News

August 31, 2010

Queen of Shops offers ‘scholarships’ to small retailers

Small retailers are being offered the chance to send themselves and their staff on Mary Portas’ masterclasses for free, following the launch of a scholarship scheme.

Overseen by the star of reality TV show Mary, Queen of Shops, the masterclasses are interactive one-day workshops led by trainers from the National Skills Academy and will focus on specific areas of running an independent retailer.

To qualify for the free masterclasses, applicants must demonstrate how the training would help their own personal development, as well as making their business more competitive on the high street. There are four places available for the three-day masterclass event, which covers:

• My shop, my future – focusing on planning for growth
• Selling and service skills – standing out from the crowd with customer service
• Creating desire – merchandising and differentiating your shop.

The event will take place in central London from 25 to 27 January 2011 and the prizewinning ‘scholars’ will be given accommodation, breakfast and lunch. Small retailers not attending through the scholarship scheme can apply for seven different masterclasses at the regular price of £200 plus VAT for each.

Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “It could help small retailers who are struggling and larger out–of–town retailers. It will teach them back–to–basics retail skills and how they can focus their businesses to increase footfall and profit.”

The closing date for applications is 8 October.

• For more information about the masterclasses and to apply for the scholarship, visit the National Skills Academy website