The event took place in Edinburgh on Thursday, 10 February 2022. SPAR Scotland fought off competition from businesses the length and breadth of the country to win the coveted Community Service Award sponsored by AG Barr. The win recognised SPAR’s work and efforts in the communities right across Scotland.
The company also received two Highly Commended accolades: Highly Commended for Best Delivered Operation – Retail and Highly Commended for Best Symbol Group. In addition to this, Nicole Robertson, part of the SPAR Scotland Food to Go team, was a very worthy runner up in the Employee of the Year category.
Ian Johnstone, one of the judges from AG Barr, said, “The fact that CJ Lang refers to their customers as neighbours demonstrates how close to these communities they are. These values are easily found throughout the business, from the CEO to shop staff and warehouse operatives. It’s these very values that have compelled the company to launch their latest community cashback scheme called – Making Tomorrow Better. This programme is aimed at supporting communities to help make a greener tomorrow, taking their ethos of the community being their neighbours to the world being their neighbours.”
SPAR Scotland CEO Colin McLean added, “We are absolutely delighted to win the Community Service award. It’s fantastic to gain recognition from the SWA for the work we are doing in the community. We’ve worked hard to recognise the wonderful initiatives and inspirational people going the extra mile in neighbourhoods and communities all over Scotland.
“Our SPAR stores play a vital role in communities around the country. The work we are doing is a great opportunity for us to give back and celebrate the excellent work being carried out by groups in communities. Our Marketing team works tirelessly to highlight and foster these community-spirited ideas and give them a much-needed boost. We look forward to carrying on with this support as we feel it’s making a real difference in communities.”
Source: SPAR UK
The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. As a result, there are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.
SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners continue to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.
