After 25 years the Trust is coming to an end and will cease to make funds available during 2025. This is the last opportunity to make an application for financial support. The aim of the European Shopping Places Trust is to aid and support the attainment of professional education and help further the career development of the next generation of professionals.
It does this through sponsorship of individual students through a number of recognised courses.

ESPT is an independent Trust and will consider financing other educational or research initiatives that can be shown to support career development for young professionals working or aspiring to work in the retail and leisure sector including mixed use property, town and city centres.

The ESPT will also consider applications for relevant pan-European Research projects that can inform and highlight future trends in the wider industry in Europe.

The Trust has a reputation for producing industry leading projects such as ‘The Importance of Shopping Centres to the European Economy’ which was widely cited in the media.

To discuss a research project please make contact with a Trustee in the first instance to determine the suitability and objectives of the topic or survey goals.

Young professionals wishing to apply for educational funding should contact the Trust Chairman, Arcadio Gil or Hon Treasurer, Eileen Connolly outlining their reasons for doing so and complete the 2025 Application Form downloadable from here.

Consideration will be given to support for relevant academic courses which support continuous professional development or new skills applicable to the wider retail industry. Priority will be given to young professionals who are connected to their National Councils and shopping places industry as the Trust seeks to support the next generation of innovators and influencers.