A Laois SPAR has been recognised for excellence in service.

SPAR on Station Road, Portarlington recently accepted a Gold Star award in the BWG Food Safety & Quality Standard category.

The shop also achieved the 365 standard in the Customer Care programme.

The awards night was recently held at the Killashee Hotel, Co. Kildare.

"It's not to often we get the chance to get all dressed up but we donned our best to accept our Gold Star in the BWG Food Safety & Quality Standard and achieved the 365 standard in the Customer Care Programme!" the business posted to social media.

"We would like to give a big shout out to all our team who work hard to maintain the highest levels in customer service and food quality," they said.

"None of this would be possible without our excellent staff. Thanks also to all our fantastic and loyal customers who supported us throughout the year! Thank you!" the shop finished.

The SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme Awards, held in association with the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA), are presented annually to SPAR and SPAR Express stores that have demonstrated outstanding industry excellence following a year of comprehensive inspections, visits from mystery shoppers and audits.

SPAR Ireland was established in 1963 and is operated by leading wholesale and retail company, BWG Foods. In 2014, 80% of BWG’s shares were sold to SPAR South Africa, however, the existing shareholders remain involved in the business.

With a presence in every county across the Republic of Ireland, SPAR is one of the country’s largest convenience retail groups.

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