UK: C J Lang & Son helps retailers STEP up with free training
Training is a hugely worthwhile investment, and we are delighted to be able to offer this course to our retailers.
Claire Bolton, Sales & Marketing Director of C J Lang & Son Ltd
C J Lang & Son Ltd is offering retailers even more reasons to join SPAR, with the launch of a new, completely free training programme.
The SPAR Training& Education Programme (STEP) is a five module course designed for managers, supervisors and retailers to help them learn new skills and increase productivity.
And despite the fact that the market value of the course is £1,500, the Dundee-based distributor is offering the course to retailers free of charge.
Modules in the course will include topics such as service and active selling, improving their fresh foods offering, staff recruitment and retention, and getting the most out of your people.
Claire Bolton, Sales & Marketing Director of C J Lang & Son Ltd said: “Constant changes in the marketplace mean staff need to update their skills on an ongoing basis, and we are determined to help our SPAR retailers and their staff do this.
“The STEP course has been designed around the key factors that are critical for retailers to achieve success in their business.
“We know that investing in training increases staff motivation and customer satisfaction, while reducing employee turnover and the costs of supervision. It’s a hugely worthwhile investment, and we are delighted to be able to offer this course free of charge to our retailers,” Bolton said.
Class sizes for the course will be up 12 people and will be attended by staff members from Scottish SPAR stores.
The feedback from the first group of participants was positive. An anonymous survey carried out on the day demonstrated that all participants thought the course was informative, in-depth, excellent overall and exceeded expectations.
We attach particular importance to the health of our employees at work
Jakob Leitner, Managing Director of the SPAR Central Office Upper Austria in Marchtrenk
SPAR receives award for workplace health promotion
In SPAR Upper Austria, Marchtrenk, the health and well-being of employees is taken very seriously. Their work in this area has now been recognised by an award for “Health Promotion” awarded by the regional health insurance. Together with 27 other companies, SPAR received this award for their excellent and sustainable commitment to the health of SPAR employees.
Targeted initiatives
Two major projects were submitted for the award: The Employee Satisfaction Survey and the Feel Well programme. Feel Well was introduced in 2010 and offers a variety of activities in the areas of preventative care, nutrition, vaccinations, well-being and fitness.
“We attach particular importance to the health of our employees at work. With the steps we have taken and in particular the Feel Well programme, we offer a popular framework,” said the Managing Director of SPAR Upper Austria, Jakob Leitner.
China: SPAR China wins Innovation Award for online training
SPAR China has been recognised for its highly innovative Online Training Academy for retail employees with a prestigious award from the China Chainstore and Franchise Association.
SPAR China took home the Retail Innovation of the Year award thanks to its online training scheme, which allows employees of individual stores to register, develop and carry out their own personal training on a closed portal accessible via theSPAR China website.
Training covers all aspects of their jobs, including customer service, stock keeping, merchandising, hygiene, fresh foods, bakery preparation and health & safety.
Those involved in the online scheme can watch best practice videos online, giving examples of successful retail tips and advice from other SPAR countries, adapted to suit the market in China. There is also a training community where participants can share their experiences.
Participants can complete a wide range of courses online, with the site registering completion time, start date, finish date and the level they achieved.
Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR China said: “We are delighted that our work and team efforts have been celebrated by the rapidly growing retail industry in China.
“This award shows that SPAR China has been recognised as a leading company within the Chinese retail industry.
The training scheme is available to SPAR employees in all regions of China through independent SPAR partners in each area of the country.
SPAR wholesaler Blakemore Trade Partners pioneering retail training centre, The Guild Academy, has launched a unique apprenticeship scheme designed specifically for the convenience retail market.
The SPAR wholesaler’s training academy linked up with Retail Skill Smart in summer 2010 to develop the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Retail Management.
So far 15 individuals from the West Midlands have signed up to the scheme, designed to develop retail management acumen, while providing opportunities to network with likeminded owners and managers.
The programme consists of a number of workshops delivered by the Guild Academy team covering subjects including legislation, health and safety, managing performance and growing sales.
In addition, delegates complete a work based project to ensure that they can transfer what they have learned into a store environment. As a result of the project, a number of significant cost savings and profit enhancing initiatives have been implemented in the stores, offering strong return on the investment made.
Melanie Walker, Blakemore Trade Partners Learning and Development Manager, said: “The first group of students have all passed the programme which helped boost their confidence and retail knowledge.
“Now, three more groups have enrolled, with the Guild Academy intent on providing this opportunity to stores across the Meridian & Welsh Guild over the coming years,” she said.
The scheme represents another success story for the Guild Academy, which has trained more than 2,000 retail staff, since its creation in June 2008, with 87% of retail customers represented on at least one course.
“The Academy was established to provide professional, free and targeted learning and development opportunities to independent SPAR store members in the Meridian & Welsh Guild area,” said Walker. “Its goals are to help independent retailers maximise their potential and help them give great service and make a positive contribution to their local community.
“The courses’ training content is designed specifically for SPAR retailers and is aimed at all levels of management and staff. Our courses are practical and interactive, and are constantly reviewed to ensure that they meet retailers’ requirements,” she added.
Italy: DeSPAR Supports the ‘Water for Life’ Project
Opening ceremony for one of the water points in Côte d’Ivoire
DeSPAR supports the ‘Water for life’ project for installing drinking water facilities in different parts of the city of Grand Bassam, in Côte d’Ivoire. The project, an initiative of non-profit organisation 'Associazione Gruppo Abele O.N.L.U.S.’, also includes various activities aimed at raising awareness among the inhabitants and educating on water usage.
The project aims at improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of five areas of Grand Bassam where drinking water is currently not available. Improving knowledge about the use of water from a health and safety perspective among inhabitants and young trainees of the Communauté Abel is another goal. Additionally they seek to improve training and productivity chances at the "Centre Abel" which is a vocational training centre for disadvantaged young people. Within this project, the water system of the ‘Centre Abel’ will be repaired.
As in many African countries, the lack of drinking water in the Ivory Coast affects nearly half of the population. It is estimated that about eight million Ivorians do not have access to drinking water. This problem causes serious effects on people’s health: ailments such as Typhoid fever, Guinea worm disease or dermatosis are unfortunately very widespread.
Austria: Trainees take over management of SPAR store Ansfelden, Austria, for a whole week
This project offers our trainees not only the chance to put their professional knowledge into practice in a creative way, but also to develop their own personality
Jakob Leitner, Managing Director of the SPAR Central Office Upper Austria in Marchtrenk
SPAR offered its trainees the opportunity to take over the management and also the responsibility for the SPAR store Ansfelden for a whole week. They experienced how it felt to be a SPAR store manager ‘for a limited period’.
Within the framework of this project, all activities related to fresh areas were planned, designed and implemented by the trainees themselves. They could and should contribute and implement their ideas. Independence, organisational skills, sense of responsibility and other skills are required from the young people. Various activities were planned in the store during the week. For example, food tastings and special sales in the delicatessen department, SPAR Natur*Pur as well as fruit and vegetables were on the programme.
What awaits the SPAR trainees
In cooperation with the responsible Store Manager of the SPAR supermarket in Ansfelden and her management team, the trainees were responsible for the management of the store as well as for all activities in the various departments. The responsibilities included all areas related to the fresh and dry range, office management, ordering process, acceptance of goods and supply of goods, product presentations, sales activities and sales talks, checkout procedures etc. "This project offers our trainees not only the chance to put their professional knowledge into practice in a creative way, but also to develop their own personality", emphasizes Jakob Leitner, Managing Director of the SPAR Central Office Upper Austria in Marchtrenk.
Executives from within its own ranks
The SPAR project for trainees is another step to support the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment of the young. The aim is to train the apprentices in such a manner that in the end they will chose to become an executive at SPAR . After the successful completion of their training at SPAR, a self-determined position is an option, such as Manager of the Fresh department or Deputy Store Manager. After a two year course the position of Store Manager becomes an option. In this way, SPAR is training its own future managers and retailers.
SPAR is Austria's largest trainer of apprentices
At SPAR stores, more than 2,700 young people work in 15 teaching professions. That makes SPAR the largest trainer of apprentices in Austria. In Upper Austria, SPAR employs 480 apprentices. Innovative training programmes in SPAR academy classes prepare the young people for their career. SPAR offers many additional benefits varying from premiums to additional training – and it is also possible to learn a training profession and graduate at the same time.
Netherlands: Recognition for SPAR's good health and safety practice
An organisation which established and monitors the adherence to standards pertaining to the immediate and follow-up care for accident/incident victims has rewarded SPAR for their practice.
Eric Brosius, director of Commercial and Logistics, received the Hans de Jager Award from the director of D.O.e.N., Wim Rikken. (D.O.e.N. stands for an organisation ‘Immediate and ongoing assistance support’)
SPAR Holding received this award because the company has taken upon itself the responsibility for professional care for employees of incidents (both accidents and violent crimes), enabling the victims to speedily recover and once again return to their daily lives.
The prize is awarded each year and has been named after Hans de Jager, one of the very first aid workers of D.O.e.N.
People were asked to nominate any mother, not just their own, who has shown extraordinary kindness, bravery or dedication or who has touched their lives positively
The new SPAR Mother of the Year Award rewarded exceptional mothers who through their contributions to their family and community have made a positive impact on the future of many Zimbabweans.
All Zimbabweans were asked to help find the SPAR Mother of the Year and to recognize the countries’ exceptional mothers. People were asked to nominate any mother, not just their own, who has shown extraordinary kindness, bravery or dedication or who has touched their lives positively. There were 5 winners, one winner from the categories below, and one overall winner who scooped the title of Mother of the Year 2011.
As well as winning some stunning prizes, the 6 winners received a cheque to donate to a charity of their choice.
The Winner was - Chipo Muteve
Overall winner, Chipo Muteve wins US$6000 worth of SPAR shopping vouchers, a SPAR Hamper worth US$500, a weekend for two at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls courtesy of African Sun, a Bauer fridge and Russell & Hobbs microwave courtesy of Electrical Appliances Distributors as well as US$1000 to donate to a charity of her choice, which was ’The Mustardseed Project’.
Winners in the categories were: 1. OMO Business Mother - this mother is either a business woman, or works in the corporate world and has made an impact within her sphere of associates as a person in business and as a mother. The winner was - Truster Chikoore
2. DETTOL Community Mother - this mother has inspired/ influenced positive change in her community through some community initiatives. This may be through a church, club or an informal organization. The winner was - Prisca Maphiwa
3. IRVINE’S Home Mother - this is the full time homemaker mother. She inspires her family and those around her by her positive spirit and strength as the pillar of the home The winner was - Annah Mambondiyani
4. SPAR Fruit Juices’ Health & Fitness Mother - this is a mother who is heavily involved in health and fitness, whether professionally or informally and inspires those around her through her involvement in health & fitness and her role as a mother. The winner was - Sheila Matinhure
UK Henderson Group: Making The Difference Awards
It started off as a search for unsung heroes and they were found. After seven months and hundreds of entries 11 amazing winners were given the recognition and praise they deserve at a truly spectacular and emotional gala night in the Grand Opera House on March 9.
The aim behind the Making the Difference Awards in association with SPAR was to highlight the good news stories that so often go unreported and give a platform to the many examples of achievement, success, triumph against the odds and old-fashioned community spirit going on across Northern Ireland. John Linehan aka May McFettridge received the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’ at the inaugural Making The Difference Awards organised by the Belfast Telegraph in association with SPAR.
John Linehan, is presented with his award by Paddy Doody, left, Sales and Marketing Director of SPAR and Mike Gilson, editor of the Belfast Telegraph.
John has been working behind the scenes for many years supporting a vast range of local charities and helping them both on a public and personal level.
One charity in particular is Children in Crossfire, which aims to protect and promote the rights of some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Charity head Richard Moore says, “He is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. He gets involved because he really wants to and gives his heart and soul to whatever we ask him to do.”
He also has given time to and helped fundraise for other charities such as the MS Society, the Children’s Hospice and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. The Making the Difference Awards which were held in the Grand Opera House Belfast brought together an array of exceptional people from across Northern Ireland to celebrate the achievements of all nominees and recognise the inspirational winners.
Guests were entertained by some of Northern Ireland’s best local talent including Sky One’s Got to Dance finalists ‘Razzle Dazzle’, Belfast Community Gospel Choir, former world champion drummer and stick extraordinaire, Mark Wilson, comedienne May McFettridge, Ballet kids Fantasia, Peter Corry and the local cast of Les Miserables.
Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director of SPAR, main sponsor of the awards said:
“The Making the Difference Awards, was truly spectacular, with each winner deserving of their award and recognition. From stories of astounding selflessness, compassion and self-preservation, to outstanding performances by community groups and local upcoming artists and performers – it was an evening that highlighted the best that Northern Ireland has to offer.
“As the leading neighbourhood convenience retailer, we are passionate about serving the local community, and have continued to do so for the last fifty years. SPAR is delighted to have sponsored the Making The Difference Awards and to be part of an event, which seeks out and rewards the unsung heroes of local communities across Northern Ireland.”
Netherlands: Supporting four projects in Dutch zoos
SPAR Netherland is be supporting four projects in Dutch zoos, providing each with €10,000. Through this activity, the famous apiary at the Amsterdam Artis Zoo can undergo a major upgrade, Burgers Zoo which partners with Shipstern Nature Reserve in Belize will use the funds to fight illegal forestry and hunting of protected animal species in the area. The Asia House in Diergaarde Blijdorp will be dramatically expanded and the Emmen Zoo will be able to lay a new floor for the Asian lions.
From week 4 in 2011, SPAR is launching a loyalty campaign entitled ‘Garfield’. During this six week promotion, SPAR customers can save a series of stunning stickers which feature all of the animals of the largest rain forests in the world. The stickers can be stuck in the specially developed sticker book in which Garfield is the guide of a world travel tour for enthusiastic collectors (not only children we are sure!). Information is included in the book in an interesting manner about the different animals with attention being asked for the environment and the interests of the rain forests!
The proceeds from the sales of the book will be partially used to finance the charitable causes mentioned above. From recent publications, it has become clear that the animal parks and zoos in The Netherlands are facing problems with the recession and SPAR is delighted to be able to support them in this way to retain these highly educative (and of course enormous fun) parks.
There are 200 stickers. For every Euro10.00 spent instore, customers will receive 5 free stickers. In addition, it will be possible to purchase packs of 5 stickers for Euro0.50. The Stickermania book in which the stickers can be stuck will only cost Euro3.00 in SPAR stores.
Look behind the scenes
But that’s not all. SPAR Netherlands has also linked a competition to the loyalty programme. The first 40 children to complete their sticker books will be given a unique tour around one of the four participating zoos/animal parks, together with ten of their best friends or classmates. During the tour, they will be given a behind the scenes tour.
It is well known that SPAR contributes to the atmosphere in neighbourhoods and villages in the Netherlands, and this activity reflects that SPAR always goes one step further. “SPAR is glad to be able to assist all of our customers understand the importance of maintenance of the rain forests and keep all animals alive,”said Sjaak Kranendonk, managing director of SPAR Holding BV.
UK: Elephants at Belfast Zoo Fill Their Trunks With SPAR Produce
SPAR owners Martin and David Finlay have come up with a novel way to reduce their store’s waste and help local wildlife. The Finlay’s SPAR on the Whitewell Road, Belfast regularly donate bread, and occasionally fresh produce, to the Elephants at Belfast Zoo.
David Finlay said: “I wasn’t happy with sending out dated food to landfill sites and looked at a better way to recycle some of our stock. Living and working at the foot of Cavehill, which houses the zoo, I thought that our waste could be used to help feed some of the animals. We are fortunate as a lot of the zoo workers use our store and they were able to help point us in the right direction and organise the logistics of collecting the out dated stock. Belfast Zoo are delighted and have used our loaves of bread and fresh produce to help feed the four resident elephants.”
Alyn Cairns is a curator at Belfast Zoo. He is grateful for the contribution that the Finlay’s SPAR makes. He said: “The bread that Martin and David donate contributes towards more than just the feeding of the elephants. It is also used for training and occasionally for making sure that the elephants take their medication. We spend around £20,000 a year to feed our four ladies, so the help we get from local companies is always appreciated.”
SPAR International: Future Leaders Programme
The development of Managers for the future is of great importance to all SPAR companies. SPAR International each year runs the Future Leaders Programme, which is designed to develop the management and leadership potential of future leaders of the SPAR retail and SPAR wholesale businesses.
Participants gain an overview on all aspects of SPAR, including strategy, operations, marketing and human resources. The programme also contains a number of practical elements including a hands-on Merchandising Workshop. The programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to share experiences and expertise with other delegates.
It includes a number of practical elements, such as:
Self & country presentations
Lectures and discussions
Discussion groups on specific topics
Workshops
Team assignments
Merchandising Workshop
Visits to a SPAR Distribution Centre and SPAR stores.
The Future Leaders Programme is intended for managers with potential who should have a good knowledge of the English language, are currently working in retailing and/or wholesaling, and have at least two years of excellent business performance in management. In general, the programme is targeted at participants between 20-30 years of age.
UK: Virtual Academy
Today, it is more complex than ever to run a competitive convenience store business. Having access to up to date and accurate answers can make all the difference. SPAR UK has identified a need for reliable information which is easily accessible. To meet this need, SPAR UK has developed the SPAR Virtual Academy, a user-friendly and comprehensive online resource dedicated to providing the latest, most complete and relevant information to all SPAR retailers.
SPAR Virtual Academy covers a wide range of topics, providing news, information and help in an easily downloadable format for future reference, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Topics covered include finance, human resources, legal guidelines and requirements, store services, environment, marketing and promotions, forecourts and operation excellence.
The site is designed to be easily navigated, to make getting results as quickly and effortlessly as possible even for complex issues. Moreover, it offers a range of Help options as well as FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Most of the information needed should already be within the SPAR Virtual Academy and its search facilities. However, it is also easy to Submit a Question. The Academy is constantly enhancing its capabilities and needs a regular supply of new questions to do so.
SPAR Virtual Academy is one of the most powerful resources for retailers and is available to every SPAR store in the UK free of charge.
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