2007 Retail Industry Awards
Over the past five years, our peers have recognised the quality of SPAR and its retailers with almost 250 awards
"Very occasionally, there is a need to recognise the major contribution that an organisation has made to a sector. A need to take a step back and acknowledge sustained excellence over decades. In this case a group contributing year after year to raising the standards of convenience retailing for its members, and in doing so, helping raise the bar for all UK retailers"
This was the introduction by Dame Mary Marsh, Chief Executive of the NSPCC at the 2007 Retail Industry awards when announcing SPAR had won the 2007 outstanding achievement award at the recent Retail Industry awards at the Grosvenor house hotel in London.
SPAR was unanimously selected for this award which is the highest accolade of any organisation working in the UK’s retail industry. This award was made to our Retailers and employees as an acknowledgment of our achievements over the past 50 years within the industry.
Describing our strength in the sector, Dame Mary Marsh continued "The contribution ranges from the quality of the food on offer by its retailers to the innovation and creativity it has shown in creating new store formats. It provides an outstanding range of services for its staff and retailers and has a proven ability to deliver excellent terms for retailers, year after year.
"SPAR moves beyond its own immediate concerns, participating at the highest level in the grocery industry to influence opinion and promote the wider interests of convenience retailers. Its 'There for You' philosophy is delivered in its support for local issues, and, of course The NSPCC."
SPAR's 'There for You' brand is really brought to life in SPAR stores with the NSPCC's partnership which further endorses its position as an organisation at the heart of the community.
Dame Mary Marsh continued by saying: "For me and my colleagues at the NSPCC, it is often difficult for us to convey just how grateful we are for everything that our supporters do to fundraise on behalf of the vulnerable children and young people that we support. So it is a great pleasure for me to be here this evening, to not only formally recognise Spar’s achievements in the retail industry but to also recognise the impressive efforts SPAR stores are making in their partnership with us, to help us achieve our goal to end cruelty to children."