'Our people are our greatest asset': Belfast’s largest independent FMCG retailer launches staff training drive for over 300 employees
Independent Belfast retailer partners with Craft Recruitment to deliver nationally recognised qualifications across butchery, retail and food-safety divisions
Independent FMCG retailer The Wall Group has announced a major workforce investment that will provide nationally recognised qualifications for more than 300 employees across its Belfast operations.
The company, one of Northern Ireland’s largest independent SPAR retailers, has partnered with Craft Recruitment to roll out a new NVQ training programme spanning its retail, butchery, deli and food service divisions.
The initiative will allow staff to gain industry-recognised qualifications while continuing in their existing roles, supporting career progression and skills development across the business.
The programme will cover employees working within The Wall Group’s SPAR stores, its recently launched Wall’s Foodhall & Butchery operation, as well as its Subway and deli divisions.
Training opportunities will include qualifications in butchery, customer service, retail management, food safety and operational management.
The company said the investment represents one of the largest single-site staff development commitments by an independent retailer in Northern Ireland in recent years and reflects its continued expansion into specialist food retailing.
As part of the programme, staff at Wall’s Foodhall & Butchery will undertake specialist butchery NVQs aimed at supporting the growth of the company’s food production team.
Gavan Wall, managing director of The Wall Group explained: "Our people are our greatest asset, and this partnership is about backing that with action. Whether someone is starting out on the deli counter or running one of our stores, they should have a clear, structured path to develop their skills and earn a qualification that's recognised across the industry.
"Craft Recruitment shares our belief that investing in people is how you build a sustainable business."
Retail employees will have access to customer service and retail management qualifications designed to help team members progress into supervisory and store management positions.
Meanwhile, workers across the Subway and deli operations will complete additional food safety and management NVQs focused on strengthening operational standards and developing future managers.
The Wall Group said the initiative underlines its commitment to investing in employees and creating long-term career opportunities within the business as it continues to expand across Belfast’s retail and food sectors.