Start your Retail Leadership journey

Ready to take the first step into leadership, but unsure where to start?

BRC Leadership Essentials is a free, 7-week online retail leadership programme built for emerging managers in BRC member organisations — giving you the practical tools to lead with confidence from day one.

Covering everything from retail fundamentals to commercial decision-making, this retail leadership training is designed to make an immediate impact in your workplace. The best part? It's included in BRC Membership — just complete a short application to get started.

Real Stories, Real Impact

  • The programme gave me practical tools to lead my team more effectively — working through different leadership models and applying them through hands-on exercises made the learning stick. The combination of independent study and action learning calls was a great way to consolidate understanding and share best practice with peers.

    Simon CampStore Manager
  • A really valuable experience. Connecting with other retailers, sharing challenges and hearing different perspectives was incredibly useful — and the mix of practical retail examples and leadership content made it directly relevant to my role. It was great to step back from day-to-day operations and reflect on how we lead and run our stores.

    Kuba KusiakStore Manager
  • If you want to grow as a leader, this is where you start. The programme challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, tap into the knowledge in the room, and engage fully — because you genuinely get out what you put in. New ideas, new opportunities, new perspective.

    Shauna Wilson Certified Restaurant Trainer
  • A genuinely useful programme — a wide range of perspectives, strong networking, and models that really made you reflect. The hands-on activities make it essential for anyone serious about developing their leadership.

    Tom Walker-DrakeLearning Partner and Belonging Lead

Who is this online Retail Leadership 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 – People Management Basics

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.

 
2026 Cohort Dates
Milestones
Cohort 1: March

Onboarding: 10/03/2026

Launching: 18/03/2026

Cohort 2: May

Onboarding: 05/05/2026

Launch: 12/05/2026

Cohort 3: June

Onboarding: 16/06/2026

Launch: 24/06/2026

Cohort 4: August

Onboarding: 26/08/2026

Launch: 02/09/2026

Cohort 5: October

Onboarding: 07/10/2026

Launch: 13/10/2026

Availability
This date is now full — view remaining cohort dates
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Not a BRC Member? 

The BRC is the go-to trade association for British retail, representing over 200 of the UK's leading retailers.

While this free retail leadership programme is exclusive to BRC Members, our flagship retail training programmes — including the BRC Leaders Summer School and the BRC Retail Masters — are open to all retail professionals.

Not sure if your organisation is a member? Head over to our membership page and to check

 

Applications are now OPEN.

As a BRC Retail Member, this course is free as part of your member benefits. Complete the form and we'll be in touch.