RETAILERS in Andover are being offered free training sessions in an effort to help them survive the recession.

The training sessions, organised through Test Valley Borough Council and Business Link, will take place in the Upper Guildhall in the town centre lasting an hour-and-a-half each.

Two have already taken place and were deemed worthwhile by two Andover retailers and five more are planned from Wednesday 4 February.

The first one revolves around employment law and health and safety while the session on 18 February focuses on buying.

The third training meeting, on 4 March, is about customer service and on 18 March retailers will be advised on merchandising, store layout and window dressing.

The final evening session taking place on 25 March will help with keeping staff, cash and stock safe.

“If you’re a business, if you’re a retailer or if you feel you could learn something from the courses all we need to know is if you’ll be attending,” said town centre manager Christine Cole.

“It’s very beneficial, people have lots of opportunities to learn ways of protecting their business at this crucial time.”

If anyone wants to book a place at one of these evening training sessions call the town centre manager’s office on 01264 368308.