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The group’s wholesale and technology companies both picked up awards as responsible business champions at the event organised by trade organisation Business in the Community.
Henderson Wholesale, which employs over 600 staff, was rewarded for its Well Aware strategy. The initiative, which was re-launched with a new strategy in 2018, has resulted in a decline in absentee rates, an “excellent” staff retention rate and a “more engaged” workforce.
These improvements have helped to generate a sales increase of almost 10% for the company.
Sam Davidson, group human resources director, said: “As a group, our employee well-being is critical to our success, and as a family run business, we make the welfare of our teams a priority.
“The Well Aware team’s hard work since relaunching in 2018 has been proven effective in employee satisfaction and staff retention.”
Henderson Technology was also honoured for its partnership with Gander, the mobile app which helps stores clear more “reduced to clear” food to lower waste.
The Gander app has been supplied to 350 of Henderson’s Spar, Eurospar and Vivo branded stores free of charge, with over 41,000 user downloads. On average, stores are reporting a 5% reduction in food waste.
Darren Nickels, retail technology operations director at Henderson Technology said: “Working with Gander to implement the app’s use with our stores has been a hugely successful example of showing the effect of technology and innovation to better the world around us.
“Driving down food waste is a group-wide priority, and Gander is cost-effective as well as providing a tangible solution for retailers and shoppers alike.”
Henderson Group is one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland with 4,000-plus staff. Business in the Community is the oldest and largest business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business.
