News: Source of funding for retail businesses

The Source Skills Academy has secured new funding to support businesses and sole traders in Yorkshire.

Businesses can access a 50% contribution towards an exclusive programme designed by Retail Expert and TV host Mary Portas - "The Mary Portas guide to successful retailing - An inspirational programme for shop owners/managers."

Developed in conjunction with Skillsmart Retail and delivered exclusively through the National Skills Academy for Retail's skills shops, the Retail Masterclasses will offer an insight into improving retail businesses and include Mary's advice on essential elements including visual merchandising, marketing, buying, finance and the all-important vision for your store. Each module has an invaluable set of "Mary's Top Tips" creating a toolkit of hints and tips to improve the performance of any retail business.

Paula Windle, masterclass trainer, said: "This is a great opportunity for business owners and managers to get expert advice to grow and develop their business at a reduced cost. Normally £200 + VAT per masterclass, the 50% reduction makes the training accessible for small businesses and it really is an offer too good to miss."

The offer is available exclusively to businesses and sole traders in Yorkshire and the Humber with 250 staff or less, giving business owners and managers essential knowledge to help run a successful business.

This programme is supported by The Skills Enhancement Fund which is co-financed by The Skills Funding Agency through the European Social Fund and funded by Yorkshire Forward.

The Source Skills Academy Rotherham opened on the High Street last month. It is a new initiative designed to support local businesses and help expand Rotherham town centre.

The Source website

Images: The Source