The RETAIL skills academy at City College Norwich has been presented with a national award by retail guru Mary Portas for the level of support it has provided to local independent retailers.
The Norwich team met retail consultant and TV personality, Mary Portas after training more independent retailers in the Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing programme of master classes than any other UK provider.
With a Retail Advice Centre on the ground floor of Chapelfield shopping centre, the RETAIL skills academy was also praised by judges for its use of social media to communicate with retailers.
The RETAIL skills academy offers advice, training and consultancy for retail businesses and training and qualifications for individuals already in or planning to join the sector.
Training includes the Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing, which covers every stage of creating and running a successful retail business through a series of 7 one-day classes. The emphasis is on giving participants practical insights and advice that can make a real difference to their customers and to their shops’ bottom line.
Sue Dougal, Head of the RETAIL skills academy at City College Norwich, said: “Norwich, and indeed Norfolk, has a vibrant retail sector with a great mix of independents and national retailers. Retail is fast-changing and exciting, but retailers are operating in a tough economic environment. Now more than ever, investing in the right skills and training for staff can make the difference between a retailer succeeding or closing down. The smart retailers recognise this.”
“I am delighted that Mary Portas, a champion of independents, has recognised the part the RETAIL skills academy in Norwich has been able to play in supporting the local retail sector. Specialising in retail helps us find genuinely valuable training for retailers, enhanced by using experienced and successful retailers to deliver it.”
The RETAIL skills academy has further Mary Portas master classes coming, covering Selling and Service (Wednesday 12 October), Creating Desire through Visual Merchandising (Monday 17 October), Marketing for More Customers (26 October) and You and Your Team (Wednesday 2 November).
Retail owners, managers or staff interested in attending the Mary Portas master classes, which run for a full day (9am-4pm), can reserve places by contacting the academy on (01603) 667 668 or emailing retail@ccn.ac.uk.
For more information about the RETAIL Skills Academy, visit www.retailskillsacademy.co.uk. Keep up to date with the latest news by following the RETAIL skills academy on twitter @retailskills.
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