Westmeath retailer appointed to national SPAR council

Noel McIntyre owner of McIntyre’s SPAR, Dublin Road, Mullingar has been appointed to the National Council of SPAR Retailers (NCSR ), a group of 12 store owners chosen from across Ireland to represent the SPAR and SPAR Express group of 361 independent local retailers. As part of his new role Noel will help develop SPAR Ireland’s overall plan by regularly meeting with management of BWG Foods, owners and operators of the SPAR and SPAR Express brands in Ireland to introduce new ideas, innovations, and services to continually improve local shopper experience and to ensure that SPAR and SPAR Express remain at the forefront of convenience retailing in Ireland. Noel McIntyre said he was delighted to be chosen by his peers for this important role. He said, “It’s a real honour to be appointed to the NCSR. By working closely with BWG Foods management I hope to make the shopping experience even better for my local customers, as well as SPAR and SPAR Express customers across Ireland. “Being part of Ireland’s leading local retail group brings great benefits to our customers, staff, and my business, and I’m proud to be able to share my experience with my fellow SPAR and SPAR Express retailers.” The NCSR represents SPAR and SPAR Express retailers from both urban and rural stores, and council members serve for two years. The McIntyre family have been trading in Mullingar from their site on the Dublin Road since 1968 and currently employ 15 people in their store, as well as supporting local suppliers and community initiatives. Willie O’Byrne, managing director, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR and SPAR Express brands in Ireland ) said: “The NCSR plays a vital role in driving the evolution of both SPAR and SPAR Express. As a brand which has stores in every corner of Ireland, SPAR and SPAR Express are an integral part of local communities, run by independent business people who live and work in local areas. It is essential that we understand the issues and opportunities facing people on the ground and the council helps us to do that, ensuring we make the right decisions for the group overall and that we continually improve our offering for local shoppers. I want to congratulate Noel on his appointment to the NCSR and I wish him and his colleagues every success over the next two years.”