THE Henderson Group, one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, is again a key sponsor for the 2018 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards.
The group, which is made up of four divisions – food-service, wholesale, retail and property – operates 85 Spar and Eurospar stores across Northern Ireland and supplies to a further 372 throughout its independently-owned store network.
With a workforce in excess of 3,400, the company credits continued investment in all divisions for its successful employment growth and increased job opportunities.
Henderson Food-service, which supplies locally sourced, high-quality food to hotels, hospitals, schools and restaurants across Ireland, is one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies, while all group companies are recognised as Investors in People (retail was accredited as a Gold standard organisation in 2017).
The consistent evolution and growth of the divisions can be credited for a steady rise in employment. Last year, 32 new Spar, Eurospar and Vivo stores were opened, marking a record year.
With the openings came the employment of more than 200 additional staff across the group, providing roles from logistics to customer services in every region of Northern Ireland.
And, earlier this month, the Irish News exclusively brought news of the group’s new store set to open in November. The £2 million Spar store will bring 30 new jobs to the Sunnyside Street area of South Belfast, with works due to begin next month.
Next month, meanwhile, the company will mark the opening of its 60th Eurospar, bringing up to 50 new jobs to the new Wallace Village development in Lisburn.
The Eurospar supermarket brand has revolutionised the way people shop, bringing the idea of the ‘big shop’ into communities and providing all the services and goods expected from a convenience store and a supermarket under one roof - with the addition of hot food-to-go, local butchers, Post Office and Barista Bar services.
Within the food-service company, Barista Bar has continued to change the face of retail coffee brands and is now available in over 300 sites in Northern Ireland.
The brand, which is owned and developed by Henderson Food-service, opened in at least 10 sites per month over the past year.
“In 2017, we set a new standard in business achievements and we’re delighted to continue to be able to provide greater employment opportunities,” said Sam Davidson, group human resources director.
“Each company is investing more in its workforce and we’re also augmenting our training solutions, ensuring more career and personal development opportunities and enabling our colleagues to build upon our fantastic track record of recent years.
“Last year, Henderson Wholesale opened a brand new, state-of-the-art warehouse in the former Marks & Spencer distribution site adjacent to Henderson Group headquarters in Mallusk.
“This has enabled a new, improved level of logistical service for our retailers throughout the country, as well as providing an exciting and innovative workplace environment.”
Henderson Food-service has also continued to diversify within its competitive market and recently launched a new customer website, designed and implemented in-house, to provide ideas and solutions to inspire customers to shop from a portfolio of over 7,000 products.
:: The Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards take place in Titanic Belfast on Thursday June 14. Entries must be submitted by noon on Friday, April 27, and the short-listed companies will be revealed in the Irish News on Thursday May 17.
:: More details at www.wea.irishnews.com and follow us on Twitter @IrishNewsWEA
