The James Retail Group has embraced digital learning with news that more than 600 of its staff at its 74 stores will look to boost their skills in a dozen key areas of business.

The digital learning modules, supplied by e-learning company Bolt, will enhance compliance and customer service skills at Select Convenience, GT News and Supernews outlets.

Mark Titterton, group chief executive of James Retail, said: “People lie at the very heart of our business and we want to ensure they have the best training available to them at the tips of their fingers.”

Titteron said the world of training had moved on dramatically and digital was “an obvious solution” as long as the content was engaging and effective.

Tom Fender, director of Bolt, said James Retail had “remarkably low staff churn which shows they are already doing a great job retaining people.

“Where we are helping them is to give them training which their colleagues can do on any device at any time.”

Compliance issues they would train in included age related sales, health and safety, and safety advice and training for newspaper delivery team, especially those who deliver on bikes.

“What they’re keen to adopt is a culture of continuous training and so I would expect more modules to be introduced over time to help their store teams deliver continuous great service to shoppers,” said Fender.

James Retail was formed two years ago after Conviviality bought GT Retail. Jonathan James bought the GT Retail stores from Conviviality through a 10-year franchise agreement to operate convenience stores and newsagents.