One O One Convenience Stores has been a generous and enthusiastic supporter of GroceryAid Scotland for many years. We catch up with Head of Operations Jim Harper to find out why the business is so passionate about helping industry colleagues.
Jim, how did One O One first get involved with GroceryAid?
One O One Convenience Stores has been a supporter of GroceryAid for four years, building up a partnership with the industry charity during that time through fundraising, engagement, sponsorship, and direct annual contributions.
At the outset, many of our colleagues and indeed wider business had little awareness of GroceryAid and it took time to communicate the range of services that were on offer. Once our colleagues gained improved understanding of the charity, they realised they could access financial grants, emotional support, practical advice and many other services, accessing this through the free and confidential helpline or GroceryAid website. Our teams found the support invaluable during these past few years we have all experienced.
Paul Stirling, Group Retail Director of One O One, is an avid supporter of the charity and passionate about raising awareness of the services available to all our teams throughout the company. He said: “The services offered from the charity have real benefit to our employees. As the world recovers from the pandemic, and our teams and wider public deal with the current cost-of-living crisis, there is no better support than GroceryAid to help all in the retail industry.”
How do you keep your colleagues up to date on GroceryAid developments?
Paul encourages all our support teams to always carry information about GroceryAid’s welfare services with them to allow our teams to get immediate support when it is needed. Lyndsey, our HR Manager, sends newsletters out every month, containing information about the charity’s services, and stores have printed materials in staff areas so employees can learn what GroceryAid does and get easy access to contact details. At One O One we are proud to be a Gold Partner with GroceryAid and we would encourage all retailers, wholesalers, producers and service providers to the retail food industry to join us and support their teams.
What made you decide to sponsor Checkout Scotland?
When Checkout Scotland came around last year, sponsorship was a win-win. At One O One, we wanted to support GroceryAid with its first event as a thank you for the support they have given to our teams. Also, sponsorship helps develop industry awareness of our brand and we were proud to sit alongside the major multinational companies that also sponsored the event.
What was your favourite part of Checkout in 2022?
For me, it was amazing to network with so many colleagues from the different parts of the industry. The event was something special that people, once they had been the first time, would think “we need to bring our colleagues along to this next year”. The event is the only one of its kind within the grocery industry, which has made it quite unique.
There were many fabulous DJs playing on the day and we were very lucky that the weather was great.
We also brought along many of our central and store teams, as the sponsorship package contained tickets too. That was a great way to reward and recognise individuals.
What was your main objective for the event?
Simply put: to raise awareness of the charity whilst attending the biggest Scottish industry music event on the Scottish retail calendar. One O One hopes to be part of the event for many years to come.
What are you most looking forward to about Checkout 2023?
Firstly, I think bringing more colleagues along! We had about 30 colleagues there last year and I’m looking forward to seeing the faces of those that might be surprised about how good an event it is. I am also really looking forward to seeing this year’s new outside activation area.
The venue itself is special, so seeing over 1,000 colleagues at the event, enjoying amazing, entertainment, DJs, acts and new sponsored activation will be great. I am so looking forward to it all!
Why should brands consider sponsoring Checkout?
The Scottish convenience and grocery marketplace is made up of so many businesses and Checkout Scotland is for everyone in the industry, small or large. We’ve talked a lot about awareness for the One O One brand, but it’s also about raising awareness of Grocery Aid’s services too and fundraising for the charity at the same time. Many of those businesses’ employees could benefit from GroceryAid’s free emotional, practical, and financial support.
Sponsors will also get the chance to speak to everyone within the industry on the day in a relaxed environment, which is a unique opportunity.
Lastly, I think it’s really important to get across how it’s helped our business. One O One is a big supporter of GroceryAid and we stand very proudly on the Gold Award winners list amongst some of the biggest FMCG players in the UK. Even if a business buys a few tickets for the event, it’s worthwhile to come along and gain an understanding of what the charity is and what it can do for you. Send a couple of your colleagues along and let them come back and tell you how amazing the charity is.
If you’re not involved, you’ve got to ask yourself the question: ‘Why not?’
I can’t wait for Checkout 2 on 31 August 2023.
