A look at what’s going on across the Scottish convenience sector
Barry’s signs up to Spar
WHOLESALER CJ Lang has welcomed the Barry’s Stores group to the Spar Scotland family.
Father and son Barry and Steven Oujla run three stores in the south Glasgow area and one in Paisley, employing 30 people.
All four will be refitted and CJ Lang chief Colin McLean said: “Barry and Steven are great retailers and are firmly part of their local community, with over 40 years in the convenience sector. We have exciting plans for the stores.”
Barry Oujla added: “We are very pleased with our decision to join Spar. We are looking to expand our business and were looking for a partner to support us with our ambitions.”
Booker gets networking
BOOKER Group used International Women’s Day to launch its first-ever Colleague Network, called Women in Booker, to champion gender equality.
A virtual event saw more than 750 colleagues covering all areas and work levels across the group come together to learn about the business benefits that come with having more women in leadership.
The aims are to raise awareness of gender imbalance, create network opportunities, and support, inspire and motivate female workers across the firm.
Booker people director Rebecca Mallows said: “We are really looking forward to the changes Women in Booker is going to achieve.”
Potato plan grows ahead
GROW Your Own Potatoes kits have been delivered to more than 6,000 schools nationwide after the programme was saved from closure thanks to support from across the industry.
The educational initiative, which has already reached more than six million kids, was due to end last year due to funding issues.
But thanks to the support of key businesses, including leading spud supplier Branston, primary schools will continue to benefit from the potato kits.
Jackie Baker, comms manager at Branston, said: “It allows children to see where their food comes from and inspires them to be inquisitive throughout the process.”
