Discover the skills you need to succeed in retail

If you own or manage a retail or hospitality business, you’ll be more than aware of the industry’s rapid evolution, driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability. In this dynamic environment, having a well-trained, adaptable workforce and finding the right staff quickly is essential for success.

West London Retail Skills Hub is designed to help businesses tackle these challenges, offering a valuable resource for recruiting and upskilling staff. By providing targeted training and support, the Hub helps businesses enhance their teams’ capabilities and remain competitive in an ever-changing market.

Located at Westfield London, next to John Lewis & Partners, West London Retail Skills Hub is a collaboration between West London College, Spark! and Westfield London, with support from Ethos Farm, Inspire ATA, West London Business, and the West London Chambers of Commerce.

Opened in September 2024, the Hub was developed in response to the West London Local Skills Improvement Plan, which identified the need for focused training in the retail sector. By offering specialist training and recruitment services, the Hub supports businesses across the region in addressing skills gaps while providing jobseekers with opportunities to start or grow their retail careers.

Offering a range of services, from bespoke training programs to recruitment support, one of the Hub’s key features is its ability to design custom training sessions tailored to specific business needs. A range of pre-made options is also available, including distance learning courses that staff can study at their own pace. Courses such as Equality and Diversity, Mental Health First Aid, and Team Leading are all available to help businesses upskill their teams. Investing in staff not only improves performance and customer experience but increases retention and positively impacts workplace culture. The Hub also functions as a recruitment platform, connecting businesses with jobready candidates. It can help you advertise vacancies and pre-screen applicants who have already received training, allowing businesses to access skilled talent ready to hit the ground running.

Katie Wyle, Head of Shopping Centre Management at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the new Retail Skills Hub at Westfield London, which represents a significant step forward in redefining retail as a dynamic and rewarding career path.”

Karen Redhead OBE, CEO & Principal of West London College, added: “West London College is proud to be a key partner in the West London Retail Skills Hub. This initiative opens up invaluable opportunities for the community to gain essential skills for a thriving career in retail. By working with local businesses, the Hub helps inspire economic success through high-quality education and skills development.”

Matt Lent, CEO of Spark!, highlighted how the Hub supports young people entering the retail workforce. “This resource is a game changer for both retailers and young people, connecting employers with future talent and creating employability skills and pathways into rewarding careers.”

In addition to training and recruitment service, West London Retail Skills Hub offers its three studio spaces for hire, ideal for workshops and meetings. Each comes equipped with interactive digital boards, available at competitive prices, with flexible seating options to suit your needs.

West London Chambers ran an event at the end of January at the West London Retail Skills Hub, where about 25 businesses learnt more about the work of the Hub. From a show of hands, most in the room started their working life in the retail/hospitality sector. It would be good to encourage more to stay in those sectors, and initiatives such as the Retail Skills Hub can only help.

For businesses, the benefits of engaging with West London Retail Skills Hub are clear. It offers a unique opportunity to upskill staff, as well as access to a pipeline of new talent. If you’re interested in finding out more about how the Hub can support you, please visit retailskillshub.london or get in touch via email at info@retailskillshub.london