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
- EventLearning Programme
BRC Summer School 2025
10 June 2025Ashridge House, Berkhamsted - EventWebinar
Building Resilience: Cyber Business Continuity Management for Retailers
30 April 202511:00Livestorm - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Sustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
02 April 2025The Form Rooms - Event
Product Safety Community Meeting
28 March 202511:00Teams - EventConference
Retail Reimagined: Insights, Innovation, and Customer Connection
26 March 202512:30The Form Rooms - EventExternal Event
Spending, sentiment & shifts: How 2024 consumer trends will impact 2025
25 March 202510:00 - EventConference
Human Rights in Retail Breakfast Event
25 March 202509:00The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - EventWebinar
Leading in the Industry: Seeing a Bigger Picture with the Learning Team
12 March 2025Online - EventLearning Programme
BRC Retail Masters 2025
10 March 2025The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - Member AccessEvent
BRC Food Net Zero Group Q1 2025
06 March 202513:30
Why join the NIRC

Have a Voice
Ensure you’re heard and your reputation protected through the strength of our influence with media, government and stakeholders

Influence our Lobbying
Anticipate, influence and interpret regulatory changes to mitigate their impact on your business

Supercharge your Learning
Drive business growth by elevating your and your businesses’ leadership skills and knowledge, developing talent and improving retention

Harness best-in-class Market Intelligence
Robust data, benchmarks and monitors to help you track performance and make informed business decisions

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

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.