Corporate Affairs Community
Communication, messaging, risk, reputation, influencing government
Advocating for retail by communicating its transformation, protecting reputation, and influencing economic and policy environments.
Retail is transforming fast as shopping habits change and businesses invest in new ways of serving their customers.
The Corporate Affairs community ensures that there is a loud and clear voice describing the causes and effects of this transformation and advocating on behalf of the industry. We are focused on promoting and protecting the reputation of the retail industry with its stakeholders, and influencing the economic and policy environment to promote investment and growth. We work with the UK government, and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Current Campaigns
Buy Into Retail
Unlocking economic growth, everywhere; Providing higher skilled, more productive and better paid jobs; And helping the UK build a greener tomorrow.
Budget Campaign
Outlining the impact of the Autumn Budget on the retail industry
National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRCSG)
Tackling violence and abuse against retail workers.
Meetings
Monthly campaign meeting
Get the latest updates across our priority campaigns, and input to our forward plans
Fortnightly comms call
Check in on live media issues and shape our messaging
Every other Tuesday, 12pm-12.40pm.
Devolved Nations
Scottish Retail Consortium
Welsh Retail Consortium
North Ireland Retail Consortium
Members
The following key roles and the teams that report into them:
Corporate Affairs and Communications Directors
Executives/Senior Managers with responsibilities for media relations, communications, government and public affairs across the UK and devolved nations
Associate Members interested in political engagement
Latest Content
Advocating for retail by communicating its transformation, protecting reputation, and influencing economic and policy environments
BlogFrom Awareness to Action: Redefining Retail Leaders with Conscious Leadership
27 Feb 2025
Press ReleaseOne in ten part-time retail jobs at risk
26 Feb 2025
Press ReleaseBRC respond to publication of Crime and Policing Bill
25 Feb 2025
Press ReleaseSales remain afloat amidst stormy January
21 Feb 2025- Member Access
BriefingMedia Weekend Briefing
21 Feb 2025 
Press ReleaseConsumer confidence almost 40pts lower than in July
20 Feb 2025
Press ReleaseNew Year, renewed inflation
19 Feb 2025- Member Access
ArticleBusiness Rates in Northern Ireland finalised
14 Feb 2025 
Press ReleaseDinner trumps roses this Valentine’s Day
14 Feb 2025
NewsBRC Learning x Thrive: Transforming Retail Leadership Development
12 Feb 2025
Upcoming Events
EventLearning ProgrammeBRC Retail Masters 2025
10 March 2025The Form Rooms, Covent Garden
EventWebinarLeading in the Industry: Seeing a Bigger Picture with the Learning Team
12 March 2025Online
EventMasterclassLearning ProgrammeSustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
02 April 2025The Form Rooms
EventCommunity MeetingDeveloping our Welsh and Scottish retail manifestos - workshop – 24 April, London
24 April 202509:30The Form Rooms, 22 Tower Street, London WC2H 9NS
EventMasterclassLearning ProgrammeInclusion Masterclass: Maximising Performance through Belonging
14 May 2025The Form Rooms
EventLearning ProgrammeBRC Summer School 2025
10 June 2025Ashridge House, Berkhamsted- EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Sustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
07 October 202509:00The Form Rooms
What our members say
The BRC allows a fiercely competitive sector to come together on some of the most important issues of the day. When it focuses on the long term topics that require well considered political and legal change it is at its most effective.
The BRC is invaluable in bringing retailers together to discuss crucial topics and then lobby the retailer message to government on our behalf. The BRC’s media presence and focus on promoting the interests of retailers allows us to align on issues impacting the sector.
A very effective business network that provides insight and coordinates industry opinion.
The BRC continues to do an excellent job of supporting the retail sector and its individual members on a wide variety of issues.
Adds a lot to our business, great sounding board, very well connected and able to influence.
A positive and considered voice for our industry, useful learning/ business-focused communities that help our team in their roles, and data insights that help us benchmark our performance.
Community Manager
Stephen Bethel
Corporate Affairs Director
Stephen leads the BRC’s communications and political engagement team, working across the organisation’s priority campaigns. He is an experienced corporate affairs professional with a background in media relations, public affairs and employee engagement.
Stephen spent his early career at the Department for Transport and Ministry of Defence, and has since held senior positions with BAE Systems, Bombardier and Bupa.
Join a community
Join our member communities and get more advice and support on issues that matter to you.
