Retail Training Boost for Tourism

Novel boost to tourism through retail training in London borough.

Richmond upon Thames Council is funding retail training as a way to promote tourism. Tourism and retail businesses across the borough will get a welcome boost this Autumn with a new programme of marketing training to help them promote Richmond upon Thames as a top tourism destination.

Any tourism or retail business in the borough will be able to join a heavily discounted marketing course covering subjects such as practical promotions; internet marketing, print material; sales skills, PR & advertising.

The South and South West London Tourism Group has won funding of £130,000 from the London Learning and Skills Council to subsidise training costs. The Group recognised that small businesses need marketing advice and support but can find it difficult to take time out of the office to attend courses so they are offering various ways to learn.

Councillor John Ross, Cabinet Member for Community and Business, commented: "This will give borough tourism and retail businesses an excellent opportunity to improve their skills - at a fraction of the cost. I hope the training is well received."

All the marketing training will be provided by trainers and experts with several years? experience in retail or tourism so it will be practical and cost-effective. The workshops will cost significantly less than usual ? around £30 for a half day workshop and even less for the online and workbook versions.

Related News... Channel Hopping Retail Training

A great opportunity for retail training in Kent and France. Sales training and the chance to work in France, with training in language, sales and cultural awareness, is provided by a course designed especially for English and French retail students.

A three week work placement in East Kent and the Calais region, to improve their job prospects in the retail sector, is the highlight of the course. All training, associated travel expenses and accommodation are free of charge. Regular meetings between trainers and project managers will give common training support, while taking into account the differences between UK and French business practices.

The course is being run by the Centre for Enterprise and Business Development (CEBD) at Canterbury Christ Church University College, which has secured £240,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, to provide training for English and French retail students.

Employers in the region are encouraged to take part in the project and provide work placements for French students here in Kent The project will provide excellent opportunities for networking with fellow businesses across the Channel.