Donít miss out on cost-free opportunity to learn from the biggest names in retail

Skillsmart Retail is urging all retail managers not to miss out on a chance to win one of ten 1,750 scholarships to one of the most prestigious courses in the retail calendar.

Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail, has once again teamed up with Retail Trust to offer ten free places to this yearís Oxford Summer School, which this year is boasting a stellar line-up of guest speakers including John Lewis Partnership Chairman, Charlie Mayfield; Chief Executive of Asos.com, Nick Robertson and Harrodsí Fashion and Beauty Director, Marigay McKee.

Deadline for scholarship applications is 5pm on Friday, May 1st 2009.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the Oxford Summer School has been described as the ëjewel in the crowní of UK retailing and offers the chance for junior managers from all areas of retail to take part in a challenging academic programme.

The week-long residential Summer School, held at Oxfordís picturesque Keble College from 22nd to 28th August, normally costs each delegate more than 1,750 and numbers are limited to 225, but for the fifth year, Skillsmart Retail and Retail Trust are offering ten bursaries to up-and-coming managerial talent.

The intensive course run by the British Shops and Stores Association will include exercises, lectures and tutorials, team-building events and social activities aimed at delivering an inspirational experience to help each delegate realise their potential.

After submitting a written application and completing a telephone interview, the ten winners will head to Oxford and build on key skills including how to manage people, money, marketing, merchandise and retail space.

Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: ìThe Oxford Summer School is the ideal course for the UKís up-and-coming retail managers. The testimonials we have received from previous winners of our scholarships have been nothing but positive and the course is a real gateway to the next step in retail management.

ìI urge all young retail managers to apply for one of the scholarships as now more than ever, training is essential for those who really want to get ahead in their careers. All retail employers will know that a graduate of the Oxford Summer School will have some of the key skills needed to succeed.î

There are ten bursaries available which are open to all retail managers in independent and multiple businesses of all sizes.