M&S Announces Plan A Award winners at Balmoral Show
Two local suppliers to M&S have been rewarded for their supplier excellence in animal welfare, environment and ethical issues at the M&S Plan A Awards, which took place at the Balmoral Show.
Shane Donnelly of Greenisland Flowers, Portadown scooped the ‘Plan A in Action’ Award for his contribution to the growth of the cut flower industry in Northern Ireland, while Garth Johnston of Johnston Bros, Magherafelt walked away with the ‘M&S Future of Farming’ Award for his commercial focus, drive for innovation and his role in tackling climate change. Runner-up in this category was Simon Weir from Moy.
Greenisland Flowers has been supplying cut flowers to M&S since 2004 growing ‘Matthiola Incana’, otherwise know as scented stock, for the retailer. The farm adheres to a Farm Biodiversity Action Plan to help develop important wildlife species and protect their natural habitat. These include Whooper Swans, Lapwings, Bumble Bees and Linnets to whom these areas are paramount for continued sustainability.
As a result, Shane was commended for his commitment to environmental protection, education and training, as well as his overall contribution to developing horticulture in Northern Ireland.
Shane commented: “Being awarded the first ever M&S ‘Plan A in Action’ award is a testament to our commitment to delivering an innovative and ethically responsible service to one of the UK’s most prestigious retailers – I am absolutely delighted.”
Garth Johnston, who produces free range and Omega 3 free range eggs to M&S through local supplier Skea Eggs, as well as Aberdeen Angus Beef through Linden Foods, stood out as a talented farming leader of the future with a drive for innovation and a good understanding of how to operate his business in an environmental and ethical manner.
Garth said: “I am delighted to have been awarded the ‘M&S Future of Farming’ Award. I hope these awards will encourage other young farmers to look at new innovations, share best practice and improve the way they do business.”
Steve McLean, Marks & Spencer Agriculture Manager said: “The awards have provided a platform for us to officially recognise and reward the considerable steps our suppliers have made to make their businesses more sustainable.
“They celebrate the important role our agricultural producers have played in delivering Plan A commitments to date and we feel it is important that everyone in our supply chain benefits from shared best practice. “Shane Donnelly and Garth Johnston are both very worthy winners and have proved this by demonstrating their commercial success, innovative thinking and social responsibility in the way they manage and execute their businesses.”
Launched in 2007, Plan A is M&S’s five-year, 100 point plan to tackle the biggest challenges facing its business and the world through five pillars: climate change, waste, sustainable raw materials, fair partner and health.
Open to M&S local producers, the awards celebrate the important role suppliers play in working towards M&S commitments, which include:
- becoming carbon neutral
- sending no waste to landfill
- extending sustainable sourcing
- setting new standards in ethical trading
- helping customers and employees live a healthier lifestyle.
Entrants in both categories were required to outline their achievements in six key areas including commercial, innovation, commitment to continuing professional development, technical expertise, social responsibility and leadership. Each winner received a £1,000 prize.
