convenience store Archives - Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer

£2m Ballyclare forecourt scheme gets the green light

Linda Stewart — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:49:23 +0000

Plans to transform the derelict site beside Watt’s Garage filling station on the Ballynure Road in Ballyclare, creating 25 jobs, have been given the green light by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

The plans include two new units and a restaurant, along with improvements to the existing petrol forecourt with the creation of additional parking, improved traffic flows and access to the post office, ATM, paypoint, convenience store and hot food deli.

New ultra-fast 150kw electric charging points will also be installed, the first of its kind in the area.

Family-run Watts Garage, which was established 67 years ago, has designed the development closely with the council to enhance the area.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Stephen Ross said: “I welcome this £2m investment in Ballyclare. This project will complement the Council’s revitalisation projects and enhance the gateway to Ballyclare.

“It will also provide up to 25 full and part time jobs with a further 20 jobs being created during construction.”

Managing director Daryl Watt said: “This £2m investment reconfirms our confidence in the Borough. This refurbishment work is only possible thanks to the support from our loyal customers over the past 67 years and we hope that this project will enable us to continue to support our community into the future.”

The post £2m Ballyclare forecourt scheme gets the green light appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Gilford Community Forum supports £2m filling station and store proposed for derelict site

Linda Stewart — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:18:03 +0000

A £2m proposal to revive a derelict petrol station and convenience retail site in Gilford has been welcomed by Gilford Community Forum.

The proposal by Northern Ireland’s Henderson Group which has a presence across Northern Ireland is to build a new EUROSPAR food shop and fuel forecourt combination, creating up to 20 jobs.

There is wide support for the application, according to Matt Crozier, chairperson of Gilford Community Forum which represents the town’s 1,950 population. He said the proposal is welcomed by his members.

“I have discussed this application with people across Gilford and can genuinely say I have come across no opposition to it,” he said.

“This will be beneficial to young people and older residents, both of whom have a lesser ability to travel to retail units in neighbouring areas such as Portadown, Lurgan, Banbridge and Tandragee.

“For people living outside of Gilford who pass through regularly, the parking space available will make it more like they will stop and buy what’s available in the shop, bringing in much needed revenue. On top of these benefits, the development will increase employment opportunities locally and improve the appearance of the village”

Henderson Group Property Director Mark Adrain says the new unit would bring many advantages to Gilford.

“The town has been losing shoppers to neighbouring Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown and we at Henderson Group know from experience of operating these EUROSPAR sites in small towns and villages that they not only stem the outward flow of spend but enhance the attractiveness of their immediate area,” says Mr Adrain.

“We are confident the benefits of a EUROSPAR in Gilford with its supply chain, job opportunities and construction phase will inject new vigour into the town’s retail offer.”

An economic impact assessment of the proposed modern convenience shopping facility in Gilford underlines the company’s intention to generate the majority of the construction jobs locally through the appointment of a local contractor, the majority of whose employees live in the Lurgan/Banbridge area surrounding Gilford.

“We estimate that between 75% and 100% of the jobs of the construction phase will remain within the ABC Council area,” said Mr Adrain.

The proposal was originally recommended for approval in March 2018 and February 2019 by ABC’s Planning Office. But the Planning Office subsequently recommended refusal in January 2021.

The post Gilford Community Forum supports £2m filling station and store proposed for derelict site appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Joyce’s Supermarkets launches staff training programme with Galway-Roscommon ETB

Linda Stewart — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:51:55 +0000

Galway based independent grocer Joyce’s Supermarkets has launched a new programme to upskill and provide formal training for employees who want to build a career in retail management.

The programme includes an in-house trainee manager development scheme. In addition to this, trainee managers from Joyce’s have been enrolled with Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) on a QQI Level 6 course.

Joyce’s currently has nine junior managers enrolled on the Supervisory Management programme with GRETB. The combination of inhouse and external training will provide employees with insight into retail management and hands-on experience.

Aisling Joyce, Director of Operations at Joyce’s Supermarkets, said: “At Joyce’s Supermarkets, we believe it is important to invest in our people and support our employees to develop their skills. Working with Galway-Roscommon ETB allows us to combine traditional education with real life experience of working in a retail environment, to help our trainee managers to build a foundation for their careers in retail management.”

Joyce’s Supermarkets operates ten stores across Galway and employs over 500 people in the county.

“Retail management is a very rewarding career and really appeals to those who enjoy dealing with people and working in the local community. It also offers a great opportunity in managing a business. Our trainee managers are immersed in all aspects of grocery retail, as all activities associated with operating a grocery business are carried out by the team in-house,” Aisling said.

Lorraine Thornton, Employer Engagement Officer of Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, said: “We are delighted to support Joyce’s Supermarkets in the upskilling of their trainee managers’ development through our QQI Level 6 Supervisory Management programme – a certified part-time course providing operational and practical learning funded through the Skills To Advance scheme. GRETB provides funded education and training opportunities to support all employers in developing their employee’s skillset.”

Joyce’s Supermarket is currently recruiting for a number of trainee management roles within the business and invites applicants to apply to careers@joycesupermarket.com.

Caption: Manager Paul Mullan and store manager Patrick Joyce

The post Joyce’s Supermarkets launches staff training programme with Galway-Roscommon ETB appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.