A NEW retail training centre is expected to give businesses in Swansea and South West Wales a cutting edge.

Acorn Skills Shop has a branch in Swansea and covers the whole region. It will offer retailers of all sizes and their employees training opportunities including apprenticeships and management training.

Acorn Skills Shop, now a member of the National Skills Academy for Retail, has had funding from the Welsh Government and Europe.

It said around 139,000 people were currently employed in the retail sector in Wales.

Director Helena Williams said: "Our training concentrates on developing the skills their business needs, which leads to a better skilled workforce benefiting business and the local economy as a whole."

Jeff Cuthbert, Welsh Government Deputy Minister of Skills, said: "Retail is hugely important to the Welsh economy, and its growth and sustainability is dependent on building a well-skilled workforce and attracting new ambitious people."