Senator Feargal Quinn, entrepreneur and founder of supermarket chain, Superquinn, delivered the keynote speech at the GS1 in Europe Regional Forum, which took place in Dublin. His speech titled ‘Crowning the Customer’ highlighted how businesses can succeed and are succeeding during the recession.

Speaking to over 200 delegates at the GS1 Forum, the global supply chain standards body, GS1, Senator Quinn said: “Businesses that go that extra mile, provide an outstanding customer service and give a unique experience to their customers will succeed. Confidence and having the belief in yourself sets the foundation for you to achieve.”

He said the downturn in the economy must spur businesses to improve their standards in order to bring back customers, not only in Ireland, but across the EU and also in a worldwide context. Speaking to delegates from 46 countries, Senator Quinn “urged retailers and their suppliers to continue the implementation of GS1’s open supply chain standards as a means to reduce costs and achieve real efficiencies in their supply chain operations.”

On an upbeat note, Senator Quinn said: “We have a lot of challenges, but we also have a lot of good news and I firmly believe that the downturn has provided so many opportunities for business people to improve their business. Positivity is the only way forward and it is absolutely crucial to all parts of the economy at this time. Negativity is a real hindrance and in some ways can be an excuse to do nothing. Believers really are achievers in my mind.”

He concluded his speech by saying: “We must grasp this moment – business people need to be a bit more creative, a bit more enthusiastic and get out there and do what they need to do.”

Watch a video of the presentation: