| Plans to improve the quality of service in Newbury’s shops are being drawn up. Newbury College and West Berkshire Training Consortium have joined forces to set up a retail academy, but around eight local outlets are needed to make the pilot work. The one-year scheme is funded by Berkshire Learning Skills Council, and is aimed at helping a dozen youngsters gain skills faster to promote retail careers in the area.
The courses lead to an NVQ2 in Retailing, and if extended, it’s hoped the scheme will create a retail “centre of excellence” for the Newbury area, providing a boost for the local shopping experience. | 
