Martin Agnew, Joint Managing Director of the Henderson Group, which owns the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland has extended his congratulations to Peter McBride MBE, who has been recognised for services to the economy and the community in Co. Tyrone.

Mr McBride, who runs 16 SPAR stores across counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh, has been partnered with the Group since 1988, and has been named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III in his first ever New Year Honours List 2023.

Mr Agnew commented; “As a local retailer and within his role as President of Retail NI, Peter is an incredible community advocate, a formidable independent retailer and a well-known leader of the industry. Not only does Peter campaign to keep local neighbourhoods alive, but he provides secure employment for around 500 people in the communities he operates in, while ensuring shoppers have everything they need on their doorsteps.

“This is a fantastic honour for a well-deserving candidate, and on behalf of all at Henderson Group, throughout our stores and across our independent retailers and the Ulster SPAR Guild, we send our warmest and heartfelt congratulations to Peter.”

Speaking for the first time since being awarded his MBE, Mr McBride commented; “I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award, which I share with every member of my team, and those in the communities in which we serve. Being a local retailer is a privilege which I am immensely grateful for; I have been able to engage with local groups and organisations and together, we can ensure our neighbours are cared for and local charities are supported.

“Working locally, nationally and internationally with SPAR and the Henderson Group has also brought my business significant benefits over the years, while also enabling me to learn from, inspire and be inspired by  innovations and leadership.

“I would also wish to extend thanks to my family who have supported me both in public and in private throughout my career.”

Mr McBride has been a successful independent retailer with Henderson Group for 35 years, and has received many accolades to mark his community contributions and commitment to the retail industry in Northern Ireland during this time.

Mr McBride sits on the board of the International SPAR Guild of retailers, as well as the UK and the Ulster Guild.

Mr Agnew continued; “Peter has tirelessly and graciously shared his leadership and experiences with retailers around the world, and locally, with his presence on local, national and international SPAR Guilds. His stores have raised significant sums for charity over the past 35 years, including SPAR’s charity partner, Marie Curie, to which his Retail Group has donated an incredible £128,000  since the partnership began in 2017.”

Mr McBride will be awarded his medal at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace at a date to be announced.

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