City’s eBay partnership takes next step with training centre launch

The next step in Wolverhampton’s partnership with eBay has seen the launch of the UK’s first official Retail Revival Training Centre in the city.

The development is eBay’s latest commitment to Wolverhampton as part of its Retail Revival pilot scheme in which the marketplace is working with 64 local businesses to help them maximise digital sales and demonstrate how online and physical retail can thrive in combination.

Since September 2018 the partnership has seen businesses taking part reach more than £6.5m in sales.

Beyond sales, nearly half of the businesses on the programme (46%) have expanded or plan to expand their business premises since enrolling, while four in ten (42%) have hired or plan to hire additional staff.

The training centre for budding entrepreneurs will be based in Tempest Street at charity Access to Business, whose advisers have received specialist training from eBay’s Concierge Team.

Bert Bassett, eBay’s UK business development director, said: “At eBay, we’re committed to helping small businesses thrive and our partnership with Access to Business is our latest step in helping SMEs across the Black Country. With the expertise of those working at the charity, even more businesses will benefit from skills to increase their sales through eBay, which offers a shop window to 182 million buyers in 190 markets across the globe.”

Josie Kelly, CEO of Access to Business, added: “We are thrilled to have been selected by eBay as the UK’s First eBay Training Centre.  We have developed a close working relationship with Bert and his team.”

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Harman Banger said: “This fantastic news comes during the city’s Business Programme.

“It is yet another example of the strong partnerships we have to support our small and medium businesses in driving our city forward.”