The North Ireland Retail Consortium’s mission is to make a positive difference to the retail industry and the customers it serves.
We tell the story of retail, work with our members to drive positive change and use our expertise and influence to create an economic and policy environment that enables retail businesses to thrive and consumers to benefit. Our advocacy positions are informed by our membership in Northern Ireland.
The devolved administration and Assembly in Northern Ireland are responsible for many levers affecting retail and consumers e.g. non-domestic rates and reliefs, local taxes and charges, as well as a plethora of regulations including on the environment and public health.
Membership of the NIRC is a a benefit of membership of the British Retail Consortium, at no extra cost. It is not possible to be a member of the NIRC without being a member of the BRC.
Meet the team
Neil Johnston
Director, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium
Neil Johnston is the Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium. He has worked in public affairs and policy work in Northern Ireland for over 25 years. He has worked for a diverse range of organisations including the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors, the BBC, the RSPB and Northern Ireland’s leading health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.
News
- Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - November 2025
27 November 202511:00 - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - October 2025
23 October 202511:00 - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Sustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
07 October 202509:00The Form Rooms - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - September 2025
25 September 202511:00 - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - August 2025
28 August 202511:00 - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - July 2025
24 July 202511:00 - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - June 2025
26 June 202511:00 - EventLearning Programme
BRC Summer School 2025
10 June 2025Ashridge House, Berkhamsted - Event
BRC Corporate Affairs Community Meeting - May 2025
22 May 202511:00 - EventWebinar
Building Resilience: Cyber Business Continuity Management for Retailers
30 April 202511:00Livestorm
Why join the NIRC
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Have a Voice
Ensure you’re heard and your reputation protected through the strength of our influence with media, government and stakeholders
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Influence our Lobbying
Anticipate, influence and interpret regulatory changes to mitigate their impact on your business
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Supercharge your Learning
Drive business growth by elevating your and your businesses’ leadership skills and knowledge, developing talent and improving retention
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Harness best-in-class Market Intelligence
Robust data, benchmarks and monitors to help you track performance and make informed business decisions
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Access our Insight
Harness the power of our communities to access the best practice and thought leadership you need in an ever-evolving retail environment
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Become a member
Our members come with many different needs. To reflect this, we offer three membership types: Retail Member, Associate Member and Trade Association Member.