Blog: Sir Philip's shopkeeping school has brought new talent into retail

Nine or 10 years ago I met Arcadia tycoon Sir Philip Green in Gresse Street, just behind Oxford Street and on the edge of the West End’s fashion district.

We rattled around an empty building, little more than bare floors and walls – a far cry from his colourful and busy fashion stores.

Now, eight years after the building opened its doors as London’s Fashion Retail Academy, the vibe is very different.

Today the shopkeeping school held its annual student awards. And a better advertisement for the varied career opportunities that the retail industry offers you wouldn’t find.

From garment technology to design to buying and merchandising all bases are covered and there will be an increasing focus on ecommerce.

The success of the Academy is reflected in the enthusiasm and energy of the students, and in their confidence that they are well placed to get on in an industry that excites them.

It’s reflected too in the willingness of top retailers to give up their time to recognise the students’ achievements.

Among them today were Tesco’s clothing boss Jason Tarry, John Dixon and Belinda Earl from M&S, River Island’s Ben Lewis, Christos Angelides from Next,, Peter Ruis from Jigsaw and entrepreneur Wendy Hallett.

Education Secretary Michal Gove came along too, and made quite a good joke about Sir Philip. “I admire the way he has managed to overcome his natural shyness and reluctance to speak plainly,” he observed ironically.

But Gove’s attendance was surely testament to what’s really admirable about the school: the fact that about 60% of graduates from its courses go into full-time employment. Tesco’s F+F alone has recruited 12 since January.