Skillsmart Retail and Retail Trust have 10 management training scholarships worth £1,750 each to give away to independent retailers.

The British Shops and Stores Association management development programme, which is held at University of Oxford on August 21-27, provides training for budding retail leaders.

Skillsmart Retail chief executive Anne Seaman said: "The summer school is the ideal course for ambitious independent managers. It provides a broad insight into the retail world, which retailers can take back and help their businesses grow."

Raj Aggarwal of Londis Wigston in Leicester, who won a place at the summer school last year, said: "I would recommend it to anyone in any retail trade. As an independent retailer you sometimes get yourself into a routine and think you don't need to have a vision or expand your business. The summer school gives you that vision to succeed. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone."

To apply, call 020 7462 5060, email Skillscontactus@skillsmartretail.com, or visit www.skillsmartretail.com/oxfordsummerschool.