North Ireland Retail Consortium
Our mission is to make a positive difference to the retail industry and the customers it serves, today and in the future
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
EventMasterclassLearning ProgrammeSustainability Masterclass
Tue 7 October09:30 - 16:30The Form Rooms
EventRoundtableInternal Comms Forum - 17 September
Wed 17 September14:00 - 16:00The Form Rooms, 22 Tower Street, WC2H 9NS
EventWebinarNavigating legal and tax reform: Building a resilient retail workforce
Tue 16 September11:00 - 12:00Livestorm
EventRoundtableCyber Security – Up to date insights from the experts
Tue 16 September10:30 - 16:00The Form Rooms, Covent Garden
EventExternal EventExcellence in Customer Engagement Summit London 2025
Tue 16 September09:15 - 18:00Convene 155 Bishopsgate, London
EventMasterclassLearning ProgrammeHow to Integrate Nature into your Sustainability Strategy
Thu 11 September09:00 - 17:00The Form Rooms
EventRoundtableChallenging First-Party Fraud: Real Retail Solutions in a Changing Landscape
Wed 10 September12:00 - 15:45The Form Rooms, Covent Garden- Member Access
EventCommunity MeetingCEO Call : With Sir David Bell, Vice Chair Skills England
Tue 19 August14:00 - 15:00Teams 
EventCommunity MeetingFortnightly Comms Call - 29 July 2025
Tue 29 July12:00 - 12:30- Event
Operations Community Call
Thu 24 July11:00 - 11:45Teams
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.