Managers urged to apply for FREE Skillsmart Retail scholarships by May 14th
26 April 2010: The boss of world-famous department store Harvey Nichols has been confirmed as a guest speaker at this year’s Oxford Summer School, the UK’s premier retail management course.
Joseph Wan, Chief Executive of the Knightsbridge-based chain, which also boasts stores in Edinburgh, Riyadh, Dubai and Hong Kong, will address delegates at the 81st Summer School, held at the prestigious Keble College, University of Oxford this August (21st—27th).
Hong Kong-born Mr Wan, Chief Executive since 1992, is just one of a number of high-profile speakers who will address more than 200 retail managers attending the week-long residential course. The full list of speakers has yet to be announced, but is set to equal last year’s line-up which included Chairman of John Lewis, Charlie Mayfield and ASOS Chief Executive, Nick Robertson.
Skillsmart Retail has again teamed up with Retail Trust to offer ten FREE scholarship places to the Oxford Summer School, worth almost £2,000 each. And for the first time, these bursaries are available EXCLUSIVELY to retailers with fewer than 1,000 employees - a move designed to give independent retailers a boost during tough economic times.
Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said:
“The Oxford Summer School is the ideal course for ambitious independent managers. It gives them a broad insight into the retail world which they can take back into their business to help them grow.
“Having Joseph Wan confirmed as a speaker will give delegates a rare opportunity to hear from a man who has been at the top of the retail game for almost two decades. I encourage all managers of independent retailers to apply as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.”
The Oxford Summer School is run by the British Shops and Stores Association (bssa). It includes exercises, lectures and tutorials led by retail experts, presentations from leading retail figures, team building events and social activities.
The Summer School programme helps retail managers develop the skills they need to succeed including how to manage people, finance, marketing, merchandise and retail space. The 60 companies which sent managers to the course in 2009 included Harrods, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, B&Q and a diverse range of independent retailers.
Louise Pallas, an independent retailer who won a place at the Summer School last year, said:
“The opportunity to experience meeting the best in the business and learning from them is something I will never forget and I am grateful I was given the opportunity.”
Robert Gough, another former scholarship winner, added:
“I would definitely recommend that independent retailers apply for a scholarship. Independents often do not have this training, so the Summer School will expose them to really thorough, high level training that will allow them to work and think differently in the future. It’s a must for budding high-flyers.”
To apply for a Skillsmart Retail and Retail Trust scholarship, which includes all accommodation and meals, email contactus@skillsmartretail.com, call 0207 462 5060 or visit www.skillsmartretail.com/oxfordsummerschool. Closing date for applications is Friday, May 14th.