Among the raft of recent unwelcome news items for the retail sector, The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents 63 of Britain’s major retailers, has looked far beyond the current gloom to a brighter and greener long-term future.
Announcing an ambitious and far-reaching road-map to achieve net-zero emissions from the industry by 2040, the Chief Executive of BRC said, “Climate change is a threat that none of us can afford to ignore. The BRC Climate Action Roadmap is a clear and decisive statement that the retail industry is ready to take on this challenge – to be part of the solution.”
Understanding the BRC Climate Action Roadmap
The plan calls for the whole sector to focus on the entire supply chain, from suppliers to customers. The targets are for stores to be decarbonised by 2030, delivery operations by 2035 and all products by 2040.
It’s a very bold plan that comes at a time when the industry faces multiple challenges and pressures from several directions. It will call for a deep change in mindset from everyone involved – from top management boards to shop floor workers and every corner of operations.
If it is to succeed, the plan will need unprecedented levels of commitment and co-ordination from the entire industry. With the sector under severe financial stress, it will also need substantial practical support from the government, finding ways to tap into the Green Industrial Revolution announced in a policy paper in November – and the substantial resources that are associated with the “Ten Point Plan”.
What’s next?
As a trusted HR partner to the industry, Anthony Gregg Partnership is ready to play its part, by putting our skills, experience and energy behind the initiative and supporting retail management through the change process.
Talent Mapping and Leadership Consultancy will be invaluable as retail management begins the process of change. We’ll also be working with industry leaders to identify and develop the new specialist services that will be called for in areas like training, internal communications and supply chain management.
The BRC has taken a very brave step by announcing such an aspirational and far-reaching plan in the midst of some of the toughest times the industry has recently encountered. But in the long view, it must be the right direction for retail and for the country. Sooner or later, the country and the economy will emerge from the current doldrums. If we work together, the future can be brighter – and greener.
At AGP, we offer unrivalled and industry recognised retail executive search and recruitment services across the UK and Europe. Get in touch today.