Award recognition for our 'site' for sore eyes

James Sutton

This year, we decided to enter our eye health and prescription goggle websites into various online retail awards. 

These are an opportunity to create an entry and document everything we do to improve and enhance our websites and online presence. Not only do we get a pat on the back for things are doing right, but it also spurs on to do better and power through the glitches and trials of running an online business. 

Each awards has a judging panel made up of e-commerce and website experts who look into the brand, content and ease of use. There is an ethical and transparent judging process in place.

 

eCommerce Awards 2022 

First on this year's award season came the eCommerce Awards which were launched in 2007 to recognise excellence in the world of eCommerce, by celebrating the most innovative and market leading initiatives and products in the online retail space. They take place annually alongside the eCommerce Expo (the UK’s leading event dedicated to eCommerce) and bring together some of the best industry minds for an evening celebrating this dynamic and fast-paced industry. 

Open to organisations of all sizes and locations the awards recognise commitment, creativity, passion and innovation. The awards are independently judged to the highest of standards by some of the industry’s key players, ensuring that even being nominated for an award gives the teams the industry visibility and recognition they deserve. We were finalists for the Best Health and Beauty Website.

The glamorous back tie event took place in the historical Troxy, London and comedian Patrick Kielty was host for the night. Not only did he keep us all entertained but also kept the awards moving at a steady pace.

It is always interesting to meet fellow entrants to find out about each other’s websites and one lady we sat next to was actually a customer having bought a pair of our prescription goggles! 

Direct Commerce Awards 2022

Delayed from the summer due to rail strikes, the 2022 Direct Commerce Awards finally took place in early October. 

These awards have been recognising the achievements of the very best B2B and B2C direct and multichannel retailers for over 26 years. The awards are truly inclusive and open to companies of all sizes, across a vast range of categories. 

Host for the night and presenting us with our award was presenter Anthea Turner. She was an amazingly cordial host, engaging with the audience, visiting each table and explaining how to receive an award and get the best photo. 

This came in handy when we were announced winners of the Best Beauty, Health & Personal Care Award and graced the stage to receive our trophy. 

UK eCommerce Awards 2022 

Another award delayed by rail strikes, October also saw the final event of the year, the UK eCommerce Awards 2022.

Held at The Montcalm Hotel just off Oxford Street in London, Will Perry, a sports broadcaster with over 20 years' experience, was our host for the evening. Will presented each of the award categories with a guest presenter announcing who the coveted winners in were. Winners were welcomed to the stage to proudly accept their trophy with a photographer nearby to capture the special moment. 

We were shortlisted for two awards: Best Sports, Leisure & Toys E-commerce Website for Prescription Swimming Goggles; and Best Beauty, Health & WellbeingE-commerce Website for Butterflies Eyecare.

Although we were unsuccessful on the night this time, it was a great evening to be part of and once again we met many interesting people selling a wide variety of products in interesting and innovative ways.

The great and the good!

We were in good company with winners including Hotter Shoes, Woolovers, Cyberjammies, Home Leisure Direct and the Craft Gin Club.

This is a great achievement for us at Butterflies Eyecare and whether we won in a specific category or not, seeing what others do for their products is an irreplaceable source of tried & tested award-worthy ideas!

We would like to thank all our great team Andrea, Debbie, Delanie, Julie, Kirsty, Tracy and Tracy for making Butterflies Eyecare quite literally a 'site' for sore eyes®.

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Expert advice

"As an optometrist with a family history of macular degeneration, I am keen to source the widest range of products for eye health, dry eyes and blepharitis”

James Sutton (MCOptom)
Founder of Butterflies Eyecare

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