National Apprenticeship Week: A Look Inside Our Industry Breakfasts

We were proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with two exclusive, industry-focused breakfast events, bringing together leaders across the fashion, beauty and retail sectors to explore the future of apprenticeships.

Fashion & RETAIL

Following a warm welcome from our Head of Business Development, Sarah Harris, and our CEO & Principal, Lee Lucas, we were delighted to hear from Simon Ashworth, Director of Policy and Deputy Chief Executive at the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, who outlined the exciting changes ahead for apprenticeships in 2026 - from Levy reform to new Apprenticeship Units. 

Our Head of Strategic Programme Development, Louis Clark, then shared insights into how we're helping to close critical skill gaps with an industry-specific AI & Retail Data Apprenticeship before Simon Platts, Co-Founder SP&KO Responsible Sourcing & ESG Consultancy, who highlighted the growing importance of sustainability advocacy in retail.

We also heard from Talent Development Specialists at PVH Corp, Tara Hollis and Anna Gatley-O'Neill, about their Retail Runways programme, delivered in partnership with Fashion Retail Academy, and how it is transforming store management talent pipelines. 

We were thrilled to be joined by representatives from:

• AllSaints
• Harrods
• Harvey Nichols
• Lacoste
• (MALIN+GOETZ)
• Next
• Oliver Bonas
• Primark
• Radley
• Rarely Heard Voices
• SCAMP & DUDE
• Selfridges
• Studio Reith
• Tapestry
• TFG Brands London
• Watches of Switzerland Group
• The White Company

- Tara Hollis, Talent Development Specialist at PVH

beauty

We were equally delighted to bring together leaders from across the beauty industry for an insightful breakfast discussion focused on demystifying apprenticeships and developing future talent.

Attendees heard from Robyn Dunsford, Talent Development Advisor at Harrods, who shared valuable insights into their retail experience and approach to nurturing emerging talent, spotlighting the following apprenticeships:

• Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship: Designed to build a strong early-career talent pipeline and develop future leaders
• Level 4 Retail Manager Apprenticeship: Focused on upskilling existing colleagues and preparing them for management roles

- Marie Louise Hofer Tillyer, Level 4 Retail Manager from Harrods

As part of the session, attendees also took part in an interactive workshop exploring the future skills needed across beauty and retail. The discussion encouraged open reflection on current skills gaps within retailers, spas and salons, the barriers to engaging with apprenticeships, and any outstanding questions following the morning’s insights.

It was a pleasure to welcome representatives from:

• Paradox London
• Benefit Cosmetics
• British Beauty Council
• CEW UK
• ELEMIS
• fraegra
• Harrods
• KIKO MILANO
• Laser Clinics
• L'OCCITANE Group
• PAT McGRATH LABS
• Thérapie Clinic
• Townhouse
• Waitrose & Partners

Thank you to everyone who shared their insight, expertise and perspectives. Conversations like this are vital as we continue to shape the future of education, skills and training within the beauty industry.