SHELFLIFE GROCERY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2022

HONOUR THE GROCERY RETAIL INDUSTRY’S FINEST MANAGERS AND MORE

Mark Byrne of Blake’s Centra, Blarney Filling Station, Co. Cork named National Grocery Retail Manager of the Year 2022

Ireland’s grocery retail industry gathered at Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel last night, Wednesday, 6 July, for the 2022 ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards, recognising individual management excellence in the sector.

With 350 guests in attendance. 23 awards were presented, honouring the best in the many departments that make up local convenience stores and supermarkets, culminating in the grand prize of ShelfLife National Grocery Retail Manager of the Year.

Led by MC Shay Byrne of RTE Radio One’s Rising Time, the prestigious, independently judged awards ceremony is supported by platinum sponsor Bank of Ireland and carried out in association with Excel Recruitment.

Mark Byrne of Blake’s Centra, Blarney Filling Station, Co. Cork was named National Grocery Retail Manager of the Year 2022. He was presented the award by Owen Clifford, head of retail convenience at Bank of Ireland, the ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards’ platinum sponsor.

The judges deemed Mark Byrne an outstanding winner on account of the true dedication and passion he has demonstrated for the retail industry.

Commenting on the overall national winner, the judges noted: “A firm, fair and friendly manager, Mark Byrne has said time and time again how the heart and defiance of his team during a two-year pandemic has helped their store reach record turnovers. This award is not just based on sales figures but how well retailers can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the retail industry.

“Mark’s truly positive outlook on life shines through to his management style and how he runs his store. He has invested many hours in developing his team and ensuring they get the recognition they deserve. A true advocate for excellence in retailing, Mark Byrne is well deserving of this award.”

The theme of this year’s ceremony was ‘Heroes of Retail’, a title which ShelfLife publisher John McDonald described as a fitting tribute to the dedication demonstrated by Ireland’s leading grocery managers.

“The flexibility and quick-thinking required by Ireland’s leading grocery managers has once again been thoroughly demonstrated by this year’s winners. Retailers have faced huge challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic – not least of which, difficulties with staff rostering due to isolation restrictions. Rising business costs have likewise become a serious issue for community-based retailers. However, despite all the challenges, the winners awarded tonight have shown they can always be relied upon to deliver true professionalism, fantastic service and real care for their customers which sees them continuously go above and beyond to deliver an internationally renowned shopping experience. Their unfaltering attention to detail is truly to be commended.”

Owen Clifford, head of retail sector, Bank of Ireland, the event’s platinum sector, likewise spoke of the importance of supporting and recognising managers’ dedication, noting: “Bank of Ireland are delighted to once again be lead sponsor of the Grocery management awards. These awards showcase the excellent standards and service delivered by the Irish grocery sector. They also celebrate the significant contribution made by personnel within the sector to their local communities nationwide. Personally, it remains a privilege to support and recognise all that’s great about the internationally renowned Irish grocery sector.”