Linda Gilroy joined top retailers and ministers in Westminster last week to discuss how retail skills could aid the Plymouth economy.

Retail: A Skilled Future, hosted by Skillsmart Retail, brought MPs and big name retailers together to find out how raising skills can help to strengthen the industry.

Retail is an important part of the Plymouth economy, and the sector may be given a boost if plans go ahead to transform the city centre’s West End area into a vibrant shopping area, building on the city’s reputation for independent niche shops, cultural activites, bars and restaurants.

Linda, who sits on a parliamentary group for small shops, said: “Retail is one of the most important employers in Plymouth and it provides all kind of opportunities to local people. By attending this event I was able to find out how developing retail staff, we can help the economy and our community.

“I know this is something that we are already doing quite a bit to promote in Plymouth – having visited our local retail development centre it was fascinating to hear the industry’s point of view at today’s event in Westminster and I will be taking on board what I learned for the future.”
 
At the event Linda Gilroy listened to keynotes speeches by Skills Minister David Lammy MP and Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership Charlie Mayfield who both spoke of the importance of retail in offering local people opportunities for personal development and how increasing retail skills could boost the local economy.

They also heard Martin Beaumont, Chair of Skillsmart Retail, explain how Skillsmart Retail is helping to raise retail skills through the new Diploma in Retail, the National Skills Academy for Retail and Retail Apprenticeships.

Mr Beaumont, who was formally Chief Executive of the Cooperative Group, said: “This was an ideal opportunity for retail employers and MPs to come together to discuss all manners of skills issues. We were thrilled by the turnout and are looking to continue this event to make it a growing success.”

Above: Linda Gilroy meeting Anne Seaman, CEO of Skillsmart Retail.

11 June 2008