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Kickstart Your Leadership Journey and Shape the Future of Retail

Are you ready to take the first step into leadership but aren’t sure where to begin? That’s exactly why we created BRC Leadership Essentials — the perfect starting point for emerging leaders who want to understand the retail landscape and accelerate their career.

Delivered entirely online through our user-friendly learning platform, this programme gives you the fundamentals of retail leadership and the practical insights to start making an impact in your organisation immediately.

And the best part? It’s completely free for BRC Members, so there’s no need for a learning request form — just complete our short application to secure your place.

Find out More

Who is the Leadership Essentials for?

It's for emerging leaders across the retail sector who are ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you're:

  • Preparing to move into your first leadership role
  • Looking to strengthen your leadership capabilities
  • Seeking to align your personal growth with your organisation’s goals
  • Passionate about shaping the future of retail through conscious, values-driven leadership

This programme offers the tools, insights, and support to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

 

How it's delivered

Online Learning Platform

All your content, resources, and recordings in one convenient online hub via Thrive LMS.

Peer networking & community

Build connections with peers that will support your growth long after the programme ends.

Live Learning Groups

Connect the dots across your learning journey and transform knowledge into action that drives results.

Modules at a Glance

Welcome Session

Begin your leadership journey by identifying your core values, strengths, and areas for growth. This session includes practical exercises to increase self-awareness and establish clear, achievable goals for your development throughout the programme.

Week 1 – The Fundamentals of Retail

Explore the UK retail landscape, key KPIs, and your organisation’s core values. Learn strategies to build lasting customer loyalty and develop a compelling competitive value proposition.

Week 2 – The Foundations of Good Leadership

Understand the differences between leadership and management, nurture authentic leadership and emotional intelligence, and apply situational leadership and effective delegation. Cultivate empathy within retail and prioritise wellbeing for yourself and your team.

Week 3 – Communicating and Influencing as a Leader

Advance your communication skills by tailoring messages, selecting appropriate channels, and using storytelling to inspire others. Build trust, extend your influence, and adapt your style to connect with varied audiences.

Week 4 – Team Leadership Essentials

Enhance your team leadership by using the GROW coaching model, delivering impactful feedback, and mastering task prioritisation. Lead effective briefings, excel in performance management, and refine your delegation abilities.

Week 5 – Problem Solving & Decision Making

Improve your decision-making by following a structured problem-solving cycle. Learn to use data for insights, manage uncertainty and risk, embed evaluation processes, and understand the impact of AI and generational leadership.

Closing Session – Continuous Improvement and Reflective Practice

Discover how to foster a culture of ongoing improvement through feedback, performance analysis, and implementing change. This final session will guide you in using reflective practice to evaluate your leadership and identify development opportunities, ensuring sustained effectiveness.

Programme Objectives

  • Master Retail Fundamentals

    Gain a thorough understanding of fundamental retail concepts, crucial KPIs, and the factors driving customer value

  • Communicate and Influence with Impact

    Improve your communication skills, learn to influence effectively, and lead teams with assurance

  • Solve Problems and Make Confident Decisions

    Develop practical approaches to problem-solving and decision-making, essential in today’s retail sector

  • Lead Through Continuous Improvement

    Foster a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice to enhance your impact as a leader

 
 

Apply Now

Applications are now OPEN.

As a BRC member, you can join at no additional cost as part of your membership benefits.