Northern Ireland Spar group Kenny’s attributed another year of growth to its heavy investment in staff training.

Turnover increased by 25.7% to £25.4m in the year to 31 March 2012.

Owner Kenny Bradley said the return on a £100k spend over three years on training from consultancy The Loop - the equivalent of £700 for each staff member - helped growth. Kenny’s introduced its “customer first, task second” motto two years ago.