During a visit to Belfast last week, HRH The Prince of Wales thanked key retail and wholesale workers who made such a difference during the coronavirus pandemic over the past six months. Visiting SPAR NI partner Henderson Group’s warehouse in Mallusk, Prince Charles met safely with key workers, including lorry drivers, warehouse operatives and retail staff, all of whom kept the country going during lockdown by ensuring vital supply and services to and from SPAR and EUROSPAR stores in Northern Ireland.

Martin Agnew, Joint Managing Director of Henderson Group, said it was an honour to have a Royal take the time to recognise the dedication of their staff.

“Our workers from all areas of our business have been nothing short of amazing, dedicated and inspirational during one of the most challenging times our industry has seen”, Martin Agnew said.

“We are extremely proud to have their commitment to keeping supplies on the road and shelves stacked during an unprecedented time formally recognised, and we hope it has given them a boost to know their work has not gone unnoticed by even higher sources than ourselves.”

Gary Reid, a lorry driver with Henderson Wholesale who has been with the company for 50 years this year met His Royal Highness, and commented; “We were very lucky to have been kept in employment when we were in the depths of lockdown, as we were providing an essential service. We were key workers and were fully committed to ensuring our communities got their essentials, especially when the panic buying kicked in.”

“Prince Charles recognised that, and I was very proud to meet him with my colleagues.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SPAR NI kept hundreds of retail and independently owned stores supplied with essentials for their local communities, whilst maintaining retail, logistics, and wholesale roles across the company.

SPAR NI also diversified to supply more than 15,000 food boxes for delivery to vulnerable and self-isolating people thanks to a collaboration with the Department for Communities.

Since March, Henderson Retail has invested over £1 million (€1.1 million) and continues to invest in safety measures and protocol throughout its stores, alongside clear communications around safe shopping regulations to its shoppers through in-store, TV, radio, and social media messaging.

Source: SPAR UK
Read more about SPAR UK.

About SPAR UK

The UK became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers was granted the SPAR licence by SPAR International. There are five regional partners in the UK with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A central office, located in London, provides national marketing and buying services for the group and supports the development of the brand.

SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition. Always innovative, the five regional partners have continued to grow the brand. Throughout the UK, a combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores can be found, spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhoods.