From May 26-28, Northern Ireland hosted the annual International SPAR Congress, bringing together 300 senior delegates from across the SPAR retail network in Belfast to exchange knowledge and international best practice, as well as showcasing the development of the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland.

Showcasing SPAR Northern Ireland

During the Congress, the international SPAR network could experience the developments of SPAR Northern Ireland. Henderson Group, which operates the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland, is a long-standing family-owned business which has been building SPAR’s presence for decades, combining company-owned stores with independent retailer-operated stores to meet the needs of increasing numbers of communities. One day was dedicated to visiting stores operated by SPAR Northern Ireland, showcasing best practice and innovation to all participants. Throughout the business sessions, participants heard more about the continuous investment in the brand by the regional SPAR UK distributors as well.

International best practice

In the spirit of SPAR Better Together, a series of insights, learnings, and international best practice was shared during presentation sessions, including both successful and failed initiatives and challenges being faced within the retail industry. Throughout the Congress, delegates discussed ways of working together across the SPAR licensed organisations, once again highlighting the similarities experienced throughout business operations worldwide. Partnerships with suppliers, comprising local, regional, and international suppliers, were also highlighted during the Congress, with new solutions being showcased and collaborative approaches reviewed.

Attendees also heard from internationally acclaimed keynote speakers, including Ken Hughes, one of the world’s leading authorities on consumer behaviour; Peter Hinssen, a leading expert on innovation, technology, and adaptive leadership; Magnus Lindkvist, globally recognised futurologist, trendspotter and bestselling author; and Angela McGowan, CBI Director in Northern Ireland.

Leaving a lasting legacy

As part of the 69th International SPAR Congress, and in keeping with the commitment to leave a legacy in the host country of the annual event, a donation of €51,500 was presented to Marie Curie at the conclusion of this year’s Congress. Marie Curie, the national charity partner of SPAR UK, has specialised in end-of-life care for more than 75 years. SPAR UK and its regional wholesalers have raised over £5 million for Marie Curie. The charity has impacted hundreds of thousands of people through initiatives such as care delivery by hospice and nursing teams at home and in a Marie Curie Hospice, as well as providing information and support online, over the phone, and in person.

The International SPAR Congress remains an integral part of the annual calendar for SPAR country organisations, celebrating the continued successful expansion of the SPAR brand around the world which continues to meet the needs of local communities which has been at the core of the brand’s ethos since its founding in 1932.