RETAILERS have responded to the call from Skillsmart retail to get involved in the skills agenda and to make their voice heard.

Some 400 small and medium sized retailers across the UK and close on 50 in the north west have already put their names forward for membership of the regional retailer reference groups that were set up earlier this year.

Sarah Fischer, Skillsmart Retail's regional manager for the north west, is pleased with the response but would like to see more retailers getting taking an active interest.

She said: "Feedback from retailers is crucial to our work in raising the profile of the sector as a career and in ensuring that the publicly funded education and training system delivers the skills that the industry needs."

Retailers can find out more by contacting Sarah Fischer on 0779 596 2443 or by email at sarah.fischer@skillsmartretail.com.

Further details can also be obtained from www.skillsmartretail.com