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What sort of industry do you work in?

I was lucky to attend this week's Retail Trust London Ball, which included the final of its Search for a Star talent contest open to everyone working in the UK retail sector, which may be as many as 3 million people.

The top four were: Nicola, who won; Victoria; Leanne; and Louise. They were fantastic singers but nervous with it. Each arrived with a back story that demonstrated their willingness to put their hand up and take part and despite nerves to perform in front of a panel that includes pop stars Lis McClarnon and Antony Costa and in front of a gala dinner audience including retail stars such as Sir Phillip Green, Sir Stuart Rose and Theo Paphitis.

What is great for the retail industry is that it is showing it is prepared to invest in its people and they are responding.

The Search for a Star will run again in 2010 and the challenge for local shops is to see if they can encourage their staff to take part too! While there is a chance that you will lose a great member of staff to a career in show business, there is a greater chance that you will help a great member of staff to do an even better job in future.

With a bit of skill, you could also raise money for charity and promote your shop to your local community!
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