Post on 11-Dec-2016
2005 - 2015
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Fashion Retail Academy10th Anniversary Awards
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Our Vision:To be the international provider of choice
for the retail industry.
Our Mission:To inspire and develop talent for a career in fashion retail with an offer matched to
current and future industry needs.
A decade has passed and the Academy continues to go from strength to strength. None of this would have been possible without the founding partners, the dedicated FRA team, the retailers and companies who work with the students and offer placements. To everyone that has been involved, made the vision a reality or championed the idea, I would like to extend a huge thank you. I look forward to what the next chapter of the FRA looks like and count on your continued support.
Sir Philip Green
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WelcomeTen years ago Sir Philip Green had what seemed at the time an impossible dream of opening a vocational academy to prepare future leaders for the fashion retail industry. Support was quickly gained along with funding from the fi ve founding companies – Arcadia, Marks & Spencer, Next, F&F at Tesco and Experian. The educational support in the development of the curriculum was provided by the University of the Arts, and the Government were delighted to support and fund the new venture.
In 2005, the fi rst 50 students started in the temporary facilities at the London College of Fashion on one of two year long programmes. Level 2, equivalent to 5 GCSEs or Level 3, equivalent to 2 A Levels.
Within a year a building had been purchased, completely re-fi tted and opened by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Student numbers were rapidly growing and the support from the retail industry was overwhelming with new retailers signing up all the time.
This tenth anniversary book has been written to give a fl avour of why FRA has been so successful, and today, as it celebrates its ten year anniversary, it can boast at having trained over 5000 its ten year anniversary, it can boast at having trained over 5000 full time students, 1255 students on our short courses and 95 full time students, 1255 students on our short courses and 95 students on our post graduate programme.students on our post graduate programme.
The book aims to give a fl avour of the unique nature of how the The book aims to give a fl avour of the unique nature of how the curriculum is delivered and particularly how the retail industry has curriculum is delivered and particularly how the retail industry has rallied in their support of FRA, offering placements, projects, master rallied in their support of FRA, offering placements, projects, master classes, but also how they have benefi ted from this association.classes, but also how they have benefi ted from this association.
There is no doubt that FRA graduates are fi lling jobs – over 60% There is no doubt that FRA graduates are fi lling jobs – over 60% of Level 4 graduates leave with work and over 10 years 90% of of Level 4 graduates leave with work and over 10 years 90% of Level 4 students surveyed are in employment. We know that across Level 4 students surveyed are in employment. We know that across the whole cohort, 77% are in employment and 13% are in higher the whole cohort, 77% are in employment and 13% are in higher or further education.or further education.
The curriculum offer has grown in response to the needs of the The curriculum offer has grown in response to the needs of the retail industry and the offer is now 13 courses including work based retail industry and the offer is now 13 courses including work based learning through apprenticeships and the Tesco Enspire programme.learning through apprenticeships and the Tesco Enspire programme.
The strategic plan for the next decade is well developed and the The strategic plan for the next decade is well developed and the building will undergo a major refurbishment over the summer building will undergo a major refurbishment over the summer to support the growth plans.to support the growth plans.
The FRA is proud to be a unique example of a truly employer led The FRA is proud to be a unique example of a truly employer led college created BY the industry FOR the industry. college created BY the industry FOR the industry.
We would like to thank all our supporters who have made this We would like to thank all our supporters who have made this possible, and look forward to building on the foundations and possible, and look forward to building on the foundations and to the exciting plans ahead.to the exciting plans ahead.
Kim Longman, Kim Longman, Lee Lucas,Lee Lucas,Chair Chair PrincipalPrincipal
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ImpactImpact
“As a founder and key supporter of the
FRA, Arcadia are passionate about
providing opportunities for the next
generation of retail talent. The increasing
number of students securing employment
in the industry is testament to the success
of the unique formula at the FRA.”
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2005/06
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400
300
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100
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10
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2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15
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5073 enrolments over 10 years
95% Achievement Rate
Student Enrolment Numbers (Total: 5073)
• Level 2 Fashion Retail
• Level 3 National Diploma in Fashion Retail
• Level 3 National Diploma in Fashion Clothing
• Level 3 National Diploma in Graphic Design
• Level 4 Fast Track Buying and Merchandising Diploma
• Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Range Planning
• Level 4 Diploma in Merchandising
• Level 4 Fast Track Diploma in Visual Merchandising
• Level 4 Diploma in Visual Display and Retail Branding
• Level 4 Diploma in Garment Technology
• Level 4 Diploma in Fashion Retail
• UAL Foundation Degree
• Level 4 Enspire Programme with Tesco
Current course offer:
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FRA
A Levels –
Degree – Employment
60.2%
72.1%
58.0%58.0%
Further Education
College NationalEmployment Rate
(Learner DestinationsSummary Report
SFA Feb 2013)
*Note entered employment or reported career benefits
if already in employment
HESA publication‘Destinations of
Leavers fromHigher Education
Institutions 2012/13’
Excluding unpaidemployments and
internships
FRA ExternallyAudited Student
Destinations Data2012/13
• Our learners enter the labour market at the same level as degree graduates but studying at the FRA fast tracks their careers, on average it takes 2 years less to study at the FRA
• Our student employment outcomes are 12% higher than the average University graduate, and 14% higher than the average Further Education college provider
• Total contribution to UK plc from FRA: £128m
• For every £1 of public money invested in the FRA we have generated £8 of value to the UK economy
• Over £30m of tax revenue to HMRC from our employed graduates over the past decade (£6m in the last year alone)
* Salary data from external graduate survey 2015
• Over £98m of Gross Value Add to the UK Fashion Retail Sector
* GVA per employee from ONS data.
Employment Impact
Economic Impact
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1% 5% 44%%
13%
77%
•• Employed
•• Further orHigher Education
• Gap year
• Seeking work
•• Family
20%
31%
BByy FFuunnccttiioonn11%
9% 10%33%% 8%
•• Buying
•• Merchandising
• VM
• PR andMarketing
•• Digital
•• Other head
offi ce roles
•• TBC
18%
49% BByy CCoommppaannyy
33%%
•• Workoutcomes at our sponsors
•• Workoutcomes at other top 25 brands
• All other work outcomes
• TOP 25 Brands (New Look, River Island, ASOS,H&M, Selfridges, John Lewis, Ted Baker, Primark,Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Lipsy, House of Fraser,Debenhams, Chanel, LVMH, Ralph Lauren,Michael Kors, Zara, Burberry, Hugo Boss,Jaeger, Warehouse, Fenwick, Liberty, BHS)
90% ofGraduates fromLevel 4 are inemployment
Over 10 years, where are ourGraduates?
• Over ten years 76.4% of graduates are employedand 12.8% are in Higher or Further Education.
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The building is offi cially opened by Tony Blair 2006
Tony Morgan, course leader launches his fi rst book at FRA 2007
Academy trip to Paris 2007
Dr. Martin window competition 2008
8 bespoke window bays built for practical work 2008
Competition to design the fi rst FRA T-shirt competition 2008
First Ofsted inspection graded “good” with industry relations graded outstanding 2009
Carol Vorderman visits FRA as part of Government project on improving maths teaching 2009
Careers day launched 2009
Marks & Spencer challenge FRA students to design an ECO bag 2009
FRA students win the World Retail Congress Retail Challenge competition in Barcelona 2009
Signi ̌cant Events
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David and Samantha
Cameron visit the
FRA 2009/10
Lord Sugar fi lms The Apprentice at FRA 2010
Frankie Farmer, student, visits the Houses of Parliament to speak on behalf of the British Fashion Council 2011
Michael Gove MP
visits FRA in 2011
and 2014
Will.i.am launches his camera for the Apple iPhone at FRA 2012/13
FTCT and Retail Trust support FRA with bursaries
Students Liam Price, Ahmed Khan and Thom Scherdel all nominated for Drapers top 30 under 30
Jasmine Field, Level 4 Visual Display student, now employed by Marks & Spencer, achieves a silver medal in the World Skills competition 2014
Marks & Spencer factory visit 2014
Daniel Swanepoel, student selected as the regional winner for London at Vocational Awards 2015
Arcadia Top 20 meeting 2015
FRA students invited to run a pop-up boutique at London Fashion Week 2010
Nintendo fashion design project 2010
Stylesight and Grazia trend forecasting conference 2011
Student visit to Colorset 2011
Accenture workshop with Degree students 2012
Students involved in styling X Factor contestants at live shows 2012
HRH Duke of York visits FRA 2012
FRA students design T-shirts for National Apprenticeship Week 2012/13
The fi rst Buying and Merchandising project is run by Next 2013
Tesco launch their Enspire programme 2013/14
Chuka Umunna MP
visits FRA 2014
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Alumni
“Marks & Spencer have always believed
in nurturing young talent so that we
can innovate as a business and grow
the leaders of tomorrow. The FRA helps
equip budding young retailers with the
skills and practical experiences to kick
start a career in High Street fashion.”
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Thom Scherdel (right)
Graduated: 2006, Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: The Idle Man, online menswear retailer
Thom left FRA and joined Selfridges as an Allocator. He gained some buying experience before becoming Menswear Accessories Buyer and then moved to Topman as Concessions, Jewellery and Shoe Buyer. At 25, he was approached to set up a new online business called The Idle Man. Thom won the Drapers 30 Under 30 in November 2014.
“The FRA was totally and utterly life changing. Without the tutors and experience that I had there, my life would not be the same. They spotted skills in me that I didn’t even know I had – and they nurtured and supported me in my career choices. It changed my life and I hope it continues to change the lives of others.”
Ollie Smith
Graduated: 2007, Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: Harvey Nichols
Role: Assistant Buyer, Footwear
Ollie started at Liberty as Admin Assistant, and then moved to Harrods as Buyers Administration Assistant before progressing to Assistant Buyer. He is now at Harvey Nichols.
“I thought it was fantastic at the FRA. It got me into the industry I love. I did work placements at Jaeger and M&S, which were a huge help in fi nding employment. In terms of getting into a head offi ce role, the course gave me the opportunity to bridge the gap between my shop fl oor experience and head offi ce.”
Liam Price (below)
Graduated: 2007, Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: Warehouse
Role: E-commerce Manager
Liam went to John Lewis as a Merchandising Admin Assistant on their graduate scheme before moving on to gain experience at Dorothy Perkins and New Look. He then moved to Warehouse as a Merchandiser and has recently been promoted, for the second time, to E-commerce Manager.
“The Fashion Retail Academy was an amazing experience. The work experience was so valuable and gave me the opportunity to learn the skills required in a real environment. It’s opened so many doors for me.”
Jack McGann
Graduated: 2008, Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: Freelance PR
“I travelled every day from the Midlands to do the course. The range of subjects taught on the Level 3 course helped me realise that I wanted to do PR and promotions. Once I graduated, I went to Prada, then on to Purple PR, Starworks and Slow PR. I’ve done over 140 fashion week shows in London alone and love every aspect of my job.”
Where are they now?
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Ahmed Khan
Graduated: 2008, Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: Paul Smith
Role: Retail Manager
Ahmed has a passion for stores and secured his fi rst management role at Moss Bros. He was nominated for Drapers 30 under 30 in 2013.
“The FRA has given me a truly unique learning experience and supported me succeeding in gaining my ideal career.”
Chloe Blake
Graduated: 2010, Level 2 and Level 3 Fashion Retail
Working at: Henry Fox Fashion Recruitment
Role: Recruitment Consultant
Chloe worked at Long Tall Sally on the shop fl oor before being head-hunted for her current role.
“The FRA was the best time of my life; I met my three best friends here. For my current role, they specifi cally wanted to recruit someone who had been to the Fashion Retail Academy and I was recommended by my friend. I would come back straight away and do it all again.”
Joe Taylor
Graduated: 2010, Level 4 Visual Merchandising
Working at: Vision On (agency)
Role: Creative Concept Designer
Joe Started at New Look as a window designer, before moving to Vision On as a concept designer.
“I loved it at the FRA. It was the most amazing year – the best year of my life! I won Outstanding Student of the Year, and someone from New Look was in the audience and offered me the job there and then. I loved the course – if I could come back tomorrow, I would.”
Frankie Farmer (below)
Graduated: 2011, Level 3 Fashion Retail and Level 4 Buying and Merchandising
Working at: Offi ce
Role: Assistant Buyer
Frankie went to work in an Offi ce store for the summer whilst deciding what to do next. He loved the company and managed to get work experience in head offi ce, and was then offered the role of Trainee Buyers Admin Assistant. He has since been promoted to Assistant Buyer. Whilst Frankie was studying, the British Fashion Council were asked to present a report at the Houses of Parliament about the importance of British fashion to the UK economy, and Frankie was chosen to represent the FRA to speak on behalf of students.
“The tutors are amazing because they are industry experts. I had work experience at Topman, Tesco and Austin Reed. If you don’t have work experience on a CV it’s really hard to get a job, so that’s where the FRA really helps. I love my job, I love footwear – so I’m living the dream.”
Mollie Duncan
Graduated: 2012, Level 3 Fashion Retail and Level 4 Buying and Merchandising
Working at: New Look
Role: Buyers Admin Assistant
“I loved it at the FRA. It was such a good insight into what buying is really like, particularly the work experience. Whenever I go to interviews, the interviewers always ask about work experience. It got me into the working routine, it wasn’t like being at school or college, it gets you prepared for work.”
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Courtney Spellacy (below)
Graduated: 2013 Level 4 Fashion Merchandising
Working at: Marks & Spencer
Role: Allocator
“The knowledge, experience and direction I gained from the FRA helped me secure a place on the merchandising career path. Whilst studying at the Academy I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a number of industry experts through master classes as well as undertaking an invaluable work placement which prepared me for what life in merchandising would really be like. With the help of the Academy’s careers fair, and support and preparation from my fantastic tutor, I was able to achieve my goal and secure my fi rst job within the lingerie allocation team at M&S.”
Aimee Howes (right)
Graduated: 2013, Level 3 Fashion Retail and Level 4 Buying and Range Planning
Working at: Marks & Spencer
Role: Buying Assistant
“Choosing the Fashion Retail Academy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I knew fashion was the industry I wanted a career in but wasn’t quite sure what fi eld was right for me, so the Level 3 Fashion Retail Diploma allowed me the opportunity to discover multiple aspects of retail. The work experience opportunities were a key highlight for me, as this was invaluable knowledge that you could not learn in a classroom, and set me up for a career in retail. There is nothing I would change about my time at the Fashion Retail Academy, only that I wish I could have stayed longer!”
Hannah Leaning (below)
Graduated: 2014 Level 4 Buying and Range Planning
Working at: Next
Role: Trainee Buyer
“The Fashion Retail Academy provided me with so many opportunities. From the master classes with industry professionals to the work placements – by the time I graduated in 2014, I felt prepared for working in the fashion industry. Following a placement at Next, I was offered a job as a Trainee Lingerie and Hosiery Buyer. Ten months on, I absolutely love my job; I am part of a really passionate and exciting team who love the product we work with.”
Where are they now?
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Jessica Sporle (above)
Graduated: 2014, Level 4 Garment Technology
Working at: Wallis
Role: Technical Assistant
“I have the FRA to thank for where I am with Wallis. I won the Outstanding Student of the Year award and having done my work experience at Wallis, they invited me back after I graduated. The whole experience has worked out so well.”
Sam Browne (right)
Graduated: 2014, Enspire Programme
Working at: F&F
Role: Assistant Merchandiser
“The FRA provides an excellent environment for learning through its great facilities and wealth of knowledgeable tutors, it has a real sense of community as everyone there has a strong passion for the fashion industry. Being a part of the Enspire programme working for F&F and studying in partnership with the FRA meant that the course itself allowed me to gain huge amounts of knowledge on both buying & merchandising functions allowing me to have a great start to my career here at F&F with a Level 4 qualifi cation in merchandising. I have recently earned a promotion to Assistant Merchandiser.”
Holly Meloy (below)
Graduated: 2014, Level 3 in Fashion Retail and Level 4 Buying
Working at: Next
Role: Trainee Buyer, Womenswear Blouses, Dresses & Skirts
“The Level 3 course really confi rmed for me that I wanted to go into buying, and Level 4 taught me all I needed to know to begin my career and gave me so many opportunities. I took part in the Next competition and from this was given a work placement, which eventually gave me my job here as a Trainee Buyer. I was lucky enough to receive 4 job offers and the Student Ambassador award when I graduated.”
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Preparing
for workfor work
95%95%of students agree or completely agree that
the FRA experience prepared them for work. (Externally audited student destination survey June 2015)
>60%of students have work as they leave the academy.
140retailers support the FRA
5235work placements over ten years
“Next believes in nurturing and refi ning new
talent to develop the future of our business.
The FRA provides an inspirational platform
to help young people achieve their career
ambitions, uniting retailers to grow
the talent of tomorrow.“the talent of tomorrow.“
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One of the key successes of the FRA has been the work experience programme. Over 140 retailers support our students by offering them placements. All students on the second year of their Level 3 programme and all Level 4 students will benefi t from at least one placement, organised by our Retail Liaison team.
Both parties benefi t from this programme with students rating it as a highlight of their courses.
“Work placements are the key to the success of the FRA. I had three placements and when I was applying for the role of Assistant Buyer at Marks & Spencer I was up against fi ve university graduates, but I got the job.“
Grace Tully, Graduated 2007
We have an annual Careers Day in May giving retailers an opportunity to promote their careers and to recruit as the students are completing their studies. This year 35 retailers attended the Careers Day.
“We have been impressed with the Careers Day. It is so refreshing to see such a high quality and large volume of graduates from many disciplines: they are passionate and professional in their search for work.“
Claire Wright,Resourcing Partner, Kurt Gieger
“We have met many passionate and driven candidates who we will be recruiting to join River Island.“
Janine Jenkinson Recruitment Controller River Island
In addition the FRA students study a series of modules to prepare them for the workplace. These courses are taught in-house and supported by our sponsoring companies to cover topics such as CV writing, interview skills and assessment centres. We are building on this and for next year our delivery in this area will be further enhanced and delivered by our Retail Liaison team. Other activities to support the preparation for work happen throughout the year including careers presentations from Marks & Spencer, ASOS, Estée Lauder, Next, H&M and Arcadia.
Retailers are often able to use the placement as an extended interview and many students are offered work on the back of their performance at work placement. For others it is a useful addition to their CV showing that they are able to use the skills they have learnt in a work environment.
“The students who come on work placement, come with a verve and passion for the industry. They adopt a ‘hands on’ approach and display the atitude and apptitude to progress new fashion careers.“
Martin Owen,Head of Human Resources, Next
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Thank you to all the companies who have supported us over ten years.
Thank you
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Industry Projects
“F&F is proud to work in partnership with
the FRA as part of the brand's commitment
to supporting young talent. The quality
of the students is exceptional and it is
a pleasure to work with a focussed,
commercially minded and highly
academic fashion institution.”
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Alongside the work placement programme, all students have the opportunity to take part in an industry project which is set and judged by one of our retail supporters. The projects are then judged by senior management from the brands who give valuable feedback to the students on real life work issues.
This yearís projects:
The Diesel Graphic Design Project
The students were asked to design a range of graphics for Diesel womenswear with the aim of attracting more women to the brand. The students prepared a range of graphics, a mood and colour board, customer profi les and a professionally presented portfolio. Diesel were delighted with the results and the winning pair, Jasmine Elliston and Lewis Rees were presented with gift vouchers.
River Island Range Planning Project
River Island set a challenge to the Buying and Merchandising students to relaunch and promote a 20 piece capsule range for Chelsea Girl. In teams they presented the new concept, sourcing strategy and garment costings, marketing and social media campaigns and a teaser video. The standard of work was excellent and so two winning teams were chosen and were offered a two week work placement at River Island.
Hanger Seven Marketing Project
Students were asked to style and photograph a model producing artwork for the tenth anniversary awards. The winning design has been used for our invitation and ten year celebration book. The winning student, Noelle Aspenryd, had the opportunity to visit Hangar Seven to see her artwork go into production.
Lipsy Blogging Project (above)
Level 4 students were tasked to review how the retail online marketing landscape has changed, partly by the proliferation of bloggers in the fashion world. They had to choose a celebrity for a brand collaboration with Lipsy. The students developed an awareness of the power of social media and why collaborations with popular public fi gures are important and how they can drive sales.
HSBC/Textile Forum Cycle Chic Project (below)
A competition for the Level 3 Fashion Clothing students to create a multi functioning shirt from Ringhart Fabrics cloth that would work well in the offi ce but be practical enough to wear whilst cycling to meetings. 14 students were shortlisted to present their design boards, marketing ideas and a prototype of the shirt to the judging panel. The winner, Ellie Sloane, won £ 500 and her garments were showcased at the Textile Forum fashion show and will be displayed at HSBC offi ces in February 2015.
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Hestia Charity Fashion Show (above)
The Level 2 students were asked to create a T-Shirt that raised awareness of domestic violence. Over six weeks, the students used a variety of media to produce professional and creative T-shirts as well as a 3D catwalk. The students also showed their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cakes, sweets and bracelets to raise money for Hestia. The winning students, Jessica Payne, Tanecha Engeln Ismond and Olivia Maher, won a gift voucher.
Accenture Social Media Retail Innovation Project (below)
The Foundation Degree students had two weeks to work with some consultant mentors from Accenture to come up with a ‘new in-store concept which harnesses the power of Social Media’. All four teams had to present back to a panel of senior Accenture ‘Dragons’ and the MD of TrueStart, a company that invests in retail, consumer and fashion start-ups. The winning concept was for a budget retailer (H&M) and the idea – #myHMstyle – was thought to be the most effective viable project concept.
Experian Project
The Level 4 Fashion Retail students had to choose a single Mosaic group and develop a fi fteen minute presentation looking at the typical demographic attributes for the consumer group and their lifestyle choices and behaviours. They had to look at how a retailer would use this information for marketing and select brands that their consumer group would identify with. The winning team attended meetings with Experian and will have the opportunity to interview their clients. The winners were Grace Jackson and Hannah Adams.
Wallis Garment Technology Project
Students were asked to review the challenges that retailers face when trying to fi nd the perfect fi t for their customer profi le taking into account how their profi le is evolving through body shape and life style. They gave presentations to the Wallis team covering competitor analysis, comparison reports, fi t techniques and identifying a brand representative who could promote their brand fi t. The winners were Katie Hyde and Nicole Shears.
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River Island Store of the Future Project
Students were asked to look at how service in stores will change in the future with new technology. They needed to consider gadgets and equipment, research what competitors were doing and think about what the store might look like and how it would be laid out. Presenting their ideas to the Retail Operations team, the winners were Jo Carey and Leah Pask.
Primark Online Project
Students were asked to create a new online exclusive brand image for Autumn/Winter 2015 in collaboration with a celebrity. They had to consider target market and brand image, and conduct market research. The winners, Hayley Gamble, Samantha Gildea-Trott, Jaime Hancock and Jessica Haydon will spend the day at Primark’s Head Offi ce in Reading.
Arcadia Mystery Shopper Project
This year saw the fi rst Arcadia Secret Shopper Project launched. Arcadia’s Brand Directors set a range of mystery and comparison shopper tasks for FRA students to present on. The project ran throughout the year which aimed to provide the Arcadia brands with hard hitting advice directly from their target market.
Hot off the pressUpdate on the Marks & Spencer Jacket Project 2014
Last year the Garment Technology students were asked by Marks & Spencer to review and modify a Menswear formal jacket specifi c to a brand and targeted customer. The students worked with the design and technical team; analysing existing product, researching target market, reviewing competition and proposing an alternative considered fi t. The winning jacket was put into production and sold in the Marble Arch store. It was a sell out!
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Master ClassesEvery year we run a unique series of master classes where senior people from the industry have provided an insight to the industry to inspire our students and to give them a deeper understanding of today’s fast-moving developments in fashion retail. Topics have included: range planning, product selection, fi nance and non-fi nancial growth, e-commerce, economics in business and career paths. Recent speakers at master classes and lectures include such impressive names as:
• Sir Philip Green:Owner of Arcadia Group
• Lord Rose:Former CEO of Marks & Spencer
• Terry Green:Former CEO of fashion for Tesco
• Marc Bolland:Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer
• Belinda Earl:Style Director, Marks & Spencer
• Christos Angelides:Former Product Director, Next
• Carolyn Springett: Jaeger
• Hilary Riva:formerly British Fashion Council
• Wayne Hemingway:Designer
• Michael Jary:OC&C Strategy Consultants
• Wesley Taylor:Brand Manager at Burton
• Dave Shepherd:COO Arcadia and MD Topman
• Julia Reynolds: formerly Figleaves
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• Tim Whitmore: Topshop
• Sam Jones: Pied a Terre
• David Walker-Smith: Fenwicks
• Nigel Rothband:Former CEO Retail Trust
• Alexandra Shulman: British Editor Vogue
• Carl McPhail:Former CEO New Look
• Matt Chadder: Instinct Laboratory
• Baroness Karren Brady
• Peter Ruis: CEO Jigsaw
• James Mooney:Merchandise Director, Topshop/Topman
• Simon Taylor and Anna Roberts: Next
• Jason Tarry:Commercial Director, Tesco
• Steve Bridgeman: QVC
• Simon Pritchard:Ecommerce Director Arcadia
• Halina Rice: Miss Selfridge
• Katrina Nurse:Finance Director Selfridges
• Mel Knowles: Head of Merchandising Arcadia
• Darren Topp: CEO, BHS
• Guy Smith: Head of Design, Arcadia
• Andrea Wong:President of International Production, Sony
• Jon Bennett:Group Sourcing Director, Arcadia
• Geoff Quinn: CEO, TM Lewin
• Wendy Hallett: Hallett Retail
• James Brown:Clothing Director, Sainsbury’s
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“Experian, as a founding partner are
pleased to support curricular developments,
provide master classes and projects to
support FRA in providing industry with the
most well rounded experienced young
talent for their future needs.”
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In addition to the core business, FRA has developed a suite of short courses that run throughout the year. These vary in length from 1 day workshops, 3 and 5 day intensive courses to our very popular six week post graduate programme.
The portfolio offers a wide range of courses in different subject areas and functions of the retail business and at different levels including introduction, intermediate and advanced level. Many retail companies use our short course programme for continuing professional development for their staff including Jigsaw, Bravissimo, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Marks & Spencer, Graham and Green, Sweaty Betty, Fossil and JD Williams. International companies include LCWAIKIKI and ECCO.
Short Course offer:
• Visual Merchandising
• Personal Styling
• PR and Marketing
• Retail Maths
• WSSI
• Garment Technology
• Buying and Merchandising
• Start-up and run your own fashion business
• Ecommerce
The Post Graduate Programme
This six week course is designed for graduates who are looking to work in either, buying or merchandising or graduates already working in store, who would like to move into head offi ce. The programme covers the intensive study of buying, merchandising and management with a series of professional skills workshops throughout. Working with 30 retail companies, we include an exciting schedule of visits, talks and events enabling the students to start to build a professional network. Graduates are often invited to interview as a direct result of these interactions, with students being employed by Arcadia, River Island, F&F, Debenhams, Whistles, White Stuff, John Lewis, Boden and Monsoon.
Business Development Activities
A number of successful business development training projects were developed in 2014/15.
These included a Personal Styling programme developed and delivered to Gucci in Dubai, a bespoke Retail Operations Manager programme for ECCO shoes to increase the competency of their Retail Operations Managers in East and West Europe, and an accredited management training programme for Estée Lauder Retail Store Managers.
Work Based Learning
The Enspire programme for F&F is now in its 3rd successful year with the original cohort graduating in their chosen Level 4 programmes this year. So far this work based learning programme has been attended by 26 students studying one day a week at the FRA and working in the F&F head offi ce in trainee buying and merchandising positions.
KEY STATISTICS: Short Courses
170short courses run
1255trained
KEY STATISTICS: Postgraduate Programme
8courses run
95graduates
75%employed on completion
of the course
99%of students rate the course as excellent
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The FutureThe FRA now has a new strategy which will enable us to continue to grow over the next ten years. We will continue to proactively respond to the needs of the sector and match these to the aspirations of our students. In summary we will:
• Double student numbers over 3 years from 800 to 1600
• Pioneer a wider portfolio of market leading qualifi cations with a focus on digital skills:
– Next year we are delighted to be able to launch a new Level 4 Digital Skills for Retail programme developed in partnership with Accenture, our employer base, with support from Oracle and Experian
– For 2015/2016 we will also launch Digital Marketing at Levels 3 and 4
• Roll out our new delivering models for Level 3 and Level 4 courses including our ‘fast track’, ‘intensive’ and ‘roll on roll off’ delivery, offering a constant feed of new entrants to the sector and a choice of programme duration for our students
• Offer Traineeships and Apprenticeships
• Reinstate and expand upon the FRA Higher Education offer
• Implement online and blended learning
• Expand and develop our increasingly popular portfolio of professional development, short courses and consultancy
• Develop a schools offer; including taster provision and careers advice with a view to the FRA launching a regional/national careers programme on behalf of the sector
• • Continue our relentless drive on quality to ensure the best educational experience for our learners
• • Further enhance our outstanding employment outcomes for learners through innovations to the curriculum and extending our enrichment opportunities.
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TheEnhancedBuilding
To support our strategic business plan the entire internal area of the FRA will be completely remodelled over the summer under the guidance of Ian Grabiner, CEO of Arcadia. This project has been made possible through the generous support of the Arcadia Group giving support in kind (over £100k of support in terms of time) and a fi nancial donation of £700k. To support the funding of the project we have submitted an FE Capital bid to the GLA and we hope that positive news awaits us in July to enable us to complete the project through matched funding.
The project will:
• Improve 3,660m² (87% of the total internal area)
• Provide 656m² of additional classroom and learning zones adding 135 spaces to the current daily capacity
• Create four new Learning Hubs:
– a Business Hub supporting new business start-ups;
– a Digital Hub supporting the roll out of our new digital qualifi cation suite
– a Creative Innovation Hub
– a Retail Hub
• • Upgrade the IT infrastructure and equipment benefi ting all learners and enabling implementation of online learning and FELTAG recommendations.
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We do more than train new entrants and our offer is evolving to meet the needs of employers internationally.
We offer a variety of ways for you to work with us:
• Access to our ‘talent bank’ of graduating students and alumni
• New talent identifi cation and development – Traineeships and Apprenticeships with funding towards the cost of training
• Existing talent development to improve performance – all training conducted by industry professionals with current experience in their specialism and fl exible delivery options.
– Pre-designed or bespoke programmes
– Training or accredited qualifi cations
– Comprehensive work based study programmes including Buying, Merchandising and Leadership and Management
– A range of specialist short courses including Retail Maths, Trend Analysis, Garment Technology, Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Management & Leadership
• Venue hire
Ways you can help our students:
Challenge them - by delivering a live commercial project
Get them inspired - by offering a high quality work placements
Put them to the test - by running assessment centres and mock interviews through our Industry Weeks
Give them a big break - by guaranteeing an interview at the end of the course
Show them the ropes - by offering workshops, work place trips, masterclasses and focus groups to enrich their
understanding of the sector
Help them earn and learn - by taking on an Apprentice
Uncover careers - by helping us to promote the programmes, increasing your access to the best new talent
Make it real - by donating stock and props for learners to work with
Call us for details on:
020 7307 2334www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
Like us onFacebook
Follow us onTwitter
Join our Fashion Retail Academy Alumni group
on LinkedIn
Follow us onInstagram
Follow us onPinterest
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Front Cover image:Designed by Noelle Aspenryd, Visual Display and Retail Branding Student.
www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
Thank you:To the supporters who have helped
make this ten year celebration possible.
For providing us with our celebrity compère and guest.
For design, artwork and printingthis ten year anniversary book.
For providing the food and drink for our celebration.
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