BRC Leadership Essentials
Launching in March 2026 | Virtual learning made free to BRC Members
Kickstart your leadership journey and shape the future of retail
Ready to take the first step into leadership, but unsure where to start?
That’s why we’ve created BRC Leadership Essentials – the perfect starting point for emerging retail leaders keen to accelerate their careers.
Delivered virtually on our flexible learning programme, this programme provides the fundamentals of retail leadership and the insights needed to make an immediate impact in your workplace.
The best part? It’s 100% free to BRC Members – just complete our short application to get started.
Who is the BRC Leadership Essentials programme for?
This retail training programme is 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 value-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 learning content, resources and recordings in one convenient learning hub, powered by Thrive.
Peer networking & community
Build connections with likeminded peers to support your growth long after the programme ends.
Live Learning Groups
Live calls with fellow learners to connect the dots across your learning journey and transform knowledge into action that drives results.
Modules at a Glance
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.
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
Not a BRC Member?
The BRC is the go-to trade association for British retail, comprising of over 200 of the UK’s leading retailers. If you’re not sure if your organisation is a member, you can check here.
While this course is specific to BRC Members, we deliver a range of flagship programmes open to all.
Apply Now
Applications are now OPEN.
As a BRC Member, this course is free as part of your member benefits. Having issues with the form? Submit your interest to brclearning@brc.org.uk.