Staff Matters Yearbook 2018

Staffmatters
YEARBOOK 2018

Bringing you all the latest
news from Henderson Group

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018

Business entire chain from backhauling goods to
Update 2018 the adoption of ‘shelf-ready’ packaging to
improve store replenishment. And a group-
“As we approach Christmas, I want to bring Technology of the Year’ at the National wide business transformation project has
you up-to-date with how we are doing as a Technology Awards. It’s been a strong year commenced, with new IT systems in the
business. too in markets outside NI; in Australia we pipeline for Finance, Payroll, HR, Wholesale
“It has been a year of tremendous growth for installed more systems than the previous & Retail Replenishment, and Foodservice
our retail business, especially for EUROSPAR. three years combined, and in GB installed Warehousing. This will involve looking at
This format now accounts for half our sales, our first systems with other symbol groups business processes and how we organise
having opened six new stores in 12 months including our colleague SPAR wholesalers. ourselves, so that we continue to optimise
(read highlights from page 10). “Henderson Print has had a record year thus service and productivity.
“Growth prospects for our retail business also far with sales hitting £3m and profits up 50% “It has been another fantastic year in
look good for next year, with seven new stores on 2017. Henderson Foodservice, with sales currently
and major projects to expand the store estate “The addition of new equipment has helped tracking 16% higher than last year. All channels
in the pipeline. The work the property team open up new markets and drive sales growth, have performed well, particularly FTG sales at
are doing continues to enhance a positive enabling us to become a one stop shop for +22% and RoI at +30%.
shopper perception of our brands. Their many clients. As a result, we are budgeting for “The acquisition of BD Foods will further
busy schedule extends to the redevelopment further investment in equipment to cope with enhance our product portfolio and presence
of the Mallusk distribution centre where work demand. Diversification is key to the future in RoI. This year we have opened 63 new
has commenced to build new Foodservice success of Print, and we will be focusing coffee sites, and 727 new accounts overall.
and Fresh Food warehousing facilities. on expanding our large format and digital “Such has been our growth in recent years
“LFL growth in our own stores is over +8% offerings to ensure continued growth. that we have had to add additional Ambient
this year, more than double the market rate. “At Henderson Wholesale, sales were up storage at Copeland’s and move Retail Frozen
We have invested in the ‘food-for-now’ team 12.5% at the end of the 3rd Quarter. This year storage to a site in Larne. We have improved
and trialled new concepts such as in-store we invested an additional £1m to improve our our distribution service through the roll-out of
bakeries and self-serve chicken-bars. retail price competitiveness, in turn helping evening deliveries and increased the number
“Our stores are ‘at the heart’ of communities, improve price perception of our brands. At of service days to selected areas, including
and well over half incorporate a Post-Office; the end Q3 we had opened 17 new wholesale offering a 5-day distribution service into Cork.
the retail team has done a tremendous job accounts and closed only two. We have been “Our long-term strategy for Foodservice
of developing income streams to grow Post successful in recruiting from right across our is based around customer, infrastructure,
Office profitability. competitor set and re-signing all accounts market and people. This involves continuing
that had agreements due for renewal. to embed our “Quality is Served” mission
whilst developing plans to become “Food
“We have wonderful colleagues in our “We continue to invest with retailers to help Experts” (see page 43). Next year will see
business who once again have swept the them develop their stores and to increase further development of our digital presence
boards this year at local and national award store size to extend their store offering. We through content and supplier engagement.
ceremonies, which you can read more about are focusing on the Fresh and Food-for-Now We welcome Cathal Geoghegan on board, as
from page 28. Notably at the UK-wide Retail proposition and have completely revamped our new MD, to build on the firm foundation
Industry Awards (page 32 – 33), where we our enjoy local and The Kitchen ranges that has been laid in recent years.
won Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year, Chilled to provide great evening meal solutions. “We were delighted this year that Foodservice
Retailer of the Year, Community Retailer of These ranges have been redeveloped in was named Employer of the Year at the
the Year, Forecourt of the Year (Carrowdore), conjunction with University of Ulster taste Grocer Gold Awards (page 42), as well as
and UK Forecourt Chain of the Year. testers and launched with an extensive gaining the Investors in People Gold Standard.
“And it has been another strong year of sampling programme (you can read more Continued great charity work has been
growth in Henderson Technology. Over 95% about it on pages 38 and 39). Work on undertaken by the whole team with charity
of stores in the Group now run the EDGEPoS category management has improved partners such as NI Children’s Hospice and
scanning system, and the launch of our ambient ranges and led to a much greater Temple Street Foundation for ROI; our teams
Self-Checkout system led IGD to name it uptake of planograms with excellent sales have raised almost £47,000 to date.
their global innovation of the week in August growth. “So, at the end of Q3, Group sales were up
(read more about it on page 16). We were “We are also working on making our supply +12.7% and profit +12.4% - a tremendous
also delighted that EdgePoS won ‘Retailing chain more efficient, with the focus on the performance going into a busy final
Quarter, and much to be thankful for.
Capital expenditure this year will probably
exceed £42m through developments and
acquisitions. This means we will be carrying

2

over £15m of borrowings in the business, Christmas message
which we feel is comfortable on current “What does Christmas mean to you? Presents, food & drink, family
performance. time? For many businesses, Christmas is the difference between
“The contribution of employees to charity profit and loss. For millions of people around the world, it is God
continues to grow. There are over 1,100 coming into the world as a baby to become its saviour. His arrival
members of staff who take part in the GAYE as surprising as it was unexpected - to a crude stable not a palace.
scheme, and between them they contributed Christ’s life at first seemed no less ordinary, learning his trade as a
over £140k to charities, an increase of nearly carpenter. But the God of the universe demonstrated compassion
8% on last year. At the UK Payroll Giving for mankind by feeding the hungry and healing the sick, his death
Awards we were awarded ‘Best Sustained on a cross the ultimate sacrifice to end oppression and injustice,
Scheme’ which is deserved recognition for sin and death. His life offered for freedom and forgiveness - an
the generosity of our staff. offer to all that we choose to accept or reject. Christmas provides
“I would like to take this opportunity to an opportunity to reflect again on that choice.”
thank each one of you for your enormous
contribution to the success of the business
this year, and to wish you and your families,
a very happy Christmas and peaceful New
Year!”

Contents 4 Martin Agnew 28
4 29 – 31
PERFECT PARTNERS 5 AWARDS 32 & 33
Craic-ing on! 6 HFL Pride Awards 34
SPAR Omagh Half Marathon 6 HRL Awards of Excellence 35
Balmoral Show 2018 7 Retail Industry Awards 2018 36
Oscar Knox Cup 7 Retail Industry Awards Road Trip 37
Peoples Podium 8 Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2018 38 & 39
Belfast Giants Cracker 9 Forecourt Trader Awards 2018
WinterLand at W5 Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience 40 & 41
Magnificent Mela Retailer Awards 2018 41
World Mental Health Day A Little InSPARation 42 & 43
Department News 44
RETAIL NEWS 10 Henderson Technology 45
New stores 2018 11 Aspiring Leaders of the future 46 & 47
EUROSPAR Wallace Village 12 Henderson Foodservice News 48
EUROSPAR Lagan Valley 13 Logistics Apprenticeship Scheme 49
Moundview EUROSPAR 13 RoSPA Awards 2018 50 & 51
Upcoming Stores 2019 14 Autumn Trade Show 52 & 53
Have your say… 15 Christmas News 54
Retailer Milestones 16 Headline Makers 55
SelfService Checkouts Work Inspiration
Long Service Awards 2018 3
CHARITY NEWS 17 2019 Sneak Peek
Age NI News Competition
Marie Curie News 18 & 19
Cancer Fund for Children News 20 - 23
Habitat for Humanity 24 & 25
We Tripled it for Tearfund! 26
Simon Community Christmas Campaign 27

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 PERFECT PARTNERS

SPAR
Omagh
Half
Marathon

Craic-ing on! It was another fantastic year for the SPAR
sponsored Omagh Half Marathon and
The fourth SPAR Craic 10K took place in Gladys Ganiel was a runaway winner of 5k, where 3,500 runners descended
March on St. Patrick’s Day morning, as the ladies’ race after crossing the line upon the Omagh Leisure Centre for
over 1,200 runners braved the bitterly with a time of 36.26 to finish 13th overall. one of Northern Ireland’s premier half
cold conditions to take to the streets of Sinead Sweeney of Queen’s University marathon events.
Belfast for the popular event. AC was second with a time of 36.38, SPAR was on hand to provide plenty
Personal results were plentiful as runners while Gerrie Short from Beechmount of motivation for all runners, most of
who had built up to this challenge as part Harriers was third after crossing the line whom were running for charity, including
of their New Year’s resolution, participat- in 37.54. Henderson’s very own, Sarah Halliday
ed alongside those racing to complete A special mention of congratulations and Tracy Quinn.
the Novosco grand prix series. goes out to Team SPAR who battled the The Omagh Half is a great opportunity for
Following on from the success of the elements and gave it their all. us to get the SPAR brand out in to local
previous three SPAR Craic 10K races, Bel- As the runners finished up, a sea of green communities, and show how much we
fast’s only urban run linked West and East t-shirts descended on the Titanic Slip- aim to support community and wellbeing
Belfast with the route passing through way, and participants celebrated their initiatives across Northern Ireland.
the Gaeltacht and Cathedral Quarters achievements with friends and family. Congratulations to Half Marathon race
before finishing at Titanic Slipways. Reaching fitness goals and achieving men’s winner Stephen Scullion of the
The North Belfast Harriers were double fast times weren’t the only reason to Clonliffe Harriers, with Declan Reed
trouble this year by winning both the celebrate, SPAR charity partner Marie and Gregory Roberts of City of Derry
male and female categories with Philip Curie also received much needed funds Spartans coming in 2nd and 3rd.
Goss and Gladys Ganiel finishing top of to provide their outstanding service in The ladies race was closely run, with
the podium. Northern Ireland. Anne Marie McGlynn taking the number 1
spot, while also breaking a course record
in the process! The male team prize
was won by City of Derry Spartans AC,
with the Ladies Team prize picked up by
Letterkenny AC.

Goss crossed the line with a time of 33.15, We are already planning SPAR Craic 10K
eight seconds clear of Noel McNally of 2019, and we are hoping for even more
Beechmount Harriers. Steven McAlary of staff and public to take part in what is
Springweel Running Club completed the swiftly becoming an essential beginning
podium by finishing with a time of 33.37 to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in
to take third. Belfast.

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PERFECT PARTNERS

Fantastic Four Days at
Beautiful Balmoral!

As the marquees were
pitched at Balmoral Park for
the 2018 Show, the entire
SPAR team was busy making
final preparations for what
was set to be our biggest year
yet.

Not only was SPAR a Platinum Sponsor producers and growers. 20 producers demonstrated experiments to enjoy
of the Show, but we were once again of our enjoy local range sampled their in the kitchen – all safe experiments of
inviting the public to have some family goods with 42,000 of the hungry crowd, course!
fun at our SPAR arena, beside our enjoy sharing their delicious products across all The 2018 Balmoral Show rounded out
local marquee which was packed to the four days. with a new look to our Local Supplier
rafters with plenty to keep show-goers If that wasn’t enough activity in our Awards; The Fresh Innovation Awards
entertained over the four days – we even enjoy local marquee, we also invited and Breakfast was hosted by BBC
had a Royal visit from Princess Anne! the Northern Ireland Ambulance NI’s Jo Scott and Wholesale’s Fresh
University of Ulster’s Food and Service (NIAS) to hold a series of CPR Team rewarded their suppliers through
Consumer Testing team were on hand and defibrillator awareness sessions categories including Excellence in
to launch the very first Super Taster as part of our Heart of our Community Product Innovation, Young Agri-food
campaign in partnership with SPAR. We campaign. Over 3,000 visitors engaged Innovator and we honoured Brian Irwin
recruited a massive 225 Super Tasters, with NIAS, and over 1,500 took the of Irwin’s Bakery for his outstanding
many of whom are now proud SPAR opportunity to learn CPR and use a contribution to the Agri-Food Industry in
Ambassadors! defibrillator on the mannequins. Northern Ireland.

We also had some of our delicious The Belfast Giants took on visitors Well done to everyone who put their
local suppliers there to celebrate our to the marquee for a special puck all in to our biggest Balmoral Show yet,
commitment to sourcing over 75% of our drop and shoot out, and we even and congratulations to all our Fresh
fresh products from those local farmers, had W5 Scientists in Residence who Innovation Award winners.

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Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 PERFECT PARTNERS

Oscar Knox Cup

Not one of us could say we weren’t Oscar Knox Fund, and the annual Oscar took on local sporting legends including
touched by the incredible story of Knox Cup Golf Day. Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes and Mark
#Fearless Oscar Knox who battled High A host of sporting stars lined up to play in Allen, who enjoyed a fantastic day of golf,
Risk Neuroblastoma during his youngest memory of Wee Oscar the weekend be- a BBQ on the 9th, a raffle and lots of fun
years and captured all of our hearts in fore what would’ve been his 10th birth- in memory of the wee man himself.
the process. Sadly, Wee Oscar passed day, and SPAR was delighted to come on Well done everyone, what a great cause
away in 2014 aged just five years old, but board as Title Sponsor for the first year. to be part of.
his incredible parents, Stephen and Le- We even had a couple of teams who
ona, have kept his memory alive with the

Peoples Podium

As part of SPAR UK’s partnership with Alison was presented the cheque for
British Athletics, we were delighted to £10,000 by leading local hurdles com-
bring a boost to community sport in petitor Megan Marrs from Belfast, before
Northern Ireland with the first ever Peo- travelling to London with three other
ple’s Podium. regional winners to attend the Games,
Over the summer, local people had the where they officially received their
opportunity to nominate individuals sup- awards and rubbed shoulders with many
porting sport in their local communities stars from British Athletics.
for the chance to win £10,000 for their Paddy Doody commented; “Without
chosen project and a place on a special committed individuals like Alison giving
“People’s Podium” at the Muller Anniver- up their time and effort, community
sary Games which took place in July. sport simply wouldn’t exist.”

Our worthy winners from Northern Keep an eye out for the 2019 People’s
Ireland were Abbey Gymnastics, led by Podium launch early next year to see
Alison McMullan who was put forward to how you can nominate some worthy
the SPAR People’s Podium Award by a candidates in your communities.
parent of one of her club members and
was one of five regional winners from
across the UK.

6

PERFECT PARTNERS

A cracker event with the
Belfast Giants

The marketing team organised the SPAR journalists and their families, some of
NI ‘cracker’ Giants match evening at the whom also took on our challenge to wear
start of the new season, as part of SPAR’s a Christmas jumper! Guests were treated
partnership with SSE Arena. to some pre-game snacks, games and
We created an animated invitation for drinks in the SPAR box, which was decked
our specially selected guests, made up in decorations and 12 Deals promo infor-
of journalists and their families, who were mation.
keen to attend a match and hear about SPAR will continue its partnership with
SPAR’s plans for Christmas ahead of the the SSE Arena, including selected gigs
12 Deals of Christmas campaign which and concerts as well as provision of the
was due to go live the following week. box for selected Belfast Giants Games.
We welcomed Q Radio presenters, trade We would highly recommend trying to get
magazine editors and daily newspaper to a match and enjoy an action packed
night on the ice!

Winter Wonderland
staff day out at W5

As part of SPAR’s continuing partnership had a great day out; “It was a fantastic For anyone who didn’t get the chance
with SSE Arena, this festive season way to start the festive season! My to attend the staff day, W5’s Winterland
we offered all our staff the chance to young daughter loved the ‘Discovery’ Express is open until Fri 21stDecember.
take a journey to the fairy tale world of area of W5 where she got to paint on The Winterland Express is a short train
Winterland at W5! They rode on the a digital canvas in the Art Studio, play ride that is FREE with general admission
Winterland Express, travelling through animal sounds in the Farmyard, paddle to W5. To guarantee a place, the
the enchanted forest into the icy cavern in a virtual rock pool in the Beach and Winterland Express must be pre-booked
to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland she even got to visit the SPAR shop! We via w5.co.uk/booking or by ringing 028
Castle. Staff also had the opportunity were also lucky enough to ride on the 9046 7790/7793.
to visit all of W5 including ‘Spacebase’, Winterland Express train which was a
‘Discovery’, ‘Climbit’, ‘Go’ and ‘See/Do’. lovely seasonal treat for her. She is finally
Sara Murphy, from the Marketing old enough to understand what ‘winter’
Department, who attended the staff day and ‘Christmas’ is, so she was really
in December with her family said she excited about that!”

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Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 PERFECT PARTNERS

Magnificent
Mela

The day was full of celebration of
cultural diversity, and despite the rain,
we had many curious visitors stop by
our SPAR stand to taste some quick
and tasty meals by Chef Adrian Martin
from the enjoy local range. Chef Adrian
demonstrated the combination meals
that can be created with a little in-
SPAR-ation using some staple, simple
ingredients from our convenient ranges.

The 12th annual Belfast Mela Julian Simmons MC’d while Chef Adrian
took place in August, and this cooked amongst the colourful, musical,
was the first year that SPAR all-singing and dancing Belfast Mela
took its position as headline which we were delighted to be part of.
sponsor for the event which We’re already looking forward to next
attracted tens of thousands year!
of visitors from Belfast and
beyond to Botanic Gardens.

8

PERFECT PARTNERS

SPAR Dungannon
supports World
Mental Health Day
Each of the partners hope this week will
SPAR Dungannon marked World Mental Health Day this year inspire others elsewhere to get involved
by sponsoring an event aimed at promoting positive mental so that their work can be built upon in the
health for children and young people. future.
Claire explained that young people are
“bombarded with life” and that the most
important thing is that positive commu-
nication is opened up.

The local retailers sponsored an event in The five-step programme, launched on “My passion is for the kids and I want
the town which saw residents come to- the dedicated World Mental Health Day, them to know it’s not a big deal if they
gether to help children and young people was driven by local teacher Claire Kerr, need to come forward and ask for help.”
living in the town to take better care of who is head of pastoral care at the Royal Claire has been overwhelmed by the
their mental health. School, Dungannon. Claire has been able support they have received to get the
Participants in the event gathered to to gather support for the event from important message spread.
hear from teachers, religious leaders, Dungannon Swifts FC, local schools, “If we all work together as a community
sports coaches and medical profession- activity clubs, churches, and businesses that’s going to be really powerful. At the
als who each provided useful advice on including local SPAR retailers. end of the day, we want to open conver-
how to promote positive mental health The store provided over 7,000 bottles of sations and equip our neighbours and
and made sure young people knew who water for those taking part in the physical friends who are facing these issues to
to turn to if they needed to ask for help. exercise element of the afternoon, which feel confident enough to come forward
highlighted how useful daily exercise and discuss their problems and access
can be in the fight against poor mental the help that they need.”
health.

9

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 RETAIL NEWS

New stores 2018

Congratulations to all who have opened a new SPAR,
EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA or VIVO Essentials store in
2018! Here’s our list of openings and conversions.
We’re delighted to have opened five new EUROSPAR
community supermarkets in 2018 and you can read more
about some of the flagship outlets over the next few pages.

Name Brand Town / City
Moundview Service Station EUROSPAR Dromore
EUROSPAR Lagan Valley EUROSPAR Lisburn
E Lennon & Son Ltd SPAR Castlewellan
EUROSPAR Wallace Village EUROSPAR Lisburn
Donaghy’s Beragh Ltd SPAR Beragh
SPAR Hospital Road SPAR Omagh
Cojaniel Ltd – Ráth Mór EUROSPAR Rathmor
Lynch’s EUROSPAR Skeog EUROSPAR Skeog
Whitecross Filling Station STAR VALUE Whitecross
Innisduff Ltd ViVO Essentials Magherafelt
Brian Pogue Rathcoole ViVO Essentials Newtownabbey
OH Enterprises Ltd ViVO Essentials Currynieran
Stevies Farm Shop Ltd STAR VALUE Derry
David Hetherington VIVO Essentials Macosquin
KPP Developments Ltd Burren VIVO Essentials Warrenpoint
Oakland Stores Ltd Morelli’s STAR VALUE Carrickfergus
JMN Retailers Ltd VIVO Essentials Derry
Brian McConnell VIVO Essentials Carrickfergus
McCloskey Oldpark Road VIVO Essentials Belfast
BNR Stores Ltd VIVO Essentials Lurgan
BIA Maith Ltd (Boyles Café) STAR VALUE Ballycastle
ViVO Whitegates VIVO Essentials Newry
Fallones Throne STAR VALUE Newtownabbey
O’Hares ViVO Mayobridge Ltd ViVO Essentials Mayobridge
The Glebe ViVO ViVO Essentials Strabane
JMG Enterprises Ltd STAR VALUE Derry
Causeway Vision Ltd STAR VALUE Newtownabbey

10

RETAIL NEWS

They
think it’s
all open…

it is now! Michael O’Neill, Northern The EUROSPAR occupies the ground
Ireland Football Team’s floor of a 22,000 sq. ft, three-storey
esteemed manager officially building, and features an adjoining eight-
opened EUROSPAR Wallace pump petrol station.
Village in August with During the opening celebrations, Michael
fantastic celebrations at the O’Neill pulled together an elite team
store. for the next generation of our national
football team from the scores of
The 10,000 sq.ft community youngsters who showed up to impress
supermarket comprises a butcher, him during our Ginster’s penalty kick
Occasions collection of cards, cakes and competition!
flowers, a Daily Deli food-to-go counter Michael Barr, EUROSPAR Wallace
and Barista Bar coffee services, and Village Store Manager said their team
has employed 40 staff from the local are settling in well in the area and have
community, and Mr O’Neill was on hand taken plenty of time to get to know their
to greet them all at the official opening. new customers; “we had a brilliant time
EUROSPAR Wallace Village is part of the getting to know more of our community
£10 million Wallace Village development at our official opening celebrations. We
in Lisburn - a mix of retail and residential have so much to offer the community
offerings in a high-end, Georgian style. here from everyday value products, to
Henderson’s own-brand ranges including
The Kitchen and enjoy local.”

11

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 RETAIL NEWS

EUROSPAR
Lagan Valley

EUROSPAR Lagan Valley advantage of the variety of products and cheese swirls and Monterey Jack cheese
on Hillsborough Road has services from Daily Deli and The Carvery twists and artisan breads like Sourdough
undergone a significant hot food services, which includes a Boulots.”
transformation from its days chicken bar and ready to go ranges. The Bakery will also offer products
of SPAR, and 22 new staff The supermarket has also welcomed from local suppliers Country Kitchen
have joined the Henderson Richardson’s in-store butchery counter, and Yellow Door. Shoppers can seek
Group family. which will offer a popular 3 for £10 range. inspiration for their bakery products from
Store Manager Paul O’Halloran is the handy recipe cards showing how to
If you get a chance, pop in to the immensely proud of the new outlet use bakery goods for family meals.
supermarket as it is the first in the UK to which is a huge asset to the town and Getting to and from the store has also
open The Bakery – a SPAR International boasts many local products as well been made easier for shoppers thanks to
concept that will offer a diverse range as brand new service concepts; “I’m the addition of 11 new carparking spaces,
of over 50 products with in-store baker, delighted to be the first EUROSPAR in the bringing the total number of spaces to
Nathan O’Doherty. Nathan will be on UK to offer ‘The Bakery’ concept. The 64 on site.
hand to advise shoppers on breads and in-store baked product range is diverse.
offer samples before making purchases It includes warm products like ham &
– we predict this is a service that is going
to be popular when it gets a bigger roll
out in more stores.
The all-new community supermarket for
the area opened in August and has been
welcoming local shoppers who are taking

12

Moundview
EUROSPAR
Dromore

EUROSPAR Dromore was the third all-new community “We demolished our old store and
supermarket to open in the summer of 2018, bringing with it converted the space into additional
an outlet that is three times larger than what once stood on car parking. We opened under the
the Moundview Service Station Site in Dromore. EUROSPAR brand as The Henderson
Group’s range of products and same
Moundview now features a 6,000 sq. Chris says; “Having started working in day delivery means we can fulfil the
ft supermarket which boasts a deli and the retail sector when I was 16, I’ve learnt needs of our customers. The new store
butchery counter, as well as a forecourt the importance of good customer care. has a butcher’s counter, salad bar and
with 24-hour pay at pump facilities. Our business has expanded into more Barista Bar coffee station and offers a
It’s a family affair at Moundview with Chris than just a convenience store, with our wide variety of locally sourced products,
McDonald and his wife overseeing the customers now wanting a complete available through Henderson’s enjoy
management of the business and the shopping experience, delivered by the local and The Kitchen ranges. The store
expansion, and their five children working EUROSPAR brand. The retail sector is very much a family business.”
in the store. has changed in the last few years, with We wish every success to the McDonald
customers preferring to do several small family and their new community
shops throughout the week. supermarket!

Upcoming Store Projects 2019

After a bumper year, there are several new store projects in
the pipeline for 2019, here’s a preview…

EUROSPAR Glenavy Road EUROSPAR Banbridge EUROSPAR Rossdowney
* SPAR > EUROSPAR (Extension) * *Brand New Store* * Refurb (Knock down & Rebuild) *

EUROSPAR Millisle SPAR Sunnyside Street
* Brand New Store * *Brand New Store*

13

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 RETAIL NEWS

Have your say… on 2018’s This month, Henderson
key store developments Foodservice’s first ever Barista
Bar Café is opening in the new
With a great year of openings and expansions behind us, SPAR Fortfield store. Here, Julia
three of our Retail Business Development Managers and Galbriath, Henderson Foodservice
one Marketing Manager from Henderson Foodservice Marketing Manager comments on the
comment on some of the key projects which opened expansion of the brand from in-store
their doors this year. coffee option in 2014, to a sit-in café
just four years later.
Stephen Turner, “The team at Moundview now have
BDM VIVO Essentials Rathcoole an extensive deli and hot food-to-go “Launched in 2014, Barista Bar is the
counter, with options from their new number one on-the-go coffee brand in
“In March this year, Brian Pogue opened homemade range of products that are Northern Ireland available in over 340
his third store, trading as a ViVO made in-store in their new prep kitchen, SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO & VIVOXTRA
Essentials in Rathcoole. Brian completed Moundview Fresh & Local. stores.
a total refit to include new flooring and “We’re delighted with the opening and
ceilings, as well as brand new refrigeration reception of the supermarket so far; with “Building on the brand’s success and
and shelving. all of the above services as well as a new recognising the rise of coffee shops as
butchery counter and pay at pump fuel a social hub in all communities, we are
“The refit allowed Brian to install new offering, sales have leaped +94%, with now launching the first sit-in Barista Bar
technologies, services and products for footfall growing by 22%.” Café, in the brand new SPAR Fortfield,
his shoppers. The store now has EPoS Carrickfergus this month.
installed to enhance the shoppers’ check Ciaran Quinn,
out experiences, plus an ATM on site for BDM- EUROSPAR Skeoge “Over 22,000 cups of Barista Bar coffee
added convenience. are sold every day to busy coffee lovers
on the move, but shoppers also want
“Brian’s ViVO Essentials now also “EUROSPAR Skeoge is the fifth outlet a relaxed sit-in environment for those
provides Barista Bar coffee, treats and from the Lynch Group, which opened in occasions where they have a bit more
snacks, as well as a new hot food-to-go November this year. The group already time to catch up with friends, have
counter providing breakfast, lunch and runs a EUROSPAR in Draperstown and business meetings, treat the kids or just
dinner options throughout the day.” three SPAR stores in Claudy, Dungiven to relax and enjoy.
and New Buildings.
“The extensive drinks menu features
Laura McLean, “The Skeoge store has a range of original our new Barista Bar premium pour-over
BDM- EUROSPAR Dromore features to cater to the major residential single origin coffee, complemented
redevelopment of the neighbouring area, by loose-leaf teas, hot chocolate, chai
“EUROSPAR Dromore was purchased offering shoppers an extensive Daily Deli latte, cold coffee blends and more, with
by Henderson Retail in 2017 and traded and hot food-to-go counter, as well as a alternative milk options to cater for all
as a SPAR until June this year when it re- local butchery counter, Morelli’s Scoop tastes. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, a
opened as a EUROSPAR. Ice Cream and an extensive Home Meal snack, a healthy option or an indulgent
Solution prepared fresh in-store, as well treat, our range of products has it
“We worked closely with store manager as EUROSPAR supermarket offering. covered.
Chris McDonald from flattening the “We will continue to work alongside
original store to making way for the Lynch’s as the development of the store “With an extended colour palette
new forecourt and customer facilities, continues in January, when a Post Office adding copper and grey to our signature
from toilets to parking spaces, before will open on site. The shopper feedback vibrant blue, super comfy armchairs,
moving on to the build of the 5,700 sq. ft on the new supermarket so far has charging ports, free wi-fi and chilled out
EUROSPAR community supermarket. been fantastic, with all agreeing that the background music, Barista Bar café is
promise of value, quality and service has the perfect escape from the busy world
been delivered.” outside and we’re so excited to debut
the concept in Carrickfergus with our
official opening on 14th December.”

14

RETAIL NEWS

Retailer Milestones

Two independent retailers have been honoured for their contribution to the industry and tenure as retailers
with the Henderson Group. Both Peter McBride and Eamon McKillop celebrated 30 years as SPAR retailers
in 2018. Here’s more about both Peter and Eamon’s family businesses and careers with SPAR.

Peter McBride honoured McKillop’s SPAR celebrates 30 years being in the
for contribution to local heart of their community
community and retail
industry

Peter McBride, Director of McBride The family behind SPAR Fry’s Road in He says; “Over the years, we have
Retail Group, has been honoured for his Ballymena are celebrating 30 years of provided sports day kits to local schools
contribution to the local community, as being part of the community this year. such as Braidside Integrated P.S &
well as his on-going commitment to the Since 1988, Eamon McKillop’s SPAR St Brigid’s P.S., and have been heavily
retail industry in Northern Ireland, and on Fry’s Road has been a pillar of involved with local sports clubs including
further afield. the community, providing every day Ballymena Swimming Club, St. Patrick’s
Peter, who runs 12 SPAR stores in essentials and services, as well as Basketball Team, All Saints Gaelic Club
Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh, support of the local area through job and Ballymena Rugby Club”
celebrated 30 years as a successful creation and supporting numerous local
independent retailer this summer groups and charities. Paddy Doody added; “Eamonn is one of
which was noted with a special lunch The McKillop’s store is a second- our most respected retailers. He is very
celebration at Lough Erne Resort & Spa generation family-run business, retaining well-known throughout the Ballymena
with his retail and business development its family atmosphere; Eamon’s wife area and this is testament to the
team. Anne-Marie and children, Nadelle, Ronan enormous contribution he has made to
It was timely as the Retail NI initiative and Corey also work alongside him in the the community throughout the last 30
“Independents’ Day” which falls on the store. years.”
4th July and encourages shoppers to The store and its services have
visit their local retailers on the day and developed to meet community Eamon says of working with the
throughout the year, was also taking demands over the past 30 years with Henderson Group; “In terms of financial,
place. This included a special Q Radio three major refits, taking place in 1999, logistical and product and marketing
helicopter, which landed at Lough Erne 2002 and the most recent taking place support, The Group has been a great
Resort and interviewed Peter and our in 2012. partner. The team has provided daily
very own Paddy Doody, live on air. The investments in the business help and guidance and has continued to
Peter opened his first store in mean constant improvements for the work hand in hand with us for the past 30
Mullaghmore on 4th July 1988, followed shoppers who rely on the store for every years. They are an invaluable company
by the acquisition of the Gortin Road day basics and grocery shops, which has to have taken this journey with.”
SPAR in 1995. In 1997, McBride’s SPAR ensured McKillop’s SPAR as a fixture in
Dromore opened, and the 00s were full the heart of the community. To celebrate 30 years in the community,
of relocations and renovations, while At a recent SPAR UK conference, SPAR Fry’s Road enjoyed a throwback
four more stores opened between 2010 the team were recognised for their to the 80s earlier this year, with a range
and 2012. In recent years, the McBride’s outstanding contribution to the local of popular products being sold for just
team has invested in renovations and community, which, for Eamon is at the 88p. The family also held a family fun day
extensions of their leading stores, setting heart of everything they do. for everyone in the area and even gave
the bar high for independent retail away fantastic prizes including Afternoon
throughout the network. Tea in the Galgorm Resort & Spa, and a
Keep up to date with all McBride’s news luxury two-night break at Ramada Encore
and the upcoming celebrations by Belfast, which was won by Stephen
visiting www.mcbrideretail.com. Campbell.

15

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 RETAIL NEWS

Henderson Technology debuts a full site survey, as well as advice on
self-service checkouts queuing plans which are conducted on a
site by site basis.
This year, we introduced new technology that enhances the “Other considerations which should
shopper experience in our stores – EDGEPoS Self-Checkout, be undertaken before purchase and
developed by Henderson Technology. installation range from your checkout
design and POS material, for example,
Darren Nickels, Head of Henderson “The EDGEPoS Self-Checkout’s point will your chewing gum stands need
Technology tells us about its debut in the of difference from other products on remerchandised? Retailers will also need
market place, and the plans to further the market is that it gives retailers more to consider training and communication
develop the equipment across all stores. choice to utilise space throughout the for staff; how and when to intervene, as
“The newly developed self-checkout store thanks to our design being so much well as managing customer expectations
concept was installed into its first test smaller and more streamlined. This not and experiences on the self service tills.
site, EUROSPAR Ashbury, in April 2018. only enhances the shopping experience, “We’re looking forward to installing further
The feedback we have received to date but provides opportunity for better and checkouts throughout the retail network
has been excellent. smoother store management. and would encourage all store managers
“Thanks to our research and knowledge “As our trial site has received such to consider this upgrade in technology
of market trends, we came up with a positive feedback from both store that will enhance operations throughout
new approach to the self-checkout management and shoppers, we are now their property.”
experience requiring less labour, space in the process of expanding to further The EDGEPoS Self-Checkout is
and capital to install. sites across Northern Ireland. Each install now available to pre-order from the
comes with a full POS kit, and can be Henderson Technology Sales Team,
installed on any EDGEPoS till less than quotes are subject to site surveys.
five years old. Our service also includes Contact 028 9094 1900 or email
[email protected]

16

CHARITY NEWS

VIVO tees off for Age NI

Continuing their brilliant work for Age NI, There were over 80 golfers in The total raised was a fantastic
VIVO retailers held a golf day at Omagh attendance, with 10 retailers hosting four
Golf Club to raise further funds for the balls. After 18-holes, there was hospitality £4,810! Congratulations to
great work and services provided by Age and entertainment in the Club House,
NI. where a raffle was hosted and many all organisers and those who
amazing prizes from golf shoes to clubs took part.
and clothing were won.

17

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 CHARITY NEWS

As Spring blossomed, so did the Great Daffodil Appeal,
which SPAR retailers were involved with for the second year
running.

Over £10,000 was raised across the During the Tea Parties, our fantastic
group – an exception total – well done partners Kingsmill and Ormo donated
everyone! 10p from the sale of every white
This was quickly followed by the annual sliced loaf and six-pack pancakes to
Blooming Great Tea Party in June, which the campaign, and Irish News even
saw over 200 SPAR stores hold a tea donated 10p from every copy of the
party in their local community. So many paper sold over that weekend.
of you went the extra mile, with family Spring was a busy time for Marie Curie
days and face painters, as well as baking fundraising, as at the Balmoral Show,
your own traybakes and offering them to our now legendary red Stetsons raised
the community for a donation to Marie a whopping £18,260 for the charity. You
Curie, which brought our total to over can read more about our fantastic four
£54,000 in just ONE MORNING! days at the Balmoral Show back on
page 5.

That means that in just over two years,
we have raised over £200,000 for
Marie Curie. Well done, everyone!

18

CHARITY NEWS

Why not trek Day 3 Day 6
in South Africa
in 2019 for Tiger Falls and Bushmen Art site Witsieshoek Mountain Resort
Marie Curie
in Northern 5 hours walking 5-7 hours walking
Ireland We begin with a reasonably relaxed We set off from Mahai to begin our
circular walk, starting out from the walk up the mountain. The first ascent
If all our spring fundraising has inspired campsite. We will follow the path up the takes us through the Mahai Valley,
you to do more for Marie Curie, maybe ridge, through grasslands and Protea maintaining a fairly easy gradient towards
you fancy taking part in the trek that will trees into the indigenous yellowwood Witsieshoek Mountain Resort, past the
be taking place in 2019. Here’s our handy trees to lookout rock, giving us amazing Mahai falls and through the Basuto gate.
day by day guide to what you can expect views over the Royal Natal Park. In early
across the nine days… afternoon we will walk mainly along the Day 7
main road to the Bushmen Rock art
Day 1 painting site. We will be led around by Amphitheatre Summit –
a local guide and have a short talk on Johannesburg – London
London – Johannesburg Bushmen art before walking back to the
We leave the UK on an overnight flight to campsite. 5-7 hours walking
Johannesburg. After breakfast we will gradually ascend
Day 4 the Great Escarpment before reaching
Day 2 the top of the Drakensberg Mountains
Tugela Gorge walk and the highest point of our trek, at
Johannesburg – Royal Natal 2950m. From here we walk to the lip of
National Park in Northern 5-8 hours walking Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall
Drakensberg We walk along the Tugela Gorge, one in the world. We will take some time
We arrive in Johannesburg. From there, of the most spectacular walks in to enjoy the fantastic scenery before
we have a four hour transfer to the the area. We follow the Tugela River, returning to Witsieshoek Mountain
Royal Natal National Park in Northern making our way closer to the dramatic Resort to celebrate our achievements.
Drakensberg. We stay in a beautiful amphitheatre. At the bottom of the
campsite with excellent facilities and gorge we see the Tugela waterfall, the Day 8
in the evening enjoy a traditional South highest in South Africa.
African Braai – or barbeque. Johannesburg – London
Day 5
After a leisurely start, we pack up camp
Protea and Yellowwood forests and then transfer directly back to the
and Cannibal cave airport for our overnight flight home.

5-6 hours walking Day 9
We will enjoy another full day walking in
the Royal Natal National Park. From the Johannesburg – London
campsite we walk towards the Grotto,
‘Camel Humps’ and on to Surprise Ridge. We arrive back in the UK.
The path takes us through Protea and If you would like more information,
Yellowwood forests and the views from contact Lucy McCormack via
the ridge show the entire Sunqubala [email protected].
valley. The majority of the walk will be Please ensure you discuss with your Line
on an uphill gradient with a few short Manager before sign up!
steep sections. Tonight is the last night
of camping. On day 6, we transfer to
bungalows in the Witsieshoek Mountain
Resort.

19

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 CHARITY NEWS

Thanks, a Latte!

The annual coffee morning We were absolutely blown away once Q Radio’s Errol and Adelle provided
for Cancer Fund for Children again by the enthusiasm and generosity entertainment and fun at P&G
raised an extraordinary of our staff and shoppers across the EUROSPAR in Portadown, broadcasting
amount of money for our EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA network. the ‘Q Saturday Brunch’ show live, while
EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA They made our second Coffee Morning a face painters and family entertainment
charity partners this year. huge success and raised even more vital took place at selected stores in other
funds to keep this amazing organisation regions. Each store also held a Bake Off
Surpassing 2017’s total by over £20,000, front and centre of children and young instore to encourage further donations,
our generous staff and shoppers raised peoples’ lives who are going through with each winner receiving a £50
almost £60,000 in one morning across cancer treatment. voucher to spend.
57 stores in March. Every single penny will
go towards vital services that the charity In one morning, stores welcomed almost The total amount of money donated by
provides for children, young people and 85,000 shoppers across 57 EUROSPAR EUROSPAR shoppers to Cancer Fund
their families who are affected by cancer and ViVOXTRA supermarkets, who for Children is now up to over £950,000
in Northern Ireland. drank around 15,000 Barista Bar coffees since the partnership began seven years
and cups of tea, enjoyed about 6,600 ago.
traybakes and raised a total of £57,078
for such a worthy cause.

20

CHARITY NEWS

We’re aiming to
Make it to £1 million

September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so
no better time for us to have launched a campaign which
celebrates all the support and services we as a Group have
fundraised for the Cancer Fund for Children over the past
seven years.

We are now on a final push to Make it services facilitated by fundraising from and VIVOXTRA’s social media, meet the
to £1million, an unbelievable amount of our fantastic EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA families who are helping us spread the
money that is making a huge difference stores, staff and management as well as word about our campaign, to find out
to children, young people and their teams in HQ. how you can get involved to help us Make
families, living with cancer in Northern We’re currently sitting at just over it to £1 Million!
Ireland. £950,000, so keep an eye out on HORIS www.EUROSPARNI.com
Over the past few months, we have and our internal screens to find out www.facebook.com/VIVOXTRANI
been working closely with Cancer Fund more about the campaign, and in the www.facebook.com/EUROSPARNI
to develop special branding, dedicated meantime, you can learn more about the
web pages, and creating new content kind of services we help the Cancer Fund
with families that have been using for Children implement via EUROSPAR

21

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 CHARITY NEWS

The Journey to tackling the Grand
Canyon for Cancer Fund for Children

Jade Manning, Large Format Assistant Brand Manager,
Henderson Wholesale takes us through the preparation
needed for one of the biggest Treks our teams have taken on
for Cancer Fund for Children – The Grand Canyon! Over to
you, Jade…

It was decided and confirmed in May office to lodge the money. We were date moved ever closer, the mammoth
last year that a team from Henderson excited to watch the total rise and get physical aspect of the trip started to sink
Group were going to go to trek the closer to our target. We also all set up our in. However, as a team, we knew we had
Grand Canyon in May 2018 to raise own Just Giving pages and Payroll Giving, to take this head on and for the last few
well-deserved funds for EUROSPAR and and it was all starting to make a huge months after work, a few of us would
VIVOXTRA charity partner, Cancer Fund difference; every penny really helped! meet to tackle the climb up and down
for Children. By the time May this year came around, Cavehill to really get our leg muscles used
we had a fantastic running total of to what might lie ahead in the Grand
I thought to myself; “loads of time to raise over £66,000 – just amazing! All made Canyon!
funds and prepare!”. We received plenty possible by our fantastic and generous Our boots were broken in, our bags
of advice and help on how to fundraise friends, colleagues and family, not to were packed, and once we had our final
from Henderson’s previous trekkers mention such great support from the briefing and all our wonderful well wishes,
which helped get our heads around the company. all we had to do was get out there and get
task ahead. Now that everyone was making great started…
progress with the fundraising, there Congratulations to our fantastic team
To raise funds we undertook a 10-hour was just the small matter of getting fit who raised a total of £81,341.59 for
sponsored spin, a bake sale, pub quiz, a for this trip ahead of us! We needed to Cancer Fund for Children.
dog show, prize procurement for raffles be physically prepared to take on the
and lots of bucket collections and bag challenges ahead and ensure we reaped
packing – just to name a few of our the rewards of this fabulous experience
activities! We all gave up our evenings and opportunity.
and weekends to stand in shopping We ventured up Cavehill many times to
centres, local towns and EUROSPAR prepare us for the uphill struggles, while
stores with our yellow bibs and buckets the Bangor to Holywood coastal path
to collect as much as we could to get provided great training and as the trek
to our target, return home to count
our earnings followed by a nice visit to
Geralyn on Monday morning at the cash

22

CHARITY NEWS

2018

ReadOn is Cancer Fund for Children’s
school reading initiative that encourages
pupils to read for fun whilst helping
to support local children and young
people living with cancer. During ReadOn
children are sponsored to read for fun
at home or in school. Pupils can read
anything from comics to poetry. Younger
children can listen to stories or use
picture books. ReadOn is ideal for any
age group.
Schools will make a difference to local
children living with cancer across
Northern Ireland. Last year ReadOn
raised over £90,000 which has helped
Cancer Fund for Children support
families through a range of services
including financial grants, therapeutic
short breaks at Daisy Lodge in Newcastle
and one to one support sessions with
our Specialists.

In October, 16 members of the team considering it for next year, be ready to
from Mulkern’s EUROSPAR took part in trudge through mud up to your neck,
the Bog Run, sponsored by EUROSPAR crawl through tunnels, under trees,
and VIVOXTRA for Cancer Fund for and have the pleasure of starting and
Children. Staff from EUROSPAR and finishing the course wading through an
VIVOXTRA were also on hand on the day ice-cold lake, brrrrrr.
and set up a Human Carwash to rinse off
the participants after they’d finished the “It was our first time at a Bog Run and
5K of mud, mud and… more mud! we didn’t know what we were letting
Thomas Magennis from Mulkern’s, takes ourselves in for! This was a fantastic
us through the muckiest day of their event for the whole team, and a great
lives! way to foster teamwork and further-
“Back in October, a 16-strong team of build relationships within the group. We
us arrived at Castlewellan Forest Park to all had a complete blast. Of course, no
get “mucked to the eyeballs” for Cancer event would be complete without a
Fund for Children. This 5k event is not celebratory drink! We’ll certainly be back
to be under-estimated! It’s advertised for next year’s Bog Run, with an even
as a run, but not a race, and if you’re bigger group, no doubt about it.”

Details about The Bog Run 2019 will
be available next year.

23

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 CHARITY NEWS

At the start of the year, a team from Hendersons
volunteered to go to Bawana, Delhi, India in September.
This included Robert McIlroy, Gareth Ferguson, Caoimhe
Harbinson, Deborah Martin, Hannah Coghlan, James Winter,
Justin Hayes, Leah McQueen, Mark Nolan, Nicola Hillier and
Peter Shields. Here is our story!

Team Blog: due to the rain we were unable to start currently 104 of these groups, with 10-20
the build as it would be too dangerous. women in each group, each educating
Day 1, Saturday: Travel from Belfast on Instead we walked to the two sites, met women about the importance of saving
the 2.30am bus to Dublin, and onto Delhi the owners and made ourselves familiar for a better future, and was great to see
via Heathrow, arriving at our hotel at with our surroundings. For most of the the empowerment of women in the
2.00am Delhi time the next day. team this was the most challenging part area. We also visited a local factory that
Day 2, Sunday: We very quickly of the trip when we first arrived into the are dealing with some of the most basic
realised what everyone says about the centre of the slum area, and the levels sanitary issues. Hannah and Nicola also
sights & sounds of Delhi, and that it is
indescribable. In Delhi, they certainly The overall experience in Bawana has been both
know how to use their horn. It would humbling and inspiring The sense of achievement after
be easier (and quieter) if drivers had
to press a button to silence their horn, digging for 2 days solid
rather than sound it. We visited The
Cathedral Church of the Redemption in of poverty was so apparent, with the got to have a go at some manufacturing.
New Delhi, and afterwards we stopped rubbish, open drainage and smells. The charity also provides clean drinking
off at India Gate and a local market. The local charity partner we were with water, education currently for 63 children
Day 3, Monday: This was day 1 of our was formed in 1970, and in the Bawana (with another building currently being
build. We visited the Bawana colony area we were in, in 2004. We met a built in another block in the area), and
where we will be building. Unfortunately, women’s self-help group as part of this weekly rubbish collection services.
work with the local charity. There are

24

CHARITY NEWS

Day 4, Tuesday: We started to do some
work! The tools we were given were so
basic: a few shovels, which took a bit
of training on as they weren’t what we
would normally use, a pick, and a few
metal dishes to carry sand, stones &
muck with. That was it. There wasn’t even
a wheelbarrow to be seen. For site 1 the

Our final day on site made all the aches & pains, sweats &

illnesses worthwhile Sense of accomplishment Day 10, Monday: Our last day in Bawana.
After some football we went to both sites
foundations had been started just before to give the taste buds a break, even if to present the families with gifts and for
we arrived. In the morning we transferred McDonalds in India don’t serve Big Macs. them to present us with flower garlands
the mud for the foundations back in. as a thank you for what we have done for
The streets are so narrow that the small Day 7, Friday: At the first site, the last of them. To see the progress on both sites
tractors couldn’t fit down them, so all the the building materials were moved into is amazing and we can’t wait to see them
building materials were delivered to the place and the teams merged to focus finished. We then went for lunch, the
end of the street, and had to be carried on site number two. It was the hottest families joined us for that as well. There
to the house by hand. The first delivery to day yet. It’s amazing how you can drink was a farewell celebration after lunch,
the end of the street was approx. 6,000 4-5 litres of water a day, and not have combined with World Habitat Day. This
bricks. It was hard in around 35 degrees to go to the toilet, due to the amount
heat, but we got almost 4,000 moved of fluids lost through sweat. With the made for lots of speeches from us and
lots of dancing from the kids. At the end
the first afternoon. We ended the day digging now complete, work began on it didn’t take much persuasion to get us
having some time with the kids and Mark laying the foundations. A layer of bricks all up to show them some of our moves.
and Peter played one of their games with was added and pressed. Sand and gravel
them! also arrived so that the team could start
Day 5, Wednesday: Today site two was mixing concrete. This was poured and Day 11, Tuesday: Travelled down to Agra,
dry enough for us to be split into 2 teams, about 4 hours away for R&R. Arrived at
and the work on both plots could now be rebar added which will eventually form lunchtime for a buffet, saw the Agra fort,
the structural pillars. At lunch time we got and went to a marble factory shop for

started! The second plot of land cost the They might not have much money but they are rich in
owner approx. £2,000 and it took him kindness and happiness Life changing experience. We
15 years to save for it. The team made a
really impressive start. Back at plot one have a lot to be thankful for

it was a case of more brick moving and
brick laying. Gareth had a go at re-baring! the opportunity to see and buy some some souvenirs.
There was also a visit to the local market traditional Indian scarves from the local
during lunch break to look at some sari women’s group!
materials for Hannah & Leah. Day 12, Wednesday: Early start of a
Day 6, Thursday: The foundations in long day, but well worth it. Left hotel at
the second site were completed by the Day 8, Saturday: There was more 5.30am to head to the Taj Mahal for
team. The heat was even more intense brick moving, cement mixing and brick sunrise. Spectacular and impressive
which made this even harder. On the first Laying on both sites! We then got the building. The photos don’t do it justice.
site the brick work was complete and the opportunity to go and see a habitat
rest of the foundations filled in, only to house that had already been built! It Really worth getting up for. Then for
be surprised by more bricks. This time the long journey back home again,
even had a shop on the ground floor that arriving back in Belfast for lunch time on
the family run. After lunch we went to Thursday.
central Delhi. Another crazy experience,
but we enjoyed some shopping and
with the more enjoyable task of throwing food to finish off the day. Thanks to everyone who supported the
instead of stacking. In the evening we team in any way, and a special thanks
went to McDonald’s, it made for a much to all those who gave so generously,
appreciated treat as we have all survived Day 9, Sunday: Today we got the chance raising over £38,000 towards the work of
on a diet of Indian food up to now. Even to do some sightseeing. We visited Old Habitat.
the milder dishes some found too hot. Delhi, Ghandi’s house, the Lotus temple
and our guide, Achu’s, DMF church.
We have had local dishes available
breakfast, lunch & dinner, so was nice

25

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 CHARITY NEWS

We Tripled it
for Tearfund!

We were delighted to learn that our 2017/18 campaign for helped towards combating human
Tearfund has delivered the best total yet for those affected trafficking and facilitated communities by
by conflict and poverty in the Central African Republic. supporting a wide range of activities such
as income generation in Ethiopia, crime
The Change for Life campaign This is one of the most incredible prevention in Colombia, refugee support
encouraged box donations at checkouts achievements of our Tearfund in Egypt, girls’ education in Chad and HIV/
in all stores across Northern Ireland, as campaigns, and we’re so proud to be AIDS prevention and care work in Nigeria.
well as online donations. We raised a able to support families in Africa to Recently, a group of staff visited Uganda
overcome poverty for good. to see how the money we raised has
total of over £678,000 thanks to a Don’t forget, previous campaigns have helped communities there. We’ll be
helped to supply one million meals to bringing you news of their trip in the New
commitment from both the Department families in West & Central Africa, have Year alongside the details of our 2019
for International Development and Tearfund Campaign.
ourselves to match the funds raised by
the public during the campaign.

26

CHARITY NEWS

Retailers bag the essentials
for Simon Community
Christmas Campaign

12 stores from our retail network are taking part in a
Christmas Campaign to help the homeless this year.

Saintfield Road, Tates Avenue and
Wallace Village stores are all involved
in the campaign said; “I’m really proud
that Louise brought this idea forward,
and it is fantastic that each manager
and member of staff has engaged so
actively with it. I hope we’ve made a
really big difference to the homeless this
Christmas.”

Partnering with the Simon Community, jumpers, and plenty of collections being It’s not too late to support the campaign;
the stores which include all 11 stores made throughout all 12 outlets. £60 could help Simon Community
managed by David Miskimmin and Louise who spearheaded the campaign, continue to provide support to clients
EUROSPAR Crumlin, began their said; “Winter is the harshest time with ill mental health and addictions.
campaign at the end of November, for the homeless, and we should £120 could support clients with
which runs to mid-December. all be doing our best to help those emergency food, clothing and winter
Simon Community provided Louise experiencing homelessness in our own fuel needs. £252 could pay for a home
Jennings, Duty Manager of EUROSPAR neighbourhoods and across Northern pack, providing clients who are ready to
Wallace Village with a list of essentials Ireland. We’re very fortunate to be in a live independently with household items
which homeless people would practically position to help, and I’m delighted that such as a warm bed. £500 could pay
need, and each store involved set about we have been able to engage with the the security deposit on a home, helping
filling a hamper with these products. 12 stores for 2018. Who knows what this break the cycle of homelessness for
The hampers will be collected by Simon could grow to in the years to come!” adults, families and young people using
Community and distributed to help a David Miskimmin, whose Donegall Road, our services.
homeless person back on their feet. Dromara, Garvey, Lagan Valley, Lambeg,
These stores also ran a ‘Sweaters for Malone, Musgrave Park, Ravenhill, Louise concluded; “From the support of
Simon’ day with all staff wearing festive all staff and shoppers throughout these
stores, we hope to raise enough money
and food to change someone’s life this
Christmas and make a contribution
to ending the homelessness crisis in
Northern Ireland.”

Congratulations to all involved, and
we’ll report back on the results of the
campaign in the next issue.

27

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 AWARDS

HFL Pride
Award Winners

Eimear McCartney (BDE FTG Scott Macklin (Customer Services Alan Gibson (Stock Controller) -
Sales) - Us before me   Helpdesk Telesales) - Be the best Be the best

Eimear recently went out of her way Always calm whilst handling every Alan’s commitment to excellence
to support a colleague and clearly situation in the appropriate manner has been evidenced in his efforts in
demonstrated “Us Before Me”. Her help and nothing is ever too much trouble preparation for the recent stocktake. He
with a potential customer was invaluable for him. Scott responds to the reps ensured that our stock results were of the
from the time she spent helping to plan as quickly as possible, making it easier highest standard when externally audited,
and organise a demo. Eimear provided for them to be able to, in turn, respond whilst ensuring that the service level to
the customer with guidance, tailored expediently to our customers. He clearly our customers was greater than 99%. He
to his business whilst maintaining cost demonstrates “Do it the Right Way”; clearly demonstrates our “Be the Best”
effectiveness for the company. She putting the “Customer First”; and he value.
went the extra mile to assist a co-worker displays attributes where he strives to “Be
in need even when there was no direct the Best”.  Luke Bradley – (Finance) –
benefit to her sales or ledger. A true team Customer First
player. Sam Davidson (Gist) - Do it the
right way Whether it’s an internal or external
Rotsen Zambrano (Chef Yahi) - customer, Luke works tirelessly to ensure
Do it the right way Sam’s manager would like to thank him that all processes and programmes are
for his continued passion in carrying out working for all the ROI team, and in turn,
During the set up of Daily Deli in Donegall the job and his desire to “Do it the Right benefitting all end users.  He regularly
Road, Rotsen took full responsibility for Way”.  His support for the GIST operation takes time out of his busy schedule to
the day to day team training delivery, with is acknowledged and is being recognised, conduct training sessions and workshops
very precise attention to detail, product all whilst overseeing Foodservice stock in order for the team to gain better
knowledge and patience with the team. moves to Copelands over the Christmas knowledge of the systems and usage.
It was very evident that he is passionate period. Well done to Sam for his
about transferring his skills. Rotsen dedication. Ciaran Neeson (Warehouse) –
100% delivered beyond expectations, Own It
demonstrating the following values: Brian Martin (Yahi/ Acting Area
Manager Streat) - Us before me Having taken on a new role within the
Be the Best – he took responsibility to warehouse, Ciaran has shown, very
deliver the team training; Brian went beyond the call of duty when clearly, that he “Owns It”. By making space
Own it – he ensured that the team he volunteered to cater for the driving in the warehouse, placing products into
were trained in portion control, food team and the nightshift workers in the run better locations to suit weekly sales, in a
presentation and product knowledge; up to Christmas. His selfless attitude was very short period of time he has made a
Do it the right way - he was highly greatly appreciated by the teams, whom significant difference to available space
respected and appreciated by those he he fed in the early hours of the morning. whilst improving efficiency and tidiness in
trained. Brian then returned the following night to the warehouse.
cater for the warehouse team. He is a true
team player, really putting “Us Before Me”.

28

AWARDS

Henderson Post Office of the Year :
Retail Mains
Awards of
Excellence Food to Go Store of the Winner:
Melissa Lamont- EUROSPAR Cullybackey
Year
Highly Commended
Winner Philip Gillespie- SPAR Abbeyhill
SPAR Loughview- Rachael Sewell Sharon Higgins- EUROSPAR Ashbury

Highly Commended
SPAR Torgrange- Raluca Stancu
EUROSPAR Brackenvale- Julia Gladysz

Dairy Department Most Improved Food to Post Office of the Year :
of the Year Go Department Local

Winner Winner Winner:
EUROSPAR Moat- Naomi Adams EUROSPAR Crumlin- Gina Scott Linda Kyle- SPAR Ahoghill

Highly Commended Highly Commended Highly Commended
EUROSPAR Clough- Andy Holmes EUROSPAR Dundonald- Dianne Harris Stephanie Gibson- SPAR Glenavy Village
SPAR Mountsandel- Colin McKeown EUROSPAR Ladas Drive- Judith Brian Stevenson- EUROSPAR Dromara
Fitzsimmons

News and Magazines Produce Department Food to Go Special
Department of the Year of the Year Ingredient Award

Winner Winner Winner
SPAR Kinnegar- Leah Devanney EUROSPAR Carrowdore- Tracey Horner Elaine Hawthorne- EUROSPAR Lurgan
Julia Gladysz- EUROSPAR Brackenvale
Highly Commended Highly Commended Maxine Moore- SPAR Whiteabbey
EUROSPAR Greencastle St- Charlotte EUROSPAR Ashbury- June McHaffey
Morgan EUROSPAR Moat St- Marilyn Gallagher
EUROSPAR Hillcrest- Yvonne Todd

29

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 AWARDS

Retail Technology Award Managing Change Excellence in Personal
Award Development
Winner
SPAR Lambeg Winner Winner
Lynn Smiley- EUROSPAR P&G Ryan McCaughan- EUROSPAR Clough
Highly Commended
SPAR Whiteabbey Highly Commended Highly Commended
SPAR Ballygowan Louise Campbell- SPAR Millburn/ Route Michael Barr- EUROSPAR Ashbury
Service Station Suzanne Jackson- SPAR Loughview Post
Office

Community Store of the Best Performance Oustanding Store
Year Without Investment Standards Award

Winner Winner Winner
Eurospar Greencastle Street SPAR Kinnegar SPAR Kinnegar

Highly Commended Highly Commended
Eurospar Carrick Milestone EUROSPAR Hardford Link
SPAR Kilwaughter

Managing Resource Customer Service Store
Award of the Year

Winner: Winner Store Compliance Award
SPAR Kinnegar EUROSPAR Maghaberry
Winner
Highly Commended Highly Commended EUROSPAR Greencastle St
EUROSPAR Ladas Drive SPAR Banbridge
SPAR Rathcoole SPAR Kilwaughter Highly Commended
EUROSPAR Ashbury
SPAR Holywood Rd

30

AWARDS

Service Hero Award Leadership Award Developing Our People
Award
Winner Winner
Cathryn Holmes- EUROSPAR Hardford Adrian Mellon- EUROSPAR Brackenvale Winner
Link Joanne Walker- EUROSPAR Carrowdore

Highly Commended Highly Commended
Lindi Woods- EUROSPAR Carrowdore Danielle Martin- SPAR Rosepark
Phillip Gillespie- SPAR Abbeyhill Post Paula Savage- SPAR Loughview
Office
Kim Curry- SPAR Malone Rd

Rising Star Award

Winner
Alana Dineen- EUROSPAR Saintfield Rd

Support Hero Award Area Manager of The Store of the Year
Year
Winner Winner
Paul McMaster Winner SPAR Kilwaughter
Alan Cardwell
Highly Commended Highly Commended
Gillian Kelly EUROSPAR Greencastle St
Patrick Scullion EUROSPAR Hardford Link

Lifetime Award Health & Safety Rep of
the Year
Winner
Healey Martin Winner
Hayley Milling- SPAR Moyle Road

Highly Commended
Cathy Greenway- EUROSPAR Ranfurly
Shane Ferguson – EUROSPAR
Greencastle Street

31

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 AWARDS

John receives
Outstanding Achievement
Award in London

Our wonderful Chairman, dynamic and inclusive business which
John Agnew CBE, was has led to opportunities of growth and
honoured at the Retail development, yet still has the family-run
Industry Awards this year ethos today as it did in the early 1900s.
when he was awarded the John said of his time at Henderson
Outstanding Achievement Group; “It has been a tremendous
Award. privilege to watch the family business
grow over the years, and I am delighted
John pick up his prestigious award, to have been part of it. We will continue
alongside nine other awards which were to drive operations in Northern Ireland,
given to our stores and supermarkets creating local employment and business
throughout the evening including opportunities as new generations of our
Community Retailer of the Year for family come on board.”
Henderson Retail, while SPAR was The awards night also saw EUROSPAR
awarded Symbol Group of the Year Carrowdore win Forecourt Retailer of
across the UK. the Year, while McCullagh’s SPAR Classic
If you didn’t already know the history of Service Station in Omagh took home
Henderson Group, it was founded by Independent Food to go Retailer of the
John’s grandfather, John Henderson. Year, with Henderson Retail winning the
John joined the firm in 1957 and ran the Multiple category.
company alongside his father William, Mulkern’s EUROSPAR in Newry picked
and was integral to the early days of up Independent Fresh Produce Retailer
SPAR’s operation in Northern Ireland, of the Year and O’Hare’s EUROSPAR in
when the Group were granted the Mayobridge took home the Independent
franchise for the brand in 1960. Chilled Retailer of the Year as Henderson
Over the years, he has helped lead a Retail took the same award home in the
Multiple category. Here’s a full list of wins
from the awards ceremony:

32

AWARDS

Outstanding Achievement Award Forecourt Retailer of the Year Forecourt Retailer of the Year
John Agnew CBE (Multiple) Henderson Retail (Company-owned) EUROSPAR
Carrowdore

Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year Community Retailer of the Year
(Multiple) Henderson Retail (Independent) McCullagh’s SPAR (Multiple) Henderson Retail
Classic Service Station, Omagh

Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Chilled Retailer of the Year Chilled Retailer of the Year (Multiple)
(Independent) Mulkern’s EUROSPAR, (Independent) O’Hare’s EUROSPAR, Henderson Retail
Newry Mayobridge

Group of the Year SPAR UK

33

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 AWARDS

Retail Industry Awards Road
Trip to Northern Ireland

In March this year, and ahead of our fantastic evening of accolades at the 2018 Retail
Industry Awards, winners from the 2017 Retail Industry Awards were part of a special
Road Trip to Northern Ireland where delegates would gain insight in to the success of the
EUROSPAR brand operated by Henderson Retail and our Independent retailers.

There were four EUROSPAR EUROSPAR of Balmoral where Gail shoppers’ feedback and experiences to
supermarkets on the itinerary, and Boyd, Niall Creighton and Andrew Porter the offering in store.
EUROSPAR Donegall Road was the treated them to mini versions of their The Road Trip came as the 2017 Awards
first stop of the day. This was a great own homemade options, as well as their highlighted how disproportionately well
opportunity for those in attendance to scoop ice cream to go. Northern Irish independent retailers
sample the fantastic Barista Bar coffee, Mulkern’s EUROSPAR in Newry was the have mastered best practice in retailing,
and hot food-to-go under the Daily Deli next stop on the road trip, a supermarket which was proven once again this year.
brand after the £4M investment in 2017. which once again picked up the Fresh John Heagney, lead judge at the Retail
Food-to-Go was the focus of the trip, Produce Retailer of the Year at the Retail Industry Awards says nowhere is this
and the supermarkets which enjoyed the Industry Awards this year after winning in more evident than in food-to-go; “The
spotlight on the day truly excelled in that 2017 too. Northern Ireland food-to-go market is
area. Donegall Road’s Daily Deli offering The final stop on the tour was totally different to England, Scotland
includes Peking Asian Street Food, EUROSPAR Hardfordlink in Newtownards and Wales. Independents here operate
Traditional Hot Food, Burger Bar, Chicken where attendees were again able to larger sized stores, so they have focused
Bar, Sandwich Bar and a Loaded Fries sample the hot and chilled food-to-go on developing a much more extensive
Station alongside the Barista Bar offering. on offer, while also hearing about the offer.”
Visitors also popped in to Creighton’s

34

AWARDS

A Platinum night at
the 20th anniversary
of the Neighbourhood
Retailer Awards

SPAR and EUROSPAR stores once again dominated the
annual Neighbourhood Retailer Awards which took place at
the Crowne Plaza, Shaw’s Bridge in Belfast in October.

Four stores brought home gongs This was a special night for the
throughout five categories; Neighbourhood Retailer Awards,
Community Store of the Year – organised by leading local trade
magazine Neighbourhood Retailer, as
Mulkern’s EUROSPAR they celebrated their 20th anniversary
CTN – SPAR Parkgate of rewarding excellence in retailing and
Forecourt Category 2 (1,751 – 3,500 celebrating success since 1998.
Congratulations to all SPAR and
sq ft) – Creighton’s EUROSPAR of EUROSPAR winners and finalists!
Balmoral
Neighbourhood Category 3 (3,501 –
7,000 sq ft) – Creighton’s EUROSPAR
of Balmoral
Newcomer of the Year – SPAR
Madigan’s Court

35

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 AWARDS

Henderson Retail amongst
specialist winners at the
Forecourt Trader Awards

It was another successful year at the Forecourt Trader
Awards in 2018, where five of our local stores tallied up a
total of six gongs for their outstanding performances in the
UK petrol retailing industry.

The awards took place in London in awards and EUROSPAR Carrowdore What a fantastic night for our Henderson
September with a fabulous Moulin Rouge were named Best Forecourt Team of the Retail and independently owned stores,
themed event hosted by presenter, Year. setting the standard for the forecourt and
singer, dancer and actress, Kimberley retail industry across the UK!
Walsh. Mulkern’s EUROSPAR in Newry won Best
EUROSPAR Carrick Milestone picked up Food-to-Go Outlet and EUROSPAR Congratulations to all our winners.
Best Community Engagement, SPAR Hardfordlink in Newtownards were a
Ravenhill Road brought home the Best regional award winner, taking home the
Customer Service and Best Site Manager Northern Ireland over 4mlpa Award.

36

AWARDS

Creighton’s EUROSPAR of Balmoral
bags top prize at Ireland’s Forecourt
and Convenience Retailer Awards

Since the development and completion
of this flagship site in 2016, fresh food
has accounted for more than 50% of
the store’s total sales and continual
improvements to the deli over the past
year have helped boost sales by more
than 25%.

General Manager for Creighton’s, Andrew
Porter told us; “It is a tremendous honour
for Creighton’s of Balmoral to have been
named Overall Store of the Year and
I’m immensely proud of all our staff,
suppliers and customers who have
contributed to our success.”

To top off a brilliant year, The team at Creighton’s of Balmoral “To be the first store from Northern
Creighton’s EUROSPAR of also picked up the award for Forecourt Ireland to win the top prize makes it all
Balmoral was named Overall Convenience Store of the Year in the the more rewarding for our team and
Forecourt Retailer of the 2751 sq. feet plus category and won the I’m pleased to see the exceptional
Year at Ireland’s Forecourt Best Food to Go category. standards of convenience stores in
and Convenience Retailer The adulations do not end there! The Northern Ireland getting the recognition
Awards held in the Clayton supermarket was also a finalist in the they deserve.”
Hotel, Dublin in September. Fresh Food Store of the Year class whilst “We pride ourselves on providing the
sister store, Creighton’s of Finaghy was most enjoyable shopping experience for
It was the first time in the history of the shortlisted in the category for Best our shoppers and are always listening to
awards the top prize went to a retailer Customer Service and the Blacks Road their feedback to try and improve our
from Northern Ireland, as Creighton’s SPAR was a finalist in the Food to Go offering. It’s clear that this approach is a
beat off competition from all other category, allowing for a very successful successful one and now the work begins
shortlisted retailers to claim the title of evening for the Creighton Group as a to retain this title in 2019.”
Overall Forecourt Retailer of the Year. whole. Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience
Hosted by broadcasting powerhouse, Judges noted the magnificent focus Retailer Awards have been running for
Miriam O’Callaghan, the awards Creighton’s EUROSPAR of Balmoral over 15 years and celebrates excellence
celebrated the finest convenience places on fresh food and provenance, in the island’s retail industry through
stores and forecourts throughout the commending their excellent inhouse a panel of independent judges with
island of Ireland and were attended by butchery counter which sources all experience in convenience, retail, sales,
hundreds of retailers from across the meat from the Creighton’s family marketing and food preparation.
country. farm. The Food to Go offering was also
singled out as being exceptional, with Retailers from across the island of Ireland
judges impressed by the store’s own are awarded through 17 categories,
production kitchen where fresh, local including Best Forecourt Facilities; Food
food is prepared throughout the day. to Go Retailer of the Year; Store Manager
of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement
award. For a full list of winners, visit www.
forecourtretailer.com

37

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018

38

Sharing some InSPARation
with our own brand ranges

In the summer, the marketing This was a decision made thanks to our At the Belfast Mela in August, we invited
department launched their consumer research which showed SPAR chef Adrian Martin to our marquee
new campaign to inspire shoppers associate a quality product where he created magnificent meals
shoppers that SPAR is the with being fresh and homegrown, and from our enjoy local and The Kitchen
place to go for tonight’s tea. they can rely on us to work with suppliers, products, again showing how dynamic
farmers and growers locally. the range can be.
The inSPARation idea would replace Meal We also engaged with over 2,000 We engaged with some top foodie
Inspirations for external communications super tasters and Ulster University to bloggers who know what good
across outdoor, radio and leaflets taste and grade our products on the local food is, and hosted a special
which was complemented with PR. It basis of appearance, aroma, taste, #inSPARationHour on Twitter to talk
encompassed all own brand ranges, texture, overall flavour and likelihood to about the taste testing which had been
helping us inspire our shoppers to create purchase. All products which scored conducted, where they also shared their
quick, easy and tasty meals for tonight’s an average of 7 out of 9 – the industry favourites with their followers.
tea from SPAR. standard of excellence – will have a Finally, we held a really fun canteen
InSPARation was also a chance for us ‘Taste Tester Approved’ icon on the takeover for everyone at head office to
to talk about our deep roots with local packaging. come and sample the new products,
suppliers, which is now more highlighted To communicate these new attributes, and experience for themselves all the
than ever with stamps like ‘Baked in we kicked off the campaign with different ways our fresh products can
Belfast’, ‘Bottled in Coleraine’ and ‘Made sampling of enjoy local products be enjoyed, with just a little dash of
in Ballymena’ for example, adorning the across 200+ stores, where our brand inSPARation!
labels of our enjoy local packaging. ambassadors cooked up tasty sausages
and steaks, alongside sharing deli salads
and sides to show the variety of options
available.

39

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 Department News
Henderson technology

Tasty Tech Team
Building

Henderson Technology had It was a fantastic day, visiting local A huge thank you to Tracey at NI Food
a brilliant time on their team producers around Northern Ireland, Tours for being a great tour guide, we
building day hosted by NI making bread, visiting the Lecale Harvest hear she was absolutely fantastic and
Food Tours. oyster beds, a local Dexter farmer on it was a great experience enjoyed by
Castlescreen Farm (wee cows, BIG everyone.
BEEF!) and sampling cheese and
chocolate at Indie Fude. The food was
absolutely delicious and each place had
its own unique features.

40

Henderson Technology
Tuck in for Charity

Henderson Technology has been Alzheimer Society- £300
tucking in and selling some yummy Guide Dogs NI- £300
treats, with all profits being donated RNLI Larne - £300
to charity. Through the tuck shop, Cancer Fund for Children - £300
the Henderson Technology Coffee NI Children’s Hospice - £300
Morning and their Hot Dog Day they Fleming Fulton- £150 worth of
raised £1,900. Selection Boxes

This money was distributed to different
charities who came to Henderson
Technology HQ to pick up their cheques!

Over £250 worth of tinned food
and toiletries for Foodbank.

Henderson Group’s Aspiring
Leaders of the future

Congratulations to all staff who have completed the
Henderson Group Aspiring Leaders Programme in 2018.

41

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 Department News
Henderson Foodservice

Henderson Foodservice
goes for Gold as Employer
of the Year

Huge congratulations to all at Henderson Foodservice who and provide a platform for recognition
won Employer of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards this for all companies from large multiple
year in London. suppliers to independent retailers.
The categories focus on key business
The accolade was presented to the UK trade magazine, The Grocer, and areas such as innovation and customer
company during a gala ceremony, where Henderson Foodservice was one of 26 satisfaction with awards finalists and
judges praised the company for their ‘… winners and the only company from winners decided by a prestigious panel
clear values and innovative health and Northern Ireland to bring home a trophy! of 26 independent judges as well as
wellbeing plan that is delivering tangible The Grocer Gold Awards were exclusively commissioned research from
benefits’. established 14 years ago to celebrate The Grocer magazine and its partners.
We hear this was a record year of entries and recognise the very best standards in
for the Awards that are run by top the grocery wholesale and retail sectors

42

Department News
Henderson Foodservice

Quality is served
at Henderson
food service

Following the success of supported by intelligent search facilities,
last year’s XSELLerator customers can explore and order
programme the Henderson products easily and efficiently.
Foodservice Sales Team Henderson Foodservice Business
have been completing a Development Director Mark Stewart-
series of ‘Quality is Served’ Maunder said; “Customer response
training modules over the has been excellent, and they love the
past 6 months. convenience of being able to place
an order within 27 seconds as well as
It comes after the company launched tracking their orders at a time that suits
the new Quality is Served digital and them, twenty-four/seven.
brand offering in March, which has been “In designing the online package,
designed to provide ideas and solutions we researched and analysed the
to inspire Foodservice customers to ‘best in class’ globally to enable us to
shop from a portfolio of 7,000 products. create a customer friendly and easily
With an easy to navigate format, accessible digital platform which also
helps customers avoid making time-
consuming phone calls and emails.”

43

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 Department News
Logistics

Logistics
Apprenticeship
Scheme

We were excited launch a new Henderson
Group Logistics Apprenticeship Scheme this
year. After months of planning & preparations
in October a group of 8 apprentices
were recruited to commence this 2 year
apprenticeship programme. The programme
consists of a diverse range of internal training
providing exposure to all areas of logistics
from sourcing of products, to storage,
assembly and transportation. Apprentices
will also complete an NVQ qualification in
Warehousing & Storage.

44

Department News
RoSPA award

Henderson Group
achieves President
award status at 2018
RoSPA Awards

The Henderson Group has Henderson Group has achieved a The RoSPA Awards scheme, which
obtained a prestigious award President's Award (14 consecutive receives entries from organisations
in recognition of its practices Golds) in the internationally-renowned around the world, recognises
and achievements in helping RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, the achievement in health and safety
its staff and customers get longest-running industry awards scheme management systems, including
home safely at the end of the in the UK. practices such as leadership and
working day. Paul Barclay was presented with the workforce involvement.
award during a ceremony at DoubleTree
by Hilton Glasgow Central on Thursday,
September 13, 2018.

45

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018

Autumn Trade Show
gets in the Zone

The annual Autumn Trade Show was held in October for all
companies and retailers to come together and come up
with ideas, exploit opportunities, understand developments,
discuss challenges and gain insights

This year, we had four specific areas alongside fresh flowers and our 12 Chef Adrian Martin, who has become
to cover services, Christmas, Tonight’s Deals of Christmas displays. There our cooking ambassador for our fresh
Tea and Innovations and Product are fantastic products on offer for our component cooking products, cooked
Development. Services included retailers for Christmas 2018. up a storm for all delegates, using enjoy
Henderson Technology, Payroll, Marie Curie, Cancer Fund for Children local and The Kitchen products, right in
Henderson Print, Henderson Academy, and Age NI, our SPAR, EUROSPAR, the heart of the Tonight’s Tea Zone. Enjoy
Reach Uniforms and Defibrillators. VIVOXTRA and VIVO charity partners Local was the star of the show, where our
Ahead of the festive season, our also attended to connect directly with guests were able to learn more about
Christmas zone was sparkling with the staff and retailers who raise so the new and improved lines, while Ulster
Christmas decoration displays from much money for them throughout the University students even pitched enjoy
Mercers and our Fresh and Ambient year, as well as to share their Christmas local vs M&S to show our attendees just
teams lined the displays with their campaigns and further plans for 2019. how great the enjoy local products are.
offering of festive lines available,

46

2018 has been the year of Innovation The three days were packed full of just being an item on an order form.”
for Henderson Group, and within the information and innovation, allowing Another commented; “it was good to get
Innovation Zone, our retailers and every member of the Group to fully more one to one interaction with buyers
suppliers were able to experience immerse themselves in all Hendersons & head of departments etc. We got more
everything from new product has to offer. Our feedback surveys individual information and could ask
developments to technology showed how impressed our retailers questions specific to our needs rather
developments. The new and improved were with the Trade Show, stating it was than a presentation with generic points
Daily Deli ranges were debuted which extremely helpful to them when running to cover all aspects for everyone”.
included the new pre-packed products, their business. Huge congratulations and thanks goes
hot food counters and the new ‘The One retailer commented; “The Trade out to everyone involved in pulling such a
Bakery’ range. We also displayed our Show was very useful. It was great successful few days together!
new Occasions and Wellbeing ranges, seeing a full range of fresh products on
while also giving retailers the chance to display. It allowed me to get a better
experience Henderson Technology’s appreciation of a product, rather than
EPoS Self Service Checkouts.

47

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018

12 Prizes of Christmas!
To celebrate the return
of our popular 12 Deals of the chance to win. Those tuned in to Q Each winner was surprised with a cheque
Christmas promotion in Breakfast with Stephen and Kate each and a photo with store representatives,
store, and to help get our Monday to Wednesday would find out which was shared on Facebook. Here is a
shoppers in to the festive which stores the Q Crew were at with a gallery of some of our lucky winners.
spirit, we teamed up with Q big cheque ready to give away!
Radio to give listeners and
shoppers the chance to win
£400 each week during the
12 weeks of Christmas.

The Q Crew drove all over the country
visiting SPAR and EUROSPAR stores and
supermarkets across Northern Ireland,
giving lots of listeners and shoppers

Spreading Christmas Cheer at EUROSPAR

Our mischievous elves were back on the shelves of “The scout elves have become
EUROSPAR supermarkets this Christmas, but while they increasingly popular with families and
were nestling in amongst the pancakes and the pasta, they social media users in recent years, so
were also waiting for our shoppers to find them, giving them we wanted to bring this fun concept
the chance to win some amazing prizes. out of children’s homes in the run up
to Christmas and create something
When our winners are drawn in January, Conor Toland, Retail Marketing Manager engaging for them in our stores.
one lucky shopper will get their hands on said the idea was successfully trialled in “The elves have a reputation for being
a £2,000 travel voucher to go towards a Kilkeel in 2017 before it was decided to quite mischievous, so it’s been fun
winter getaway, while two runners up will roll out across the whole network. seeing what they get up to in our stores
each win a children’s bike. and we hope children enjoyed spotting
them.”
This year’s campaign is sponsored by
Golden Cow, a brand that has been in
the hearts and homes of families for
over 100 years.
Ashley O’Sullivan from Golden Cow’s
Brand Team said “This campaign was
a perfect fit for the brand supporting
families getting into the Christmas
festivities and having lots of fun along
the way. We’ve loved seeing it live across
EUROSPAR stores.”

48

Headline Makers

Congratulations to Patricia White from Congratulations to Stacey Hanna, HFL
The Academy who got married in who got married in May.
September.
Congratulations to Craig McCullough
who got married in September.

Well Done SPAR Lambeg, who raised Congratulations to Fiona Donnelly, HFL
£1200 for Marie Curie in July 2018 on the birth of her baby girl Abbie in May
through a shorts and shades day, with all 2018.
males getting their legs waxed.

A very big well done to Conor Toland
who brought home the gold medal in
the Northern Ireland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Championships 2018.

Well done to Route Service Station’s Kieran Mullholland married his fiancé
Ursula Harper who represented Ireland Sian on Saturday 17th November.
55’s at the Masters World Cup in Congratulations!
Barcelona in July and won an award at
the local sports awards for her services Congratulations to Michaela Gourley and
to sport. Aidan McGrandels who got married in
August.

49

Staffmatters: YEARBOOK 2018 Work Inspiration

Career Speed
Dating

Abbey Community college The table shows who attended as a company rep:
hosted an event which
allows Year 10 students the Name Job role/ Department Company
opportunity to quiz our Jade Manning Large Format Assistant Wholesale
company employees about Warren Cosgrove Brand Manager Foodservice
their roles within the Group Sean Taggart Wholesale
and how they came to be in Gillian Kelly Transport Supervisor Technology
the positions they currently Johnny Philips (Logistics) Wholesale
hold. Through conducting Adrian Mellon Retail
this event, it helps raise Gail Davidson Information Services Foodservice
students’ awareness of Business Analyst (IT)
potential career paths into Helen Crilly Wholesale
a variety of roles across the Customer Relationship Foodservice
Group. This event took place Manager
on the 12th of April 2018. 10
employees from across 3 of Warehouse Supervisor
the Group companies with (Ambient)
various business disciplines
attended. Feedback from the Senior Store Manager
event was very positive.
Sales & Service Team
Leader (Telesales &
Customer Services Desk)

Compliance Manager
(Logistics)

Susan Browne Senior Credit Controller
(Finance)

50