A CAREERS event is being held for anyone who fancies a career in retailing. The two-day event is hosted by the University of Bath in Swindon and South West Retail Centre of Vocational Excellence.

Return to Retail will run on Tuesday September 18 at the South West Retail Centre of Vocational Excellence at the Brunel Tower and on Wednesday, September 19 at the university's Oakfield campus in Swindon.

The free event is open to all adults, with or without retail experience, who are interested in finding out about the range of jobs in retail at all levels.

Speakers at the event include Bernie Maguire, Operations Director of inSwindon - the management company for the Swindon Town Centre Business Improvement District - who will give people an overview of retail developments in Swindon.

Also there will be McDonald's director Paul Booth; branch manager of Waterstone's Joanne Heavens; and Kevin Salter, a leading bookseller. They will give an insider's guide to working in the sector, plus hints and tips on making a successful job application.

A number of other large local employers, including PC World, will also be involved with the event.

Activities will include a competition for the most imaginative window dressing, with prizes for the best display created from an assortment of everyday objects. People will also be able to get information about setting up their own business and one-to-one careers information and advice.

"The event is a chance for people to explore the wide-ranging careers and opportunities within retail," said Janet Lonsdale, widening participation officer at the university.

"It's ideal for people who are looking for a new career, for people interested in training, or people returning to work after a career break."

To book a free place, including lunch, please contact Janet Lonsdale at the University of Bath in Swindon on 01793 328807 or email j.lonsdale@bath.ac.uk. You can also contact Janet to find out about funded childcare for the event.

The event is organised by the university's Broadening Participation team in conjunction with the South West Retail Centre of Vocational Excellence.

The University of Bath is one of the UK's leading universities, with an international reputation for quality research and teaching. It has strong links with its local community, offering its facilities, business acumen and academic expertise to local people and businesses.