A High Wycombe retailer has been sharing its expertise with charities in Bucks in a new initiative led by Bucks New University.

Shop managers and staff at Rennie Grove Hospice Care and Willen Hospice spent two days at John Lewis on Holmers Farm Way in Cressex as part of a six-month course designed to expand their business knowledge and skills.

The Retail Academy for the Voluntary Sector scheme, developed by Bucks New University, John Lewis High Wycombe and The Clare Foundation, a High Wycombe charity that helps other charities become more “efficient” in all areas of their work, is aimed at ensuring shops belonging to the charities are as effective as possible.

It focuses on aspects such as leadership skills, managing volunteers, and visual merchandising, as well as customer service, with course attendees learning about all areas of the discipline.

Dawn Stokoe, community liaison coordinator at John Lewis High Wycombe said: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to share our expertise in merchandising and customer service with an enthusiastic and responsive group of shop managers and staff from Willen Hospice and Rennie Grove Hospice Care."

To get involved with the scheme, email Dr Rebecca Chandler-Wilde at rebecca.chandler-wilde@bucks.ac.uk.