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Buying and Beyond
Welcome to the Buying & Beyond podcast, the podcast for all things Retail Buying...and more!
Join us, Kate & Lyns, buyers and best friends, each week for industry insights, stories and expertise from real people in retail.
Enjoy honest stories and conversations, retail therapy and learn bite-sized tips from us and our guests from across the industry.
- Season 1 starts with Becoming a Buyer - the background to how we started in the industry, what exactly is a Buyer, working your way up the ladder and the main meetings and tasks working in Buying
- Season 2 is all about Being a Buyer - leading a team, coordinating trips, working with suppliers, product & personal development and sustainability
- Season 3 takes us beyond just the direct Buying team - we introduce merchandisers, talk about designers and new trends, burnout & life coaching.
- Season 4 is where we are joined by more Retail Buyers and have also invited Retail Businesses to tell us their stories
- Season 5 continues with a fantastic assortment of Retail Buyers and Retail Businesses. We find out how they got started and what inspires & excites them about retail - plus we lift the lid on what Brands need and Buyers expect!
We are your modern day mentors; prepping Buyers of the future and empowering current Buyers. Our insights for retail businesses and entrepreneurs will shine a light on how to to build, grow, scale and pitch like a pro!
If you like listening to this podcast, please rate, follow and share - you can also find us on instagram @buyingandbeyond
Come behind the scenes with Buying and Beyond
Buying and Beyond
S6 E4: Inside Fashion retail training with Louis from the Fashion Retail Academy
In this episode of Buying and Beyond, we sit down with Louis Clark, Head of Strategic Program Development at the Fashion Retail Academy (FRA) and the Education for Industry Group. Louis takes us inside the innovative ways FRA is transforming work-based learning for the retail sector. From apprenticeships and bespoke programs to short courses across fashion, beauty, and beyond, FRA is bridging the gap between education and industry.
We explore why industry-specific training matters, and how FRA tailors government funded programs to meet real-world retail needs via the apprenticeship scheme.
The benefits of hiring trainers directly from the industry, ensuring students gain practical, up-to-date knowledge. He shares how the Academy hires trainers directly from industry, bringing first-hand experience into the classroom so learning remains practical, current, and directly applicable. We discuss how apprenticeships and short courses support both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to upskill, transition, or reignite their careers.
The next exciting chapter for the FRA is its expansion into the beauty sector, we take a look at the unique challenges and opportunities for training in this fast-growing industry. Beyond education, Louis emphasizes the power of building community and collaboration through networking events, peer learning, and ongoing professional support.
We also dive into practical tips for individuals and brands on accessing apprenticeships, maximizing learning & development budgets, and investing in people for long-term success.
You don't want to miss our highlights from FRA’s recent “Prepare for Peak” networking event, we chat about what happened on the night and how much we enjoyed seeing our community growing.
👉 Connect with Louis Clark on [LinkedIn] or visit the [Fashion Retail Academy website] for details on programs, apprenticeships, and upcoming events.
🎙️ Top 3 Takeaways
- Industry-first approach: Real-world expertise is critical — FRA ensures training stays relevant by bringing in educators directly from the retail and beauty sectors.
- Collaboration builds resilience: Networking, peer learning, and community events empower professionals and businesses to adapt and thrive in a competitive retail landscape.
- Invest in your team: Prioritizing people through training and development is the most powerful way to drive long-term business success.
Sponsors:
Boho Betty: www.boho-betty.co.uk
Discount code: BYB10 (offer ends 3rd October)
Wholesale site: www.boho-betty-wholesale.myshopify.com
For buying support email us at hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk
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