Business mentoring scheme launched for independent retailers
The National Skills Academy for Retail has launched a new business mentoring scheme for independent retailers and town centres across the UK.
Working with Grey4Gold, a professional business skills matching service, NSA for Retail said the scheme had been designed to help independent retailers grow their businesses and to support start-ups in their first, and most vulnerable, year of trading.
The scheme will offer retailers and town centre managers access to a team of retail experts who will offer support and guidance on subjects such as business planning, financial management, merchandising and buying, marketing and PR, property acquisition and multi-channel retailing.
Jane Rexworthy, head of the NSA for Retail said: “The benefits of business mentoring are difficult to overstate. Each mentor has considerable retail experience and a specialism in everything from management to logistics.”
She added: “Whether leading group sessions focusing on certain skill areas or one-to-one sessions with new or struggling businesses, the mentors will strengthen existing owners and help others turn retailing ideas into reality.”
The launch of the scheme comes a day after the Independents’ Day 2012, which was designed by Skillsmart Retail and the NSA for Retail to draw attention to the value and diversity of independent retailers, raising awareness of the contribution they make to UK high streets and local communities.
