The academy, the brainchild of Sir Philip Green, was launched officially on Tuesday, and the Prime Minister used the opportunity to stress the increasingly important role retail and fashion plays in the economy, particularly as manufacturing shifts towards the Far East.
'Having a retail industry that is at the cutting edge of creativity and fashion is central to Britain's economic future,' said Blair. 'This isn't something that is just pleasure for people; it is economic prosperity for the future.'
On his visit to the academy on London's Gresse Street, Blair sat in on a session on window design and a class on styling, where Green gave Blair a suggestion for his next career move. 'If you're looking for something new to do afterwards, we could help,' he said.
Half of the£20 million funding for the academy has come from the government, and half from Arcadia, Marks & Spencer, Next, GUS and Tesco. In September, 220 students started courses and this number will rise to 400 a year within the next three years. The curriculum is made up of a combination of classes at the academy and work experience placements in the industry.
Green said it is crucial that retailers work together to produce the next generation of industry leaders. 'It is very unusual to get retailers working together, but it has to be better than poaching each other's staff,' he said.
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