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Competitive markets put customers back at the heart of retail

20 April 12

As Tesco’s announces plans to put more ‘love’ back into stores, the question of good service appears to be playing on the mind of major retailers again. Will excellent service draw customers back into stores?

Tesco’s chief executive, Philip Clarke, outlined the group’s plans to increase the number of staff in-store and, critically, ensure those staff are better trained to deal with the needs of customers. Could focusing on service as well as price and range be the way forward for all retailers?

From the smallest to the largest, all retailers can aim for the highest level of service. And the proof is in the pudding; retailers such as John Lewis and Marks and Spencer have always been able to demand a premium because customers know that good service is the norm rather than the exception in their stores.

With courses such as the industry recognised WorldHost Retail programme specifically designed to help retail staff and managers deliver excellent customer service and learn crucial skills such as up-selling, now is the time to think about the difference improving service could make to your business.

Continue Reading Competitive markets put customers back at the heart of retail

Posted By SkillSmart Admin at 03:28 PM | Comments (0)

Independents' Day is back

8 March 12

Dear all,

Last week saw the launch of Independents’ Day, a fantastic campaign that celebrates the great diversity of independent retailers in our high streets. We have teamed up with various trade associations to run this initiative, which kicked-off last week with the help of independent retailers from the Waterloo Quarter in London, four months out from the big day.

I am delighted we’re leading a campaign that highlights the huge range of skills successful independent retailers need to make our towns and cities such interesting and varied places to visit and shop.

I encourage you to get involved and shop local on 4^th July. If you are a retailer, you can download the campaign’s posters, celebrate the day in your store or team up with other retailers and town centre teams to create events that will help raise awareness amongst the public. Visit www.retailindieday.com for more information and ideas on how you can decorate your window, contact your local media and much more!

You can follow the campaign on Twitter @Retail_IndieDay, and Facebook.com/independentsday.

I will keep you posted!

Best wishes,

Jane

Continue Reading Independents' Day is back

Posted By SkillSmart Admin at 05:59 PM | Comments (0)

The value of Apprenticeships

16 February 12

Dear all,

I am very pleased with the success of last week’s event as part of National Apprenticeship Week. If you missed the Apprenticeships – Good for Business conference, here are some photos.

With speakers from Tesco and Aldi praising the value of Apprenticeships, as well as the owner of an independent convenience store, there is no doubt anymore of just what a difference Apprenticeships make to both large and small retailers, employees and the economy.

Interest in the Apprenticeship programmes is definitely growing. Last week Aldi announced the launch of the company’s new national Apprenticeship initiative aimed at school leavers in the UK wishing to pursue a career in retail management. The Co-operative Group’s Apprenticeship Academy also announced it has received 64,000 internet enquiries since it launched its scheme last year, which has made them double the number of Apprenticeships they offer this year - showing the great demand there is out there.

Finally, I would like to share with you 'My Apprenticeship, my future', a great video that showcases the experience of two apprentices at independent stores and one at a high street fashion retailer. Hope this inspires you!

Best wishes

Jane

Continue Reading The value of Apprenticeships

Posted By SkillSmart Admin at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2012

31 January 12

Dear all,

Next week will be an exciting one with the launch of National Apprenticeship Week 2012. It kicks-off on Monday 6th Feb with a half-day conference that will highlight how Apprenticeships are helping retailers and individuals reach their potential.

A great example of the value of Apprenticeships is shown by the experience of Rav Garcha, owner of two independent convenience stores in the Midlands, who put his staff through an Apprenticeship programme. From growing staff confidence to better sales, Rav has been hugely impressed with the training and is now hoping to encourage more independent retailers to do the same.

Rav explained: “Employees are coming to work with their brains switched. What they have learnt from the training, they constantly apply in their jobs and it motivates them to do it well. The programme has helped to build a stronger tie between staff and the business, meaning they are more reluctant to leave. None of the staff who have taken on the training have left work or been dismissed.”

“The cost of supporting apprentices is only about an hour a week for each employee. In fact, the advantages that come out of Apprenticeships outweigh the small bit of organising and paperwork you have to do.”

I think Rav’s comments are very inspiring and will hopefully encourage other retailers, both large and small, to take on apprentices. Remember our network of skills shops can help you and your business to enrol onto an Apprenticeship.

If you want to find out more about the benefits Apprenticeships can bring to your retail business and staff, you can attend the ‘Apprentices – Good for Business’ conference at the BIS conference centre on 6th February in London. It’s free to attend and you can secure your place by contacting Roberta Gandolfo by phone on 0207 462 5501 or email at Roberta.gandolfo@skillsmartretail.com

Speakers include: John Hayes MP, Minister of State for further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning; Judith Nelson, Head of UK HR, Tesco, Matthew Speight, Finance Director, Aldi MID and Sir Roy Gardner, Chairman Compass Group plc and Chairman of AAN.

What: Apprenticeships – Good for Business Conference
When: Monday 6th February, 9am-12pm
Where: BIS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET

Best wishes
Jane

Continue Reading Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2012

Posted By SkillSmart Admin at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

Customer service can add sparkle this Christmas

14 November 11

Dear all,

WorldHost has been well and truly launched. Have a look at the following link to see what key retail businesses had to say about the importance of customer service.

Our research shows that customer service training in the UK is disparate and inconsistent. 75% of retailers identify poor service as the biggest reason customers to walk away before making a purchase. With Christmas around the corner, it is more important than ever for retailers to give the best service possible.

Find out from your local skills shop how you can make sure you and your team are giving the best service possible.

Best wishes

Jane

Continue Reading Customer service can add sparkle this Christmas

Posted By SkillSmart Admin at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)

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