A section leader at Bents’ Cook Shop has been shortlisted in a magazine’s housewares awards.

Andrew Milward joined the Cook Shop team in January 2014 and has made a major contribution to the on-going success of the department. Under his leadership, the team provides excellent levels of customer service and product knowledge.

The Excellence in Housewares Awards, now in its 17th year, are organised by Progressive Housewares magazine in conjunction with the Cookshop and Housewares Association to recognise the UK’s top housewares retailers as well as the best new housewares products. There is also a Retailer Employee of the Year award. Bents’ Section Leader, and Andrew, has reached the 2016 shortlist.

The awards are widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ for the housewares industry.

The finalists were chosen after an industry-wide poll of housewares suppliers.

Close proximity to the Trafford Centre sees Bents’ Cook Shop competing with main players like John Lewis, Selfridges, Debenhams and Lakeland but it continues to perform well in a challenging marketplace.

Matthew Bent, MD at Bents Garden & Home, said: “Andrew has helped establish a strong brand presence in the Cook Shop with great gadgets and unique products proving very popular with customers. He is friendly, approachable and engages with customers and is committed to providing advice, recommendations and delivering the highest levels of customer service at all times; a top priority for all our colleagues.”