Training

Why is it important?

The reason that many people decide to run a village shop is because they want to be their own boss – fed up with being told what to do by others! There’s nothing wrong with that but, in an industry that is moving so quickly and becoming more and more competitive, it’s crucial that village shops are able to optimise their full potential to survive in the long term.

Perhaps in contrast to the past, village shops can no longer exist in isolation. Shopkeepers cannot simply assume that customers will continue to patronise the stores. It simply doesn’t work like that any more. Changing demographics, higher customer expectations and fierce competition (particularly for multiple retailers entering the convenience market) mean that village shops have to use all available opportunities to stay ahead of the game.

Possessing the right information is key, and the RSA uses many mediums to provide the owners of village shops with that which is relevant and up to date. Training is one of those mediums and, whether it is classroom-based or 1-2-1 in-shop training, the RSA is well placed to be able to deliver real value to village shops.

Potential barriers for village shops
The RSA is of course very well aware of the difficulties facing the owners of village shops in attending training courses or being able to release staff. It’s a question of resources, and being able to justify it.

Particularly given that historically there has been very little that has been entirely relevant to village shops, there needs to be confidence that a course will be worthwhile. That is an ongoing challenge for the RSA.

What does the RSA do?
Currently available to Associate Members, and therefore rural retailers, is a one-day Business Development Course (BDC). Click here for details.

The aim of this course is to provide delegates with as much relevant information as possible, in order that best use can be made of the time. It covers a number of subject areas, including marketing, merchandising, store layout, shop standards, health & safety and food safety.

The RSA has operated these courses for a number of years, and feedback to date would suggest that significant benefit can be derived whether one has owned (or worked in) a village shop for three months or 30 years. It is also available (and perhaps particularly helpful) to those considering the idea of taking on a village shop for the first time.

A great advantage of this sort of training is that it allows rural retailers to be able to focus on their business more objectively/strategically – mainly because of a neutral environment, and the fact that they are not trying to serve customers, count papers or place grocery orders at the same time! Also, not to be underestimated is the chance to network with other village shopkeepers – a rare and often valuable opportunity.

Retail Consultancy
Given that attending a BDC is not always possible or appropriate, the RSA accepts that 1-2-1 (in-shop) advice is also needed. As such, the organisation employs specialist Rural Retail Consultants that can provide this service.

There is generally a charge for this service unless, in partnership with the local Associate Member, external funding has been accessed to cover the cost.