History

The Oxford Summer School was founded in 1923 by the Drapers Chamber of Trade. In 1989 it came under the British Shops & Stores Association (bssa) banner earning and deserving its enviable reputation as the 'jewel in the crown' of retail training. bssa merged with BHF Group in 2009 before being rebranded to form the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) in May 2011.

There is a high emphasis placed on working hard in the teams but also in having fun and enjoying the social element that is part and parcel of the retail trade. And it all takes place in the memorable surroundings of Keble College (Foundation and Academy) and the Saïd Business School, at Egrove Park, Oxford (Masters).

The cost effective professional development of the talented individuals in their organisation is the key reason so many companies, large and small, subscribe to the schools year on year. In short, it is your route to retail success. Professional training by retailers, for retailers.