CELEBRAT N 2005 - 2015

Fashion Retail Academy 10th Anniversary Awards

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_1-1.pgs 07.03.2015 14:03 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data 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

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Ten 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 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 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 full time students, 1255 students on our short courses and 95 students on our post graduate programme.

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 rallied in their support of FRA, offering placements, projects, master classes, but also how they have benefi ted from this association.

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 Level 4 students surveyed are in employment. We know that across the whole cohort, 77% are in employment and 13% are in higher or further education.

The curriculum offer has grown in response to the needs of the retail industry and the offer is now 13 courses including work based learning through apprenticeships and the Tesco Enspire programme.

The strategic plan for the next decade is well developed and the building will undergo a major refurbishment over the summer to support the growth plans.

The FRA is proud to be a unique example of a truly employer led college created BY the industry FOR the industry.

We would like to thank all our supporters who have made this possible, and look forward to building on the foundations and to the exciting plans ahead.

Kim Longman, Lee Lucas, Chair Principal

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“As a founder and key suppor ter 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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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_4-4.pgs 07.03.2015 14:04 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data 5073 enrolments over 10 years

Student Enrolment Numbers (Total: 5073)

800 725 731 16 770 668 700 619 14 Number o 600 12 ents

d 475 500 453 10 Stu f 352 400 8 f Courses er o b 300 230 6 Num

200 4

100 50 2 2 2 2 4 5 7 9 9 11 13 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Current course offer:

• Level 2 Fashion Retail • Level 4 Diploma in Merchandising • Level 3 National Diploma in Fashion Retail • Level 4 Fast Track Diploma in Visual Merchandising • Level 3 National Diploma in Fashion Clothing • Level 4 Diploma in Visual Display and Retail Branding • Level 3 National Diploma in Graphic Design • Level 4 Diploma in Garment Technology

• Level 4 Fast Track Buying • Level 4 Diploma in Fashion Retail and Merchandising Diploma • UAL Foundation Degree • Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Range Planning • Level 4 Enspire Programme with Tesco

95% Achievement Rate

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• 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

• Our learners enter the labour market at the same • Our student employment outcomes are 12% level as degree graduates but studying at the higher than the average University graduate, and FRA fast tracks their careers, on average it takes 14% higher than the average Further Education 2 years less to study at the FRA college provider

72.1% FRA 58.0% 60.2%

A Levels – Degree – Employment

Further Education HESA publication FRA Externally College National ‘Destinations of Audited Student Employment Rate Leavers from Destinations Data (Learner Destinations Higher Education 2012/13 Summary Report Institutions 2012/13’ SFA Feb 2013) Excluding unpaid employments and *Note entered employment or reported career benefits internships if already in employment

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• Work outcomes at 18% our sponsors • Work outcomes at other top 25 brands • All other work outcomes 49% By CCoommpany

33%%

• TOP 25 Brands (New Look, River Island, ASOS, • Buying • Merchandising H&M, , John Lewis, Ted Baker, Primark, 20% • VM Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Lipsy, House of Fraser, • PR and , Chanel, LVMH, Ralph Lauren, Marketing 31% Michael Kors, Zara, , Hugo Boss, • Digital Jaeger, Warehouse, Fenwick, Liberty, BHS) • Other head o f fi c e r o l e s By Function • TBC 11%

9% 10%

• Over ten years 76.4% of graduates are employed 3% 8% and 12.8% are in Higher or Further Education.

• Employed 1% 4% • Further or 5% Higher Education • Gap year 13% • Seeking work • Family 90% of 77% Graduates from Level 4 are in employment

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The building is Dr. Martin window First Ofsted Careers day FRA students win o f fi c i a l l y o p e n e d competition 2008 inspection graded launched 2009 the World Retail by Tony Blair 2006 “good” with industry Congress Retail relations graded Challenge outstanding 2009 competition in Barcelona 2009

8 bespoke window Marks & Spencer Tony Morgan, course bays built for practical challenge FRA students leader launches his work 2008 to design an ECO fi r s t b o o k a t F R A 2 0 0 7 Carol Vorderman bag 2009 visits FRA as part of Government project on improving maths teaching 2009

Competition to design Academy trip to t h e fi r s t F R A T - s h i r t Paris 2007 competition 2008

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_8-8.pgs 07.03.2015 14:04 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data David and Samantha Frankie Farmer, Michael Gove MP Will.i.am launches his FTCT and Retail Cameron visit the student, visits the visits FRA in 2011 camera for the Apple Trust support FRA FRA 2009/10 Houses of Parliament and 2014 iPhone at FRA 2012/13 with bursaries to speak on behalf of the British Fashion Council 2011

Lord Sugar fi lms The Students Liam Price, Apprentice at Ahmed Khan and FRA 2010 Thom Scherdel all nominated for Drapers top 30 under 30

Jasmine Field, Level 4 Visual Display student, now employed by Marks & Spencer, FRA students design achieves a silver medal T-shirts for National in the World Skills Apprenticeship competition 2014 Week 2012/13

Accenture workshop Marks & Spencer with Degree students The fi rst Buying and factory visit 2014 2012 Merchandising project is run by Next 2013

Daniel Swanepoel, FRA students invited Students involved student selected as to run a pop-up Stylesight and Grazia in styling X Factor Tesco launch their the regional winner for boutique at London trend forecasting contestants at live Enspire programme London at Vocational Fashion Week 2010 conference 2011 shows 2012 2013/14 Awards 2015

Nintendo fashion Student visit to HRH Duke of York Chuka Umunna MP Arcadia Top 20 design project 2010 Colorset 2011 visits FRA 2012 visits FRA 2014 meeting 2015

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“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 Liam Price (below) (right) Graduated: 2 0 07, Level 3 Fashion Retail Graduated: 2006, Level 3 Working at: Warehouse Fashion Retail Role: E-commerce Manager Working at: The Idle Man, online Liam went to John Lewis as a Merchandising Admin menswear Assistant on their graduate scheme before moving on retailer to gain experience at and New Look. He then moved to Warehouse as a Merchandiser and Thom left FRA and joined has recently been promoted, for the second time, to Selfridges as an Allocator. E-commerce Manager. He gained some buying experience before becoming Menswear Accessories “The Fashion Retail Academy was an amazing Buyer and then moved to as Concessions, experience. The work experience was so valuable and Jewellery and Buyer. At 25, he was approached gave me the opportunity to learn the skills required in a to set up a new online business called The Idle Man. real environment. It’s opened so many doors for me.” 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: 2 0 07, 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, Jack McGann which were a huge help in fi nding employment. In terms of getting into a head offi ce role, the course gave me Graduated: 2008, Level 3 Fashion Retail the opportunity to bridge the gap between my shop Working at: Freelance PR fl oor experience and head offi ce.” “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.”

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_12-12.pgs 07.03.2015 14:04 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data Ahmed Khan Frankie Farmer (below) Graduated: 2008, Level 3 Graduated: 2011, Level 3 Fashion Retail and Fashion Retail Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Working at: Paul Smith Working at: O f fi c e Role: Retail Role: Assistant Buyer Manager Frankie went to work in an Offi ce store for the summer Ahmed has a passion for stores and secured his fi rst whilst deciding what to do next. He loved the company management role at Moss Bros. He was nominated and managed to get work experience in head offi ce, for Drapers 30 under 30 in 2013. and was then offered the role of Trainee Buyers Admin Assistant. He has since been promoted to Assistant “The FRA has given me a truly unique learning Buyer. Whilst Frankie was studying, the British Fashion experience and supported me succeeding in Council were asked to present a report at the Houses gaining my ideal career.” of Parliament about the importance of British fashion to the UK economy, and Frankie was chosen to represent Chloe Blake the FRA to speak on behalf of students. 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 “The tutors are amazing because they are industry all again.” experts. I had work experience at Topman, Tesco and Austin Reed. If you don’t have work experience on a Joe Taylor CV it’s really hard to get a job, so that’s where the FRA really helps. I love my job, I love footwear – Graduated: 2010, Level 4 Visual Merchandising so I’m living the d ream.” Working at: Vision On (agency) Role: Creative Concept Designer Mollie Duncan Joe Started at New Look as a window designer, before Graduated: 2012, Level 3 Fashion Retail and moving to Vision On as a concept designer. Level 4 Buying and Merchandising “I loved it at the FRA. It was the most amazing year – Working at: New Look the best year of my life! I won Outstanding Student Role: Buyers Admin Assistant of the Year, and someone from New Look was in the audience and offered me the job there and then. “I loved it at the FRA. It was such a good insight I loved the course – if I could come back tomorrow, into what buying is really like, particularly the work I would.” 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) Aimee Howes (right) Graduated: 2013 Level 4 Fashion Merchandising Graduated: 2013, Level 3 Working at: Marks & Spencer Fashion Retail and Level 4 Role: Allocator Buying and Range Planning “The knowledge, experience and direction I gained from the FRA helped me secure a place on the Working at: Marks & Spencer merchandising career path. Whilst studying at the Role: Buying Assistant Academy I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a number of industry experts through master classes as “Choosing the Fashion Retail Academy was one of the well as undertaking an invaluable work placement which best decisions I have ever made. I knew fashion was the prepared me for what life in merchandising would really industry I wanted a career in but wasn’t quite sure what be like. With the help of the Academy’s careers fair, fi eld was right for me, so the Level 3 Fashion Retail and support and preparation from my fantastic tutor, Diploma allowed me the opportunity to discover multiple I was able to achieve my goal and secure my fi rst job aspects of retail. The work experience opportunities within the lingerie allocation team at M&S.” 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 prod uc t we work with.”

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“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.”

Jessica Sporle (above) Graduated: 2014, Level 4 Garment Technology Working at: 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.”

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for work

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. 140 retailers support the FRA 5235 work 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.“

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_16-16.pgs 07.03.2015 14:04 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data 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

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

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.

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

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“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.

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. Lipsy Blogging Project (above) River Island Range Planning Project Level 4 students were tasked to review how the retail River Island set a challenge to the Buying and online marketing landscape has changed, partly by the Merchandising students to relaunch and promote proliferation of bloggers in the fashion world. They had a 20 piece capsule range for Chelsea Girl. In teams to choose a celebrity for a brand collaboration with Lipsy. they presented the new concept, sourcing strategy The students developed an awareness of the power of and garment costings, marketing and social media social media and why collaborations with popular public campaigns and a teaser video. The standard of work fi gures are important and how they can drive sales. was excellent and so two winning teams were chosen and were offered a two week work placement at River Island. HSBC/Textile Forum Cycle Chic Project (below) Hanger Seven Marketing Project A competition for the Level 3 Fashion Clothing students to create a multi functioning shirt from Ringhart Fabrics Students were asked to style and photograph a model cloth that would work well in the offi ce but be practical producing artwork for the tenth anniversary awards. enough to wear whilst cycling to meetings. 14 students The winning design has been used for our invitation were shortlisted to present their design boards, marketing and ten year celebration book. The winning student, ideas and a prototype of the shirt to the judging panel. Noelle Aspenryd, had the opportunity to visit Hangar The winner, Ellie Sloane, won £ 500 and her garments Seven to see her artwork go into production. were showcased at the Textile Forum fashion show and will be displayed at HSBC offi ces in February 2015.

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_5-23.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data Hestia Charity Fashion Show (above) Experian Project The Level 2 students were asked to create a T-Shirt The Level 4 Fashion Retail students had to choose a single that raised awareness of domestic violence. Over six Mosaic group and develop a fi fteen minute presentation weeks, the students used a variety of media to produce looking at the typical demographic attributes for the professional and creative T-shirts as well as a 3D catwalk. consumer group and their lifestyle choices and behaviours. The students also showed their entrepreneurial spirit by They had to look at how a retailer would use this selling cakes, sweets and bracelets to raise money for information for marketing and select brands that their Hestia. The winning students, Jessica Payne, Tanecha consumer group would identify with. The winning team Engeln Ismond and Olivia Maher, won a gift voucher. attended meetings with Experian and will have the opportunity to interview their clients. The winners Accenture Social Media Retail were Grace Jackson and Hannah Adams. Innovation Project (below) Wallis Garment Technology Project The Foundation Degree students had two weeks to work with some consultant mentors from Accenture to come Students were asked to review the challenges that up with a ‘new in-store concept which harnesses the retailers face when trying to fi nd the perfect fi t for power of Social Media’. All four teams had to present their customer profi le taking into account how their back to a panel of senior Accenture ‘Dragons’ and the profi le is evolving through body shape and life style. MD of TrueStart, a company that invests in retail, consumer They gave presentations to the Wallis team covering and fashion start-ups. The winning concept was for a competitor analysis, comparison reports, fi t techniques budget retailer (H&M) and the idea – #myHMstyle – was and identifying a brand representative who could thought to be the most effective viable project concept. promote their brand fi t. The winners were Katie Hyde and Nicole Shears.

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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 Arcadia Mystery Shopper Project might look like and how it would be laid out. Presenting their ideas to the Retail Operations team, the winners This year saw the fi rst Arcadia Secret Shopper Project were Jo Carey and Leah Pask. 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 Primark Online Project aimed to provide the Arcadia brands with hard hitting advice directly from their target market. 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.

Hot off the press Update 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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Every 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: • Carolyn Springett: Jaeger Owner of • Hilary Riva: • Lord Rose: formerly British Fashion Council Former CEO of Marks & Spencer • Wayne Hemingway: • Terry Green: Designer Former CEO of fashion for Tesco • Michael Jary: • Marc Bolland: OC&C Strategy Consultants Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer • Wesley Taylor: Brand Manager at • Belinda Earl: Style Director, Marks & Spencer • Dave Shepherd: COO Arcadia and MD Topman • Christos Angelides: Former Product Director, Next • Julia Reynolds: formerly Figleaves

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_8-26.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data • Tim Whitmore: • 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 • 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: • 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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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_9-27.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data “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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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_10-28.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data KEY STATISTICS: Short Courses 170 1255 short courses run trained

In addition to the core business, FRA has developed The Post Graduate Programme a suite of short courses that run throughout the year. These vary in length from 1 day workshops, 3 and 5 This six week course is designed for graduates who are day intensive courses to our very popular six week looking to work in either, buying or merchandising or post graduate programme. graduates already working in store, who would like to move into head offi ce. The programme covers the The portfolio offers a wide range of courses in different intensive study of buying, merchandising and management subject areas and functions of the retail business and with a series of professional skills workshops throughout. at different levels including introduction, intermediate Working with 30 retail companies, we include an exciting and advanced level. Many retail companies use our schedule of visits, talks and events enabling the students short course programme for continuing professional to start to build a professional network. Graduates are development for their staff including Jigsaw, Bravissimo, often invited to interview as a direct result of these Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Marks & Spencer, interactions, with students being employed by Arcadia, Graham and Green, Sweaty Betty, Fossil and JD Williams. River Island, F&F, Debenhams, Whistles, White Stuff, International companies include LCWAIKIKI and ECCO. John Lewis, Boden and Monsoon. Short Course offer: Business Development Activities • Visual Merchandising A number of successful business development training Personal Styling • projects were developed in 2014/15. PR and Marketing • These included a Personal Styling programme • Retail Maths developed and delivered to Gucci in Dubai, a bespoke Retail Operations Manager programme for ECCO • WSSI to increase the competency of their Retail Operations Managers in East and West Europe, and an accredited • Garment Technology management training programme for Estée Lauder Retail Store Managers. • Buying and Merchandising • Start-up and run your own fashion business Work Based Learning • Ecommerce 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: Postgraduate Programme 8 95 75% 99% courses run graduates employed on completion of students rate the of the course course as excellent

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_11-29.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data The Future

The 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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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_13-31.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data The Enhanced Building

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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1 BXX BXX

B23

B21 2 WHITE ARPER TABLE

B24 LIFT BXX B02 PC ROOM MAC ROOM

B25 B20 3

STORAGESTORAGE B01 S NTS ITEM B STAIRCASE IBRARY E L 72M2 05 REQUIREME ING 7 B HHELV IN S BUILTUIU

2

x x BXX 12= 12= B28 24M2 WHITE LA PALM 224M ITEM B 4 H I G H T A B L E B04

ITEM B ITEM F MOE B03 MOE

B06 3M 3M 5 3M

1212M BXX

B19 BXX 20M MOE D

6 LOCKERS TO BE SOURCED BY FRA AND SIGN ARCAD E

F

G 7 OPEN LIGHTWELL BXX G R E S S E S T R E E T H

STAIRCASE C B05 8 B27

LIFT

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_15-33.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data 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 2334 www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

Like us on Follow us on Join our Fashion Retail Follow us on Follow us on Facebook Twitter Academy Alumni group Instagram Pinterest on LinkedIn

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FAS_XXXXX_Awards_Book_v5.indd_17-35.pgs 07.03.2015 14:10 Dalim Hi-Res PDF Data 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 printing this ten year anniversary book.

For providing the food and drink for our celebration.

Front Cover image: Designed by Noelle Aspenryd, Visual Display and Retail Branding Student.

www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

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