Longstanding leading retail industry figures - and brothers - Geoffrey and Martin Agnew of Henderson Group, have reacted this evening (12 June) after being awarded MBEs in the King’s birthday honours list.
Speaking after hearing the news, the pair said in a joint release: “We’re honoured to accept these awards on behalf of all our colleagues in the Henderson Group and our fantastic retailers, trade customers and suppliers. Without their contribution, the business would not have grown in the way it has over the last 40 years.
“We acknowledge the guidance of our father, John Agnew CBE and our late grandfather, W.A. Agnew, who both set the standard and values for this business, including the practice of stewardship. As God has blessed us and this business, so we seek to make a lasting difference to the communities in which we trade”.
2026 marks 40 years since the brothers first joined the business after graduating from Ulster University. They succeeded their father, John Agnew CBE, as joint managing directors in 1998 - positions they held until last year.
Under their stewardship, Henderson Group has made capital investments of around £300m, developing an estate that includes logistics infrastructure and over 500 company owned and independent retail stores serving communities across Northern Ireland.
Today, Henderson Group is “one of the North’s most significant employers, recently surpassing 6,000 employees and contributing £167m in wages to the local economy annually,” it said.
In addition, Community Shop’s executive chairman, Gary Stott, has been recognised, and has been awarded an OBE for Services to the Circular Economy and Building Communities.
Stott’s pioneering approach led to the development of the UK’s first social supermarket, which was created to tackle the root causes of food insecurity - a growing issue within the UK as cost of living pressures continue, with many still struggling to afford the food and essentials they need.
Stott said: “It’s an absolute privilege to work within a sector and with people so totally committed to delivering positive change for people, communities and the environment. Over the last 20 years I have worked with some brilliant people and together we have created long-lasting and sustainable solutions by empowering people to develop their own capabilities and deliver positive futures for themselves and their communities.”
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