria for Entry:

The nominee must be an independent operator, meaning they own and operate a business without the support of a larger corporate entity.
The business must have been in operation for at least two years.
The nominee must have less than 10 stores/locations.

What the judges are looking for?

Innovation: Does the business demonstrate a unique approach or new ideas in their industry?
Customer experience: How does the business prioritise customer satisfaction and create a positive experience for their patrons?
Social value: Does the business give back to their community or promote social initiatives?
Resilience: Has the business overcome challenges and adapted to changes in their industry?
Measurable success: What tangible results has the business achieved, such as increased revenue, customer base, or recognition in their field?

Want in? Click here to enter

THE PURPLE APPLES

Recognise and reward effective retail destination marketing within the UK. For Best Marketing Campaign of the Year activity needs to have taken place between July 202 – July 2026.

*If you enter the marketing categories in this section and are shortlisted, Revo will invite you to attend a virtual 15 minute presentation session to support and finalise your entry. These presentations will take place between 12 and 16 October.*

Best Community Initiative (Including Social Value)

The Community Initiative Award recognises real estate projects or initiatives in the retail, leisure and placemaking sector that demonstrate an outstanding, measurable commitment to improving the lives of people and communities. Winning entries should show how social value has been deliberately designed, delivered and evidenced, not as a byproduct of a broader ESG strategy, but as a core purpose.

What the judges are looking for?

Community Impact and Inclusion – How has the project improved local outcomes, addressed key social needs, and reached underserved groups?
Placemaking – How well has the project created spaces shaped by community need rather than purely commercial priorities?
Economic Opportunity – What jobs, skills, apprenticeships or local supply chain opportunities has the project created, and for whom?
Health, Wellbeing and Safety – How does the project support the physical, mental and social wellbeing of users and residents?
Stakeholder Co-Design and Engagement – How far were communities and local stakeholders involved in shaping decisions?
Social Value Measurement – How is social value defined, measured and reported, with evidence of outcomes rather than outputs?
Longevity and Legacy – Is the social value likely to last beyond the project, with support from structures, partnerships or funding?
Creativity and Innovation – Does the submission show a novel or replicable approach to social value?

Best Marketing Campaign of the Year - Large

VIRTUAL PRESENTATION CATEGORY

These marketing awards recognise the most effective marketing campaigns in the retail destination industry. The entries need to clearly demonstrate the strategy and objectives of the campaign, along with the results achieved. The winning entry will be an innovative idea that shows a unique approach and impactful delivery.

We understand that all destinations have different budget constraints that affect what is possible to deliver, therefore are splitting the entries into three categories so that we are able to compare the entries fairly.

Campaign budget over £25k

Implementation Dates: July 2025 – July 2026

Best Marketing Campaign of the Year - Medium

VIRTUAL PRESENTATION CATEGORY

Campaign budget between £5-25k

Implementation Dates: July 2025 – July 2026

Best Marketing Campaign of the Year - Shoestring

VIRTUAL PRESENTATION CATEGORY

Campaign budget under £5k

Implementation Dates: July 2025 – July 2026

Want in? Click here to enter!

THE GOLD’S

Recognise and celebrate the very best examples of development, investment and asset management in the retail sector.

*If you enter any category in this section and are shortlisted, Revo will invite you to attend a virtual 15 minute presentation session to support and finalise your entry. These presentations will take place between 12 and 16 October.*

Best Repurposing Project - Small (Total Scheme Size <250, 000 SQ FT)

This award recognises outstanding transformation of retail and leisure assets through repurposing, refurbishment or adaptive reuse. Winning entries will demonstrate a clear and considered process for reimagining an existing space, and crucially, will show the tangible impact that transformation has had on the quality of placemaking at the destination.

Entries should cover projects delivered between July 2024 and July 2025. Evidence should combine hard metrics: footfall, financial performance, value growth, with qualitative insight from communities, occupiers, consumers and partners.

What are the judges looking for?

Thought Process and Strategic Rationale – What led to the project, what options were considered, and why was this approach chosen?
Repurposing Innovation – How inventive and effective was the approach to reimagining the asset through new uses, audiences, formats or adaptive design?
Design and Contextual Sensitivity – Does the design enhance the asset, respect its context, and show thoughtful retention or repurposing?
Impact on Placemaking – How has the transformation improved the destination for visitors, occupiers and the wider community?
Delivery and Execution – How was the project delivered, what challenges arose, and were there innovative approaches to construction, phasing or logistics?
Partnership and Collaboration – Who was involved, how were partnerships structured, and why were they important to the outcome?
Measurable Impact – What did success look like, and is there evidence across footfall, spend, occupancy, value growth or other metrics?
Community and Social Value – How has the project benefited the local community, and what evidence shows its social value?
Sustainability – How was sustainability built into the project through material reuse, carbon reduction, efficiency or biodiversity?
Cost Discipline – How was cost managed without weakening quality or the ambition of the occupier mix?

Best Repurposing Project - Large (Total Scheme Size >250, 000 SQ FT)

What are the judges looking for?

Thought Process and Strategic Rationale – What led to the project, what options were considered, and why was this approach chosen?
Repurposing Innovation – How inventive and effective was the approach to reimagining the asset through new uses, audiences, formats or adaptive design?
Design and Contextual Sensitivity – Does the design enhance the asset, respect its context, and show thoughtful retention or repurposing?
Impact on Placemaking – How has the transformation improved the destination for visitors, occupiers and the wider community?
Delivery and Execution – How was the project delivered, what challenges arose, and were there innovative approaches to construction, phasing or logistics?
Partnership and Collaboration – Who was involved, how were partnerships structured, and why were they important to the outcome?
Measurable Impact – What did success look like, and is there evidence across footfall, spend, occupancy, value growth or other metrics?
Community and Social Value – How has the project benefited the local community, and what evidence shows its social value?
Sustainability – How was sustainability built into the project through material reuse, carbon reduction, efficiency or biodiversity?
Cost Discipline – How was cost managed without weakening quality or the ambition of the occupier mix?

Investment - Deal of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding investment transaction, acquisition, funding arrangement or strategic partnership completed within the retail and leisure built environment over the previous 12 months. Judges will be as interested in the thinking and complexity behind the deal as in its scale. Entrants should note that a degree of financial disclosure will be required to allow judges to properly assess commercial impact and value creation. All financial information submitted will be treated in strict confidence by the judging panel.

What the judges are looking for?

Strategic Vision – Why was the opportunity identified and how compelling was the rationale? Entries should articulate a clear vision for the asset or place and explain how the deal was structured to deliver it.
Complexity and Execution – How challenging was the deal to structure and complete, and how effectively was it executed? Innovation in deal structure, funding model or approach to overcoming obstacles should be highlighted.
Commercial Success and Value Creation – What has the deal delivered? Entries should evidence value creation through financial performance, asset repositioning or occupier outcomes, whether completed or credibly projected. Judges will expect relevant financial metrics to be shared in support of this criterion.
Impact on Place & Community – How has the deal benefited the destination, its occupiers and the surrounding community? Strong entries will show commercial success and positive place outcomes working together.
Collaboration and Long-Term Resilience – How well did parties work together, and how does the deal position the asset for long-term relevance in an evolving landscape?

Want in? Enter here

Entry Fees

Entries are accepted from all types of places and there is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted per company. However, there is a fee per entry, £150 plus vat for every category except Rising Star and Occupier of the Year which are free to enter and the Gold’s which cost £300 plus vat to enter.