New channels, new skills for the retail sector
Providing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the 21st century consumer is the key theme at an industry event for the retail sector being run by Southampton Solent University, this March.
The Solent Retail Network event is an excellent opportunity to hear how an omni-channel approach to retailing can create a framework for success; discuss what it means for the future; and debate the skills that will be needed to successfully manage the new consumer.
Today’s consumers want to use all available shopping channels simultaneously – including retail stores, online sites, mobile apps, and television. Omni-channel retailing aims to provide a seamless approach to the customer experience through all channels.
The Solent Retail Network Event is an exciting opportunity to hear from industry experts on their experience of this omni-channel approach.
Keynote Speaker Martyn Phillips, former CEO of B&Q, will look at the impact of omni-channel retailing; Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail will be highlighting what it means for staff development; and Scott Taviner, Retail Operations Manager for The Southern Co-op will be exploring education requirements of the sector – from apprenticeships to degrees.
The event also marks the launch of an exciting new portfolio of courses at Solent University, created specifically to support employers with their in-house training, as well as provide flexible degree level courses - Foundation Degree (Fd) in Retailing, a BSc in Retail Management and MSc in Retail Management - to their employees.
Christine Fountain, Principal Lecturer of business at Solent University says, “This event marks the launch of a specific initiative to support retail and its ecosystem in the region. We want to do what we can as a university to support its growth. Workforce development is one such area we can assist with.”
There will also be the opportunity to network at the event which will take place at the university’s Solent Conference Centre, 157-187 Above Bar Street, Southampton, from 5.45-7.35pm, with networking and refreshments available until 8.00pm on Tuesday 4 March 2014.
For further information and to book a place email retail.sbs@solent.ac.uk.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
