News & Events
Hampshire Boost for Recession-Hit Retail
On the 29th April 09, Hampshire was named as one of the first areas in the country to take part in a national scheme to revive the recession-hit retail sector.
Retail Links Hampshire Skills Shop was announced as a founder member of the National Skills Academy for Retail; a Government backed network of training centres designed to increase productivity in the sector.
Staff from the skills shop were formally welcomed to the academy at a glitzy launch at Centre Point, London, attended by Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis and CEOs from top retailers including Sainsbury's and John Lewis.
Retail Links already provides training in facilities including those in the retail suite at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) and the Blackwell Training Bookstore at BCOT, as well as other centres in Portsmouth and Eastleigh. As part of the national network its services will be available in areas including Reading, Portsmouth and the New Forest. It will also expand its offer to include pre-employment training, Apprenticeships, retail customer service programmes and retail work experience opportunities.
Jane Mossman, Manager of Retail Links, said: "Being part of the NSA is extremely important. In the current financial climate, training and skills development is crucial for both the success of the existing retail industry and for the future workforce."
Retailer and star of BBC1's Dragon's Den Theo Paphitis said: "Training is vital to the success of retailers and the Retail Links Hampshire skills shop will help both employees and employers find the right training for their business. Whether it is an Apprenticeship, retail customer service programme or work experience opportunity, it will be an important part of local life and provide a timely boost to the retail sector."
Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: "Retail Links will act as a resource for everyone, from local people hoping to begin their career or get back in to work, to retailers looking for the best way to train their existing workforce."