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
EventLearning ProgrammeBRC Summer School 2025
10 June 2025Ashridge House, Berkhamsted- Member Access
EventConferenceRetail Reimagined: Insights, Innovation, and Customer Connection in 2025
26 March 202526 March 2025 
EventWebinarLeading in the Industry: Seeing a Bigger Picture with the Learning Team
12 March 2025Online
EventLearning ProgrammeBRC Retail Masters 2025
10 March 2025The Form Rooms, Covent Garden- Event
Property Community Monthly Call
05 March 202505 March 2025 - Member AccessEvent
BRC CEO Exchange Forum: Future Fit, Leading through Disruption
04 March 2025The Form Rooms - Member Access
ReportParticipant Access TEST
03 Mar 2025 
EventUnravelling the hidden costs: effective management of customer returns
25 February 202512:00Livestorm
EventMasterclassLearning ProgrammeSustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
12 February 2025The Form Rooms- Event
BRC - Bank of England Directors' Round Table
12 February 2025Microsoft Teams
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.