Tallaght store owner appointed to national retail council
By William O’Connor
TONY Harnett, owner of Maxol Mace Tymon North, Mace Balally and Maxol Mace Sandyford, has been appointed to the Mace Retail Council (MRC), after being nominated along with 11 of his peers from across Ireland to represent Mace’s 240 independent retailers in developing the Group’s overall strategy and policies.
The MRC is a representative body of Mace forecourt and neighbourhood retailers, encom-passing urban and rural-based stores.
The MRC operates on a voluntary basis, whereby the elected members meet with the management of Mace’s parent company, BWG Foods, throughout the year to discuss matters of relevance to the wider group.
Sales Director, Alex Banahan, said: “The MRC is a consultative forum whereby elected members directly contribute to, and shape, the future direction of Mace.
“By representing the views of the wider retailer network, the Council performs a vital role in the development of group strategy and offers practical advice on the implementation of group policies.
“Mace retailers are independent business people who live and work in the area, so the MRC members are in a position to help us better understand the issues and opportunities facing people on the ground, ensuring we make decisions that support our individual retailers and the betterment of the brand overall.”
Speaking about his appointment to the Council, Tony Harnett said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the MRC as I have great enthusiasm for representing the suggestions, opinions and advice of my colleagues at a national forum.
“It is exciting to be part of a growing brand like Mace, but we continually have to improve the quality of our offering, service and standards to local customers if we want to retain that position.
“It is therefore important that retailers take the opportunity to be part of the overall brand strategy and I’m honoured to be able to contribute over the next two years.”
Tony Harnett joined Mace in 2008, with Mace Balally, followed by Maxol Mace Tymon North in 2009 with Maxol Mace Sandyford opening last year.
Through his businesses he employs 35 people, including supporting his local suppliers and various community initiatives.
