Director David Denton, shortlisted for the Lifetime Contribution Award
DB Wider Fit Shoes is celebrating national recognition at the Retail Gazette Retail Excellence Awards 2026, with the company shortlisted for the HR Excellence Award and Director David Denton named a finalist for the prestigious Lifetime Contribution Award.
In the HR Excellence Award, DB Wider Fit Shoes is shortlisted alongside Timpson, Morrisons and Krispy Kreme, while in the Lifetime Contribution Award, David Denton joins an exceptional shortlist featuring Sir John Timpson, Dame Mary Perkins and Doug Perkins of Specsavers, and Sue Lockey, founder and Chief Executive of The Puppet Company.
The HR nomination recognises the company’s successful organisational transformation following the decision to outsource manufacturing. Rather than allowing valuable knowledge and experience to leave the business, DB Wider Fit Shoes worked with fractional HR Director Jim Thompson of People Puzzles to deliver a comprehensive programme of organisational change.
The transformation included restructuring, internal promotions, updated employment contracts, skills development, employee engagement initiatives and practical retraining. At its heart was the introduction of STEF – an innovative bonus scheme recognising Skills, Teamwork, Efficiency and Flexibility.
The scheme rewards employees for developing new skills, increasing their flexibility and supporting different areas of the business. As colleagues expand their capabilities, they receive financial recognition through the STEF programme, helping create a more agile and resilient workforce.
Recognising that no suitable system existed, David Denton personally designed and developed bespoke software to manage the scheme, demonstrating the practical innovation that has characterised his career.
Helen Denton, who helped lead the HR initiative, said: “When we stopped manufacturing, our priority was to protect the knowledge, loyalty and experience within the business. We knew our people had so much to offer, so we focused on retraining, upskilling and creating new opportunities wherever we could.
“STEF has transformed the way we work. It has given people the confidence to learn new skills, support different areas of the business and share in our success. To be recognised alongside organisations such as Timpson, Morrisons and Krispy Kreme is a tremendous honour and a fantastic endorsement of what our team has achieved.”
Alongside the company’s HR Excellence nomination, David Denton has been recognised individually for a career spanning decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to specialist footwear.
Working alongside his twin brother, Managing Director Charles Denton, David has guided DB Wider Fit Shoes through significant periods of change while remaining focused on the company’s purpose of helping people enjoy greater comfort, confidence and freedom through better fitting footwear.
David Denton said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted, particularly alongside people whose contributions to British retail have been so significant. However, I am even more proud that DB Wider Fit Shoes has also been recognised for HR Excellence.
“These nominations reflect the dedication, adaptability and commitment of our entire team, together with the support of Jim Thompson and the work we have undertaken to invest in our people and prepare the business for the future.”
The winners will be announced at the Retail Gazette Retail Excellence Awards in London on 14 October 2026.
