British Retail Consortium
The British Retail Consortium " for safe responsible retailing"
is the "lead trade association representing the whole range of retailers, from the large multiples and department stores through to independents, selling a wide selection of products through centre of town, out of town, rural and virtual stores."
Their vision is "To work with our members to create a vibrant and sustainable retail industry for the future."
Their mission statement is "To make life easier for our members by: - Campaigning to promote and defend retailers' interests - Advising retailers of threats and opportunities to their business - Improving the perceptions of retailing in the UK - Offering members a range of services and products which add value to their business"
Contents
Contact Details
British Retail Consortium 2nd Floor 21 Dartmouth St London SW1H 9BP
Tel 020 7854 8900 Fax 020 7854 8901
Board of Directors
They have eight directors on their Board of Directors
Dr Kevin Hawkins, OBE, Director General- 020 7854 8911. Kevin Hawkins was appointed to as Director General in March 2004. This followed nearly 9 years as Communications Director of Safeway Stores plc. He is a member of the Meat and Livestock Commission, the DTI's Retail Policy Forum, Defra's Food Industry Better Regulation Forum and served a four-year term on the Cabinet Office's Better Regulation Task Force. He is also a member of the Scottish Food and Health Council, the food industry Better Regulation forum the food industry Sustainable Strategy Group, the Retail Policy Forum and several other stakeholder groups. He was awarded an OBE in 2004 for his services to the food industry.
Fiona Moriarty, Director Scottish Retail Consortium - 0870 609 3631.
Alisdair Grey, BRC in Brussels - 020 7854 8975. He joined the BRC in 2003 having spent six years in political and corporate communications consulting at EU and international level.
Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Consumer Policy - 020 7854 8930.
Paul Smith, Director of Retail Services Policy - 020 7854 8955.
Gill Cronin, Director of Marketing & Business Information - 020 7854 8970 .
Tessa Kelly, Director of Business Administration - 020 7854 8940.
John Cormode, Chief Executive, BRC Trading Limited - 020 7854 8985
Their aims and objectives
They have a website containing details of the work they undertake in services to their members such as business information on retail pricing but also in policy work and consultations.One of their policy areas is the food industry.
Influencing Government
The organisation claims strong ties with Brussels, Westminster and the three devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They also claim ties with several government departments including DEFRA, the Food Standards Agency, the DTI,the Office of Fair Trading, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills.
The BRC website conatins a section entitled Influencing Government. It contains links to several Government departments and lists the BRCs policy work with that particular department. E.G. in the link for the Depertment of Health the BRC list their policy work as
- Alcohol Harm Strategy
- Food and Health Action Plan (FAHAP)
- Nutrition and Health
- Promotion of Food to Children
Food Policy
Their website states that "British consumers have access to an unparalleled range of safe food, all year round and at all price points, regardless of where they live.
The BRC's Food Policy Team represents the whole range of food and drink retailers including large multiples, department stores and independent shops, selling a wide selection of products through centre of town, out of town, rural and virtual stores.
In 2004, food retailers employed some 1.2 million people (over 5% of the workforce) and grocery retail sales were worth £120 billion. The sector consists of over 61,000 enterprises, contributing 10% to national GDP.
Food retailers believe that the interests of consumers are best protected within a competitive food chain. The Food Policy Team provides information, advice and representation to the BRC's members on issues relating to food and drink. This includes liaison with Government Departments and Agencies and other stakeholders in the modern British food economy. The Team also has responsibility for the BRC's Technical Standards in Food, Consumer Products and Packaging."
Within their food policy the BRC identify several areas of interest; Regulation and Enforcement, Allergens, Food and Farming,Food Surveillance, Health and Nutrition,Healthy Options, Labelling,Microbiology, Product Recall and Traceability, Responsible Drinks Retailing, and Sustainability.
Regulation and Enforcement
The BRC believes that "The most effective way of raising standards in food business is to encourage a more targeted approach to the enforcement of existing legislation." The BRC also supports the Government's drive to achieve ‘Better Policy Making' and believes "this is best achieved through use of the better policy-making framework, and the five principles of good regulation."
