Pictured above: Anne-Marie Phillips-Broadhurst

A talented retail manager from Malvern has become one of just seven candidates selected to receive a scholarship to the world's most renowned and unique retail industry course, courtesy of Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail and Retail Trust.

Anne-Marie Phillips-Broadhurst who is Co Owner of Beacon Books, beat off competition from dozens of entries and will now take her place on the £2,000, four-day Oxford Retail Masters Forum in March, held at Oxford University's Saïd Business School.

There, she will join senior managers from retail businesses across the UK to learn from some of the most respected figures in retail, including Chairman of Ryman Stationery, BBC Dragon and Skillsmart Retail Patron Theo Paphitis; Fat Face Chairman Alan Giles; and Stephen Robertson, Director General of the British Retail Consortium.

As well as special guest speakers, the Oxford Retail Masters Forum, run by the BHF-BSSA Group, invites attendees to look into the challenges facing the world of retail, from global sourcing and ethical trading to demography, business management and climate change.

Anne-Marie was delighted to have been selected for the scholarship and was looking forward to learning from the experts at the forum. She said: "Running an independent shop can be an isolating experience. Networking and exposure to new ideas are crucial for the development of the business. This forum will offer an unrivalled opportunity to learn from the best in retail. There is no room for amateurism in what are challenging and changing times for bookselling. Attending the forum can only enhance my management skills to keep the business on a firm financial footing and offer employment security and career development to my employees."

Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail, said: "Year on year, we are continually impressed with the quality of scholarship applications for the Oxford Retail Masters Forum and this year has been no different.

"We are delighted to offer these seven free places and are very pleased that Anne-Marie has been selected to attend. It is especially pleasing to see an independent retailer at the forum."

"Having sent delegates in previous years, we know how important this event is to their retail careers and we have had nothing but positive feedback. I am sure this year will be no different and that Anne-Marie will return having benefited greatly from her experience."

Nigel J L Rothband, Chief Executive of Retail Trust, added: "Retail Trust has long recognised the need for increased educational opportunities for people working in retail. The aim of this bursary scheme is to assist aspiring managers in achieving their potential and fulfilling their ambitions in retail."