Independent retailers can win a chance to learn from industry leaders at the Oxford Summer School retail management course.

Marco Capello, chairman of Liberty, Beverley Aspinall, managing director of Fortnum and Mason and Tony Wheeler, managing director of Peter Jones will address delegates at the 82nd Summer School, held at Keble College, from August 20-26.

The National Skills Academy for Retail, led by trade bodies Skillsmart Retail, and the Retail Trust have teamed up to offer 11 free scholarships for independent retailers to the course, worth nearly £2,000 each.

Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “The Oxford Summer School is the ideal course for ambitious independent managers. It gives them a chance to meet and learn from some of retail’s leaders, gaining tips and advice which they can take back into their businesses to help them grow.”

Retailers who employ fewer than 1,000 people have until May 13 to submit applications.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.nsaforretail.com/oxfordsummerschool