Spar has celebrated its 60th anniversary in the UK with a lavish funfair and dinner event that raised a six-figure sum for charity.
More than 1,700 suppliers, retailers and their families attended the afternoon and evening function in Manchester to recognise the past, present and future of Spar in the UK.
As part of the event, representatives of the Hunt, Davies and Kellet families, who have been Spar retailers since it first launched in the UK 60 years ago, received awards to mark their contribution to the group.
During the celebration, over £100,000 was raised for Spar’s national charity Marie Curie, an amount that was match-funded by the group’s National Guild. When combined with local fundraising initiatives that have taken place in Spar stores since the partnership was launched in April this year, it meant that the group was able to present a cheque for £600,000 to the charity.
Marie Curie ceo Dr Jane Collins said: “Thank you so much to Spar UK for the phenomenal support you have given Marie Curie this year as we launched our exciting partnership together. The money raised will ensure we can be there for more people and their families living with a terminal illness right across the UK. Spar UK’s support will enable families to make the most of the time they have left together; easing the pressure of caring for a loved one and creating memories they will treasure forever.”
Spar UK managing director Debbie Robinson added: “Since launching, Spar has stood for the idea that through joint co-operation, all benefit. This concept remains true today – our Spar retailers and wholesalers working together is what has made us such a success.
“With six consecutive years of growth, and our sales and profits up, the Spar UK business is in great shape and outperforming our competitors. And, as long as we remain aware of changing customer needs and keep setting the trends in the market, we can look forward many more years of success.”
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