Retail Leadership Programme for Mid-Level Managers
CPD-certified retail leadership programme | 100 years of heritage | Virtual & In-Person | Summer 2026 | From £2,495
From capable manager to confident retail leader — the programme built for the step that changes everything
You're good at your job, maybe great. But somewhere between managing the day-to-day and the leadership role you know you're ready for, something's missing. You're stretched across operational demands, expected to deliver results and inspire your team, balance commercial pressure with purpose, and find the headspace to think strategically. You already know you're capable of more, what you need is the space, structure, and support to make that shift.
The BRC Leaders Summer School is exactly that — a world-class, CPD-certified retail leadership programme built exclusively for mid-level retail leaders, designed to give you the confidence, clarity, and capability to lead with real impact.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The programme equipped me with practical, actionable strategies to lead with integrity and impact—balancing commercial success with meaningful contributions to society and the environment. I left feeling inspired, empowered, and better prepared to drive change that matters.
The BRC course was a brilliant chance to grow, learn, and unlearn leadership. It offered practical tools and fresh insight into the lenses that shape business. I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting to lead with impact. Be ready to be inspired, challenged, and most importantly, to have fun!
The course confirmed I’m on the right path. Real stories from speakers made leadership feel relatable. I learned it’s not about having all the answers, it’s about curiosity, self-awareness, and reflection. Group coaching gave me space to grow. I’m leaving with purpose, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.
Possibly the best course I’ve ever attended. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me show up as my authentic self. Through the four lenses of People, Planet, Profit, Purpose, reflected deeply on myself and others. I now feel confident in my role, and others should too.
I gained so much from the blended format of in-person sessions, online learning, and webinars. Being part of a supportive coaching group was invaluable and continues beyond the programme. I’ve made great connections and return to work with fresh perspective, ready to apply what I’ve learned as a confident leader.
Who is this Retail Leadership Programme for?
Ideal for HR and L&D teams investing in their next generation of retail managers, and for ambitious professionals ready to take the next step themselves.
It's for mid-level retail leaders who:
- Are juggling relentless operational demands with no space to think strategically and know something has to change
- Feel ready for the next level but lack the confidence, structure, or support to make the leap
- Are leading teams day-to-day but struggling to inspire, influence, and bring people with them
- Are expected to deliver commercially and lead with purpose but nobody's shown them how to do both
If you're reading this and nodding, this programme was built for you.
What You’ll Gain
Balanced decision-making
Learn to balance the conflicts of People, Planet, Profit, and Purpose to make confident, values-led business decisions.
Self-aware, adaptive leadership
Strengthen conscious leadership through purposeful reflection that drives understanding and responsiveness to diverse needs.Inclusive team building
Create teams where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Resilience through change
Build the skills to lead yourself and others through disruption with confidence and agility.
Confidence to drive positive change
Feel empowered to elevate experiences and inspire meaningful business transformation.
Strategic innovation
Design and deliver impactful strategies that drive change and consider the bigger picture.
Same programme, two pathways to retail leadership
Both pathways cover the same core content and deliver the same outcomes. The only difference is how and where you learn. Choose the format that fits your life.
In-Person Pathway
Immersive face-to-face experience
Five full days of facilitated learning in Covent Garden, London, complemented by optional Thrive online modules.
- Location: The Form Rooms, London
- Dates: 3rd June to 29th July 2026
- Total hours: ~39 hours (5 in-person days + online)
- Format: 5 in-person days + online learning via Thrive
Virtual Learning pathway
Flexible online leadership development
Bite-sized, expertly crafted modules delivered entirely through Thrive. Learn at your pace, from anywhere.
- Location: Fully online via Thrive
- Dates: 15th June - 10th August 2026
- Total hours: ~23 hours across 6 modules
- Format: Self-paced online learning
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
Both pathways deliver the same outcomes, the right choice simply comes down to how you learn best and what your schedule allows.
Meet the Programme Directors
Sam Redman
Programme Director | BRC Leaders Summer School
Sam Redman is an executive coach and change consultant with over 20 years’ experience in learning, leadership and talent development within the retail sector. She has spent more than a decade shaping culture, leadership and capability at Pret A Manger and now combines corporate consultancy, private coaching and her role as Programme Director for BRC Learning, delivering leadership programmes for retail professionals in the UK and internationally. Sam works closely with senior retail leaders and teams to drive meaningful change, strengthen leadership capability and unlock performance in fast‑paced, customer‑focused environments.
Rob Husband
Programme Director | BRC Leaders Summer School
Rob Husband is an experienced facilitator and trainer with over 25 years’ management experience, beginning his career in retail before moving into the voluntary and public sectors. His work is defined by high levels of participation, honesty and openness, and a strong focus on reflection and inquiry—helping individuals and organisations ask what they do, why they do it, and how they can do it at their best. Rob has designed and delivered training for frontline teams, managers and leaders across voluntary, public sector and blue‑chip organisations, and currently delivers Institute of Leadership & Management qualifications up to Level 5. He is a Myers‑Briggs practitioner and holds a postgraduate diploma in Development Training from St Martin’s College, Ambleside.
BRC Leaders Summer School 2026
FAQ's
Is the Summer School worth the investment?
Over 33% of delegates receive a promotion within 12 months of completing the programme. At £48 a week (early-bird, virtual pathway), it's one of the most cost-effective leadership investments available in retail — and significantly cheaper than an MBA, with outcomes directly relevant to your role in retail.
I'm not sure I'm senior enough — is this right for me?
The Summer School is designed for mid-level retail managers who are ready for the next step — not senior leaders who've already made it. If you're managing a team, delivering results, and feel ready for more responsibility, this programme was built for you. If you're not there yet, perhaps our BRC Leadership Essentials might be the right fit for you.
I'm stretched already — how much time does this actually take?
The in-person pathway is five days across two months, structured so you're not off the floor for a full week at once. The virtual pathway is fully self-paced across around 23 hours of content. Both are designed around the reality of a retail manager's schedule.
What if I can't make one of the in-person dates?
Get in touch before booking and we'll talk through your situation. The programme is designed to be completed as a cohort, but we understand retail doesn't always cooperate with fixed dates.
How do I persuade my manager or HR team to support this?
We can provide a one-page business case document you can share internally, outlining the ROI, CPD certification, and outcomes data. Most employers who see it say yes. Drop us an email and we can help you: brclearning@brc.org.uk.
Is this open to people whose company isn't a BRC member?
Yes — around 37% of our delegates come from non-member organisations and are very welcome. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee, but the programme and cohort experience are identical.
I've done online learning before and didn't finish it — how is this different?
The virtual pathway isn't a passive video course. It's structured, CPD-certified content delivered through Thrive with clear milestones. That said, if accountability matters to you, the in-person pathway puts you in a room with peers facing the same challenges — which most delegates find significantly more motivating.
Will I still build a network if I do the virtual pathway?
The cohort element is stronger on the in-person pathway, but virtual delegates still connect with peers across the programme. Several past virtual delegates have told us the connections outlasted the programme itself.
What do I get at the end?
You receive a CPD-certified certificate of completion, recognised across the industry. More than the certificate, you leave with a peer network, a clearer sense of your leadership identity, and — based on our data — a significantly higher likelihood of progression within 12 months.
With roots going back to 1923, the BRC Leaders Summer School is one of the longest-running, and most recognised, retail leadership programmes in the UK — continuously evolved to meet today's retail landscape.
Invest in your future
With over 33% of participants receiving a promotion within 12 months, the Summer School is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your career.
In‑Person Pathway (3rd June to 29th July 2026)
BRC Members
£2,875 — with over 33% of participants receiving a promotion within 12 months, would you invest £55 a week in yourself to guarantee your progression by next year?
Book before March 2026 and our early-bird price of £2,495 saves you nearly £400. That's just £48 a week invested in building the tools for your future success.
Non‑BRC Members
£3,306 — just £63.57 a week for growth that lasts.
Book before March 2026 and save over £400 with our early-bird pricing.
Not sure if you're a member? Check if your organisation is a BRC member and unlock your discount today.
Virtual Pathway (15th June to 10th August 2026)
BRC Members
£2,180 — with over 33% of participants receiving a promotion within 12 months, would you invest £42 a week in yourself to guarantee your progression by next year?
Book before March 2026 and our early-bird price of £1,895 saves you nearly £300. That's just £35.44 a week invested in building the tools for your future success.
Non‑BRC Members
£2,507 — just £48.21 a week for growth that lasts.
Book before March 2026 and save over £300 with our early-bird pricing.
Enquire now
No hard sell — just a conversation. Early-bird pricing is available until 31 March 2026, saving you up to £400.