I was asked to sit on the judging panel for the Drapers Etail Awards 2009. The first dedicated e-commerce awards scheme by the bible of the fashion business Drapers.

Led by Drapers editor Lauretta Roberts the judges – Myself, Zia Zareem-Slade, Julie Howell, Andy Houstoun, Rob Jones, Leisa Barnett and Peter Fitzgerald – discussed all the entries that successfully made it on to the shortlist.

It was interesting to see how the diverse mix of experiences in the room - fashion, e-commerce and retail - added a healthy objectiveness to the judging (I know I changed my mind on a few occasions).

We all brought something to the table, and it was our job to analyse applications and ensure others on the panel took into consideration the positives in submissions which they may not have noticed when scoring.

Good luck to everyone on the shortlist!