WRC

The Welsh 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 and determined by the SRC’s Board.

The devolved administration and Parliament in Scotland are responsible for many levers affecting retail and consumers e.g. income tax, non-domestic rates, local taxes and charges, as well as a plethora of regulations including on the environment and public health.

Membership of the WRC 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 WRC without being a member of the BRC.

Why join the WRC?

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

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

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

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.

Meet the team

Sara Jones
Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium
Sara has a varied and diverse background working across the private, public and voluntary sectors for over 20 years. As Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, she has ten years’ experience working for UK wide retailers, advising them on their engagement activity in Wales and helping them develop their business approach.

A former Council Deputy Leader, she has championed issues around diversity, digital deprivation and social justice, focusing on building community connections across the county. She has previously held the role of Head of Wales for global communications agency Grayling, with extensive experience in working for clients to build their objectives and presence in Wales. Sara sits on the board of the Farmers Union of Wales and Snowsport Cymru.
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David Lonsdale
Director, Scottish Retail Consortium, and Head of Devolved Nations for the BRC
David Lonsdale is the Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, and Head of Devolved Nations for the BRC. Prior to this he was Assistant Director at CBI Scotland for 8 years until 2013, and previously worked at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, rising from Policy Officer to become Head of Policy & Public Affairs.

David’s responsibilities at the SRC involve representing and promoting the interests of the retail industry and member companies to government, policy makers and opinion formers on a wide range of public policy issues.

He is a board member of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, a member of SCDI’s National Policy Committee, a member of the CBI Scotland Council, and former chairman and trustee of Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland.
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