When Selfridges first opened its doors in 1909, it drew crowds by turning shopping into an adventure, using theatre and innovation. Bleriot’s monoplane was displayed there fresh from its maiden Channel crossing and John Logie Baird chose the store to first demonstrate television to the public.

As retail – and the role of tech within it – fast evolves, skill sets, training needs and career paths need to adapt at the same pace. In what skills must we invest to grow the retailers of tomorrow and make retail a career that attracts the very best?

One of the things that caught my eye in the Institute of Customer Services UK’s (UKSCI) most recent report on customer satisfaction was the suggestion that a growing number of customers are prepared to pay more for improved service.

It may only be 2022, but in this decade the world is already proving to be a very different place to the decade before.

Over the past five years apprenticeships have been transformed into a high-quality skills programme for learners and employers ensuring accessibility for all.

Keeping teams motivated and productive in a disparate, more virtual working environment can be difficult. It requires great leaders who know how to boost morale and create a feeling of togetherness, no matter where their teams are based. When there’s a confident leader at the helm, teams can be more productive, happy, and conflict-free.

Digital platforms have become one of most powerful forces in global business. They support entire ecosystems, enabling rapid growth and huge profits for multiple participants.

We’re releasing our new research into the issues facing people in unmanageable debtin the midst of an economic crisis triggered by Covid-19, which is tipping many people into financial difficulty through no fault of their own.

Retailers need to stop expecting business to return to “normal”. 

It’s that time of year again, when retailers slash their prices for Black Friday, as eager customers seek out the best deals ahead of Christmas.