Welcome to the go-to trade association for UK retail

It's good to have you with us. 

Whether you are a retailer active in the UK or you supply services to them... whether you're large or small... whether you sell food or non-food... whether you have physical stores, are a pureplay online retailer or something in between...

We're the trade association that can help you operate competitively, ethically, legally, safely and sustainably.  We do this by giving members a voice that is heard by media, government and other stakeholders, lobbying on their behalf, sharing market intelligence to inform decision-making, sharing insight on best practice from fellow members, and helping them develop their people.

We have three types of membership; one for retailers, one for companies that supply services to retailers, and one for retail trade associations. Want to know how membership would benefit your business? 

Member Testimonials

  • Supports the organisation in multiple areas eg with policy, crime, to HR and capability etc. Improves our knowledge and thought leadership in the retail area. Helps connect and improve network for everyone’s benefit.

    AsifEE/BT
  • They are our partner in both media and public affairs, as well as supporting our retail operations and risk. legal, HR functions etc. We use them proactively as part of our communication and engagement strategies and as a source of data, insights, and support.

    Matt MaguireIkea
  • It is a valuable resource that provides good information and insights. The groups work well and keep my business up to date with what is going on in the industry.

    Karen ScottScotmid
  • Being a 'smaller' retailer it gives us an opportunity to put our point of view across and have our opinion included in any submissions to government which I feel has a stronger impact than 'going it alone'.

    Julie AbrahamRicher Sounds
  • Effective industry networking and ability to share opinions and enagge regulatory / Government bodies.

    Nick OrrinCosta Coffee
  • BRC adds value in many ways, from keeping us up to date on the huge range of issues affecting our sector to acting as the voice of retail to government and media. We appreciate the breadth and depth of expertise, which ensures that updates to members are timely and informative and that responses to consultations, briefing notes, etc, are relevant, credible and well-informed. We value the suite of different forums and platforms and the opportunities these give us for people at all levels in our business to build networks and to share and increase knowledge. We value being able to lobby as part of BRC to support our individual efforts in the issues that matter, mindful of the need for the sector to be as aligned as possible to maximise impact.

    Kari RodgersPrimark
  • CEO meetings; expert groups; rallying around big issues like crime or Employment Rights Bill. You provide a point of contact and knowledge for experts across the business.

    Anja MadsenPets at Home
  • The BRC is the credible voice that government and wider stakeholders listen to as an objective read of the Retail community.

    Michael FletcherSPAR UK
  • Emerging issues and market intel are the key aspects they we currently gain the most value from.

    Allison Swaine-HughesBritish Heart Foundation
  • The BRC is a great support to a small Trade Association like the MIA, it helps collate useful data and provides a valuable entry point/backstop to issues that may impact on our members and allows us to sign-up up to advocacy aims that are mutually beneficial.

    Anthony ShortMusic Industries Association (MIA)
  • Enormous value in navigating the policy and political landscape.

    David Scott/Rami Baitieh Morrisons
  • BRC are a gateway to expertise and insight that as an SME we simply wouldn't get.

    Ed DugganFishpools Limited
  • Joining the BRC has brought significant value to our trade association, opening the door to broader conversations that strengthen our ability to support and advocate for our members. The team is highly knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely engaging. The insights provided through the Monitor are excellent, and the openness and clarity of communication stand out.

    Gemma SaultGiftware Association
  • A trusted and knowledgeable confidante who we highly value.

    Roisin CurrieGreggs
  • Great insight into key trends, themes and providing a sounding board with industry peers.

    Mark WrightJoJo Maman Bebe
  • Helen Dickinson and the BRC play a vital role in representing and strengthening the UK retail sector. Their leadership provides a clear, credible voice on the issues that matter most to businesses like ours, from regulatory change to economic pressures. At Holland & Barrett, we value the BRC’s advocacy and insight, which help create a more stable, supportive environment for responsible and sustainable growth.

    Anthony HoughtonHolland and Barrett
  • An indispensable partner, short form professional advice, guiding us through complex issues.

    Deborah RobinsonOurCOOP
  • Helen and her Team help display a united front for Retail to Government and The Media.

    Peter MacnabAS Watson Ltd.
  • Key business information and contacts are invaluable. Government lobbying is also extremely useful.

    Sue KempAIS Ltd
  • The BRC fosters constructive dialogue and strong advocacy for the retail industry. It provides valuable insights, support, and unity among members, amplifying retailers' voices to influence key legislation. The BRC is a trusted champion and support system for our business.

    Giles HurleyAldi
  • A useful source of guidance/ content regarding relevant legislation, and good at representing our point of view to government.

    Peter WoodAllSaints
  • Essential retail trade body and organisation. Advocates for the industry, leads the conversation internally to retail and externally to Government, media and other external facing organisations. Also our critical friend.

    Darcy Willson-RymerCard Factory
  • The BRC is a reliable and competent source for all aspects of our business . It is however invaluable in times of dramatic change or emergency . It also provides a great business community hub for networking and help. The BRC is also our primary avenue for influencing Govt on our behalf.

    Graham BellKingfisher /B&Q
  • It's extremely useful to have access to the expertise and guidance of the BRC team, and to interact with senior personnel from the retail sector. Collaborative lobbying can be very effective, and the BRC is another pair of eyes and ears for us, when we have a small team of our own, to flag up issues and give us access to contacts and experts.

    Meryl HallsBA
  • The value to us in the insights, resources and support provided.

    Nick Coton Vision Express
  • The BRC provides us with valuable insight into emerging themes and trends. Furthermore, it allows us to share knowledge, benchmark our thoughts, and think differently about the challenges and threats we face across the industry.

    Lakhvir SangheraToolstation
  • Provides a strong network of support from a retail industry perspective, proactive and always on hand to support when the need arises.

    Gavin PeckThe Works
  • We think its important to be part of a well run trade body with real influence , and see the BRC deliver on that for us as a business.

    Nick CollardBensons for Beds
  • Someone always there who “knows”.

    Alex WillsonTGJones
  • The main value for our business is industry insight, keeping up to speed with new legislation & the incredible job that Helen & the team do in representing/lobbying government regards issues affecting the sector.

    Maria HollinsAnn Summers

Become a member, join the community

Our communities are exclusively for our members. Joining is easier and cheaper than you might think. We have 3 types of membership: Retail, Associate and Trade Association.