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 - Member AccessEventConference
Retail Reimagined: Insights, Innovation, and Customer Connection
26 March 202526 March 2025 New Image position
04 Mar 2025- Member Access
CEO Call Notes | Matt Coode, OC&C | 12 February 2025
27 Feb 2025 - Member Access
Test article
21 Feb 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
RAM and Illustrative Base Fees Update
27 Jan 2025 - Press Release
Consumers feeling the January blues
23 Jan 2025 - Member AccessReport
2025: BRC Retail Outlook
22 Jan 2025 - On demand
BRC 2024 Insight Round-up Briefing
17 Jan 2025 - Member AccessArticle
BRC shares non-fiscal measures to promote investment with Chancellor
17 Jan 2025
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.