The UK has one of the most vibrant and dynamic retail industries in the world. One that contributes £97.1 billion to the UK economy, employs three million people and has higher productivity growth than almost any other industry.

Yet, there is a dramatic transformation happening. New technologies are changing customer behaviours and expectations; with companies investing millions in digital services and technological innovations to keep pace.

Increasingly sophisticated and personalised online shopper experiences, smart mirrors in stores, shops without checkouts and personal shopper apps are just some of the developments unthinkable a few years ago but now a reality for the industry and consumers.

The potential for success is huge but retailers need to embrace change - and this means having a workforce that can effectively respond to and help drive forward new technologies and ways of working.

It means retailers need to understand what skills they have and what additional roles and skills they need. It means they need to look in new and different places to find the right people; and develop different strategies to effectively upskill their staff. It also means finding innovative ways to keep their best talent in an increasingly competitive market place.

At the BRC we're committed to supporting our members and wider retail industry build a workforce fit for the future. Our BRC Learning Live event on 10 March is a great example of how we're helping HR professionals to explore and find the right solutions.

I look forward to seeing many of you - and your HR teams - there on the night.

Helen Dickinson OBE
Chief Executive, BRC


BRC LEARNING LIVE, 10 MARCH

During an evening of interactive panel discussions with leading industry figures, we'll explore the skills you need, how to attract the right people, the most effective ways to upskill your staff and keep your best talent.

  • Get ideas and inspiration from industry leaders and innovators
  • Take away new strategies and approaches to deliver your long-term business goals
  • Optimise your activities to maximise your time, effort and investment in your workforce
  • Share the benefits with a great night of team-building and development

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BRC - British Retail Consortium published this content on 20 January 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 20 January 2020 15:13:00 UTC