The British Retail Consortium represents UK retailers of all sizes and sectors, and seeks to promote wider understanding of the industrys contribution to the UK economy. This yearbook provides information on the organisation, membership and activities, with a directory of membership. It also contains an overview of the retail trade and the economy, and different perspectives on retail are provided by regulators, government and other interested parties. Particular focus is on the food sector, planning and regeneration, waste management, and retailing in Scotland. The BRCs policy advisory groups also present reports on elements of their areas of interest.

The British Retail Consortium represents UK retailers of all sizes and sectors, and seeks to promote wider understanding of the industry's contribution to the UK economy. This yearbook provides information on the organisation, membership and activities, with a directory of membership. It contains an essay on the value of retailing within the economy as well as other perspectives on retailing, such as: corporate responsibility; emerging markets; falling margins and regional reviews.

The yearbook carries an introductory section about the BRC, with reports and commentaries from senior personnel and advisory groups. The bulk of the yearbook is made up of sections on: retail overview; retail environment; retail management; responsible retailing; payment in retail; virtual retail; retail crime; the future of retailing; and a membership directory.

Now in its 148th edition, The Statesman's Yearbook continues to be the reference work of choice for accurate and reliable information on every country in the world. Covering political, economic, social and cultural aspects, the Yearbook is also available online for subscribing institutions: www.statesmansyearbook.com.

Dated February 2006.

'the most convenient and reliable starting point for information on public affairs' - George J. Mitchell, US Senator. Each copy comes with FREE online access to www.statesmansyearbook.com . Site license upgrades are also available for libraries who wish to network the data. New this year: a chronology of the 'credit crunch.'