This week, BRC, members and Parliamentarians packed out Portcullis House's Attlee Suite for our Buy Into Retail reception, a celebration of the great work retailers do to invest in and grow the economy, deliver better jobs and innovate for a net zero, circular economy. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and had stands on the day!

The reception was also a fantastic opportunity to engage with MPs new and old and Peers from across the benches. In total, 35 MPs and Peers joined us to speak with members and understand how policymakers can work with retail to boost its many contributions to UK economy and society. 

There were speeches from both the Government (Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food and Farming) and the Opposition (Kevin Hollinrake, Shadow Business Secretary) who both spoke to the importance of retail to the national and local economies and the need for policymakers to work with retailers to ensure that policy, regulation and tax encourage investment.

Food and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner addresses the reception.

Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake delivers his speech. 

We also had fantastic speeches from Peter Jelkeby (CEO, IKEA UK & Ireland), Julie Abrahams (CEO, Richer Sounds) and Chris Blatchford (Group Chief Technology Office, Kingfisher). Peter, Julie and Chris set out how their businesses are investing and innovating for the future, from shops to people and products.

Peter Jelkeby, CEO, IKEA UK & Ireland

Parliamentarians heard directly about the crucial role retail plays in supporting communities the length and breadth of the country, the investment in jobs and colleagues which allows people in retail to journey from the shopfloor to the boardroom and the industry's concerted efforts to decarbonise and reduce waste. 

Julie Abrahams, CEO, Richer Sounds.

Chris Blatchford, Group CTO, Kingfisher.

There were some excellent discussions with MPs and Peers on the day and BRC has several follow up meetings in the coming weeks on issues from retail crime to business rates, planning and food supply. 

We will be back in Parliament in the new year for our next reception. Keep an eye out for details!