FRA Talent Lab is the in-house workforce development agency from the Fashion Retail Academy (FRA).
We help retailers – from independents and highstreet to luxury and supermarkets – evolve and develop internal skills and capabilities through innovative learning and development experiences, to meet the needs and demands of modern-day commerce and consumerism.
We are socially-driven, with all profits reinvested in the FRA, to continue our mission of creating, enhancing and nurturing the next generation of retail talent.
By working with us, you not only meet your specific people goals and objectives, but also help support and launch the careers of grassroots talent.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
We are striving to become the most coveted home of retail training and development. We do this by creating transformative learning and development experiences that change lives, create and enhance careers, and supports industry harness the power of their people by building capabilities from within.
We care
Our values make our business; we recognise that our people and partners bring the FRA and FRA Talent Lab to life as the home of retail’s future generation. The unifying quality of the FRA is our propensity to care.
Diveristy, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring fair access to education and employment, and support individuals from all backgrounds, abilities and aspirations to fulfil their potential. The means by which we continue improve equality of opportunity, regardless of circumstances or background can be found in our Access and Participation statement.
Read more here
Social Impact
The social impact of our work is rarely teased out in our headline stats or official government reporting but we know that we change lives, transform and enhance careers, and provide retailers with first-class education and training to attract, develop and retain top talent.
Read more from our Social Value report
How we work
Collaboration and partnerships are central to our ways of working; we put industry needs at the heart of our offer. We keep pace with change through a test-and-learn mindset and take pride in our long-lasting relationships with our partners.
More on how we workIndustry Advisory Committee
We are extremely fortunate to have the support from some of the best in business. Our Industry Advisory Committee provide advice and guidance to the FRA and Talent Lab to ensure our offer is truly reflective of what our industry needs.
Read more about our Industry Partners
Jonathan Brech
Consulting Partner, Cambridge DataJonathan founded and grew a successful digital marketing agency looking after many well-known retailers; understanding both their established business models and the solutions required to address e-commerce and social media disruption. After he sold the agency, he moved to consulting in digital & data transformation. Jonno is fascinated by modelling consumer behaviour using statistical, economic and behavioural science disciplines. He now specialises in training retailers to use their consumer data to innovate their product & service offerings.
You’ll find more about Jonathan on his LinkedIn Profile
Sarah Mcvittie
Founder, DressipiExperienced Co-Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer services industry. Strong entrepreneurship professional skilled in Business Planning, E-commerce, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and Strategic Partnerships.
Passionate about using data to drive more efficient retail experiences and operational processes. Also excited by the impact that better use of data can have on the sustainability of a retailer. Specific focus on fashion retail.
You’ll find more about Sarah on her LinkedIn Profile
Simon Platts
Responsible Sourcing Director, ASOSSimon Platts has been with ASOS for 8 years. In his role as Commercial ESG & Sustainability Director, he oversees the company’s sourcing, packaging, ethical trade, product sustainability and 3rd-party branded engagement functions.
Part of the industry for over 35 years, Simon started out his journey as a Saturday sales consultant for Next retail in the mid-1980s, before moving through the ranks into visual merchandising, buying and buying management, and finally sourcing, where he was responsible for setting up the UK arm of Next Asia Sourcing.
Prior to joining ASOS, Simon was Head of Branded and Own Brand buying for Blacks and Millets, an outdoor clothing specialist. Before that, he spent eight years as Director/Partner at a supplier of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and footwear to UK High Street retailers.
Outside of work, Sheffield-born Simon lives with his family in Leicestershire and pursues his passions for outdoor life and the environment.
You’ll find more about Simon on his LinkedIn Profile
Chris Amadeo
Managing Director, Fashion and Retail AwardsChristian Amadeo has over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, with a focus on education-to-employment. He is Managing Director for Fashion & Retail Awards, an assessment organisation, and has held strategic and technical leadership roles in the Fashion Retail Academy for more than a decade. Previously, Christian worked for a number of government bodies with responsibility for the research, regulation, funding and workforce development of post-16 education, as well as a spell in local government supporting poverty reduction initiatives.
You’ll find more about Chris on his LinkedIn Profile
Daniel Peters
Ex FRA Student & Founder of Fashion Minority ReportSelf-motivated marketing specialist, with thorough knowledge and understanding of contemporary culture, including the arts, design, fashion, music and the evolving world of technology.
Daniel Peters, a Peckham native, also sits on the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee at the British Fashion Council, and the Fashion Retail Academy, helping to bring about systemic change relating to inclusion and diversity in the sector.
Launched in July 2020 by brand and marketing specialist, Daniel Peters, The (Fashion) Minority Report exists to create equality within the fashion industry and creative sector for diverse professionals, by advancing the conversation around inclusion and diversity to a point of measurable change.
You’ll find more about Daniel on his LinkedIn Profile
Hash Ladha
Ex CEO, Oasis & WarehouseAn experienced CEO and board level executive, with a proven track record in leading and growing omni-channel businesses. A passionate leader, who understands the importance of creating shareholder value and who forms exceptional relationships with senior leaders across organisations, the industry and strategic partners to help advance the strategy and commercial objectives of a business.
Former Group CEO of Oasis & Warehouse, with previous roles at Asos, New Look and Arcadia. Cufrrently Managing Partner at Orelia London, and Non Executive at Circulariti and toodle. Also works as mentor to C-suite and senior management (World of Books, Fatface and George).
You’ll find more about Hash on his LinkedIn Profile
Mairi Fairley
Partner & Head of Retail Practice, OC&C Strategy ConsultantsMairi leads OC&Cs Fashion, Apparel and Lifestyle teams and is previous head of the international retail practice. She has over 10 years’ experience, working with a broad range of global fashion brands and retailers from value and mass to luxury, and disruptive digital native models to more traditional omnichannel players.
Mairi has considerable experience across all parts of Fashion strategy including proposition improvement, pricing and promotion, international expansion, ESG and operating model improvement as well as due diligence work.
Previously Mairi was Strategy & International Director at Hobbs, creating and delivering the turnaround strategy, building the international business and customer functions, and completing a transaction before returning to OC&C.
You’ll find more about Mairi on her LinkedIn Profile.
Sue Vandenberghe
Brand Director, Live UnlimitedHaving spent her former career at the Arcadia Group, Sue has extensive knowledge in Multi Channel retailing.
In Jan 2020 she joined the Live Unlimited team to share her skills in the Curve industry and grow the business by expanding the ranges and introducing new partners
In February 2021 Ro&Zo was launched having seen a gap in the market for versatile feminine dressing.
Both brands are expanding quickly and she is involved in the strategic development of these businesses, growing both Website, Wholesale and Retail channels .
You’ll find more about Sue on her LinkedIn Profile
Zoe Donovan
Digital Director, LK BennettWorking in retail for 15+ years Zoe initially started her career in merchandising working for the likes of Tesco, Black’s Leisure Group, and then Arcadia. During 9 years at the Arcadia Group Zoe moved across from merchandising to the e-commerce team taking on a variety of commercial roles, specialising in Online Trading, and gaining experience in Wholesale, Online Production, and Digital Marketing. Now responsible for all ecommerce and marketing operations at LK Bennett Zoe prides herself on building collaborative high performing teams to drive profitable growth whilst creating a great place to work.
Zoe’s team describe her as driven, a great communicator and a font of knowledge.
You’ll find more about Zoe on her LinkedIn Profile
Our employer partners
We collaborate with a wide range of retailers to support varying talent objectives. Here’s a snapshot of some of our current and past industry partners.
