Circle K, Ireland’s leading forecourt and convenience retailer, has been awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol, recognising its contribution to local employment, enterprise, and community investment across the country.
With 2,300 employees, 170 company-owned service stations, and a further network of 250 stations owned by independent retail partners, Circle K plays a critical role for Ireland’s retail industry, providing not only essential services for customers but also long-term career opportunities from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Over the past year, the company has expanded its presence, created new employment opportunities and strengthened its support for local communities.
From providing next-generation fuels to offering sustainably sourced coffee and a wide range of quality food options, Circle K has transformed the forecourt experience for Irish consumers. At the core of its operations is a commitment to delivering consistency, quality, and value to customers while making their lives a little easier every day.
A Commitment to Jobs and Career Development
Circle K has built a strong reputation as a major employer in Ireland, offering a variety of career paths and training initiatives that allow employees to progress within the business. The company actively invests in its people, promoting from within and providing leadership development programmes to help employee career development.
As part of its commitment to an inclusive workplace, Circle K has launched two new programmes: BeYou & BeWell. BeYou focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and BeWell promotes mental and physical wellness in the workplace. The company was also nominated for two National Diversity & Inclusion Awards for Advancing Gender Equality and Advancing Disability Equality, recognising its ongoing efforts in this space.
Sustainable Business Growth in Ireland
As part of its commitment to long-term investment in Ireland, Circle K continues to grow its network and infrastructure.
Circle K operates Ireland’s largest and most advanced EV charging network, with 14 EV charging locations currently live and an additional eight sites awaiting energisation. By May 2025, this network will expand to 25 live locations, with a further 20 sites in development, including five large-scale hubs featuring up to 10 chargers per site. In addition to its own network, Circle K customers can access EV charging at 54 locations nationwide through partnerships with Ionity, Tesla, and ESB. The company continues to invest in expanding access to EV charging, supporting Ireland’s transition to low-carbon transport.
Circle K is also the first forecourt and convenience retailer in Ireland to commit to powering its operations with 100% Irish renewable solar energy. Through its agreement with EDF Renewables Ireland, all company-owned locations and EV chargers are now powered by solar energy, reducing Circle K’s carbon footprint by an estimated 7,570 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
In addition to its renewable energy transition, Circle K is the largest provider of HVO100 renewable diesel in Ireland, a lower-carbon alternative that can reduce transport emissions by up to 90%. The company has also transitioned its own logistics fleet to HVO fuel, leading to a 14,000-tonne CO₂ reduction annually.
Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Circle K has achieved a 20% reduction in energy consumption across its company-owned sites, driving energy efficiency and supporting Ireland’s decarbonisation goals.
Backing Local Communities
Beyond its role as an employer and retailer, Circle K actively supports local community initiatives and national partnerships that make a tangible difference. The company has a long-standing commitment to giving back, fostering inclusion, and investing in programmes that benefit Irish communities.
As part of this commitment, Circle K has raised over €500,000 for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, helping to fund 28,280 hours of vital home nursing care for families across Ireland.
Circle K is also a strong supporter of grassroots sports. In partnership with the Football Association of Ireland, the company launched a €30,000 ‘Kits for Clubs’ giveaway, providing essential kit and equipment to local football teams across the country. This initiative follows the success of the €100,000 Grassroots Giveaway in 2023, which awarded funding to eight clubs nationwide, including a €30,000 grand prize for Ballyboro FC in Longford.
Providing an inclusive workplace for all is at the heart of Circle K’s business. Through partnerships with nine organisations*, it has provided sustainable employment for over 20 individuals. These initiatives reinforce Circle K’s role as a trusted employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace while strengthening the communities it serves.
Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland said: “We are proud to be recognised with the Guaranteed Irish symbol, as it reflects our deep commitment to Ireland—not just in terms of business operations, but in how we invest in jobs, communities, and the country’s long-term economic growth. Our 2,300 employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain focused on providing sustainable employment, career progression, and development opportunities across our network.
Through significant investment in renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and lower-carbon fuels, we are also playing our part in Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future. As we continue to grow, we will keep working to support our customers, communities, and partners in a way that delivers long-term benefits for Ireland.”
Sinead Mitchell, Head of Marketing & PR at Guaranteed Irish, commented: “We are delighted to award the Guaranteed Irish symbol to Circle K, a company that exemplifies the values of supporting local employment, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable business practices. Their commitment to investing in Ireland's future not only benefits their employees and customers but also strengthens the wider community. We look forward to working closely with Circle K to further promote local enterprise and contribute positively to Ireland's economic and social wellbeing.”
Gerry Casey, a member of Circle K’s dealer partner network added: “As a proud Circle K dealer partner, being part of this network has been a great support to our site, giving us access to a trusted brand and services that our customers rely on every day. The Guaranteed Irish accreditation reinforces the importance of local businesses and communities, and we’re delighted to see Circle K recognised for its commitment in this way. It’s a proud moment for all of us, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the backing of a strong and supportive network.”
The Guaranteed Irish symbol is awarded to companies that contribute to sustainable jobs, local enterprise, and Irish communities, demonstrating a commitment to quality and trust.
For more information about Circle K’s sustainability initiatives and career opportunities, visit www.circlek.ie
