AFB Hosts Historic Management Conference

December 02, 2011

The ongoing integration process with Capper & Co and the role that this will play in generating sustainable growth were the key topics discussed at this year’s A.F. Blakemore Management Conference.

The conference represented an historic moment for A.F. Blakemore with almost 300 managers from across A.F. Blakemore and Capper & Co joining together at the National Motorcycle Museum on November 24th.

Managers were presented with figures that showed that group turnover is anticipated to hit £1.175 billion by the end of the current financial year, which reflects a near doubling of sales since 2007.

The sales growth is anticipated to continue over the next four years and is predicted to increase company profits by 66% from the 2011 to 2015 financial years.

Group Managing Director Peter Blakemore provided a key note address to delegates and explained that once the Capper integration process is complete the company will be in a strong position to grow sales, profitability and market share further.

Peter said: “Two years ago we were at full capacity across our Wholesale Distribution, Food Service and Fresh Foods depots and saw sales decline across our retail divisions. 

“However we now have no constraints on growth in any part of our business and have the capacity to better service our customers and grow our sales.

“We have a wonderful opportunity with Cappers and massive benefits are already being achieved as a result of the merger.”

The benefits of the integration were seen most clearly in the respective presentations from the Retail and Trade Partners Managing Directors, Geoff Hallam and Dennis Evans, who discussed the strong performance of their respective divisions during the current financial year.

The ongoing investment in Blakemore’s Wholesale Distribution, Food Service and Fresh Foods divisions was also highlighted by Wholesale Managing Director Sam Wilcox and held up as another example of the company’s desire to build solid foundations for the future.

Integration was a central theme of a presentation from A.F. Blakemore’s Company Secretary and Capper & Co Managing Director Robert Upton.

Robert outlined the history of the Capper family business and the shared values and culture of the two organisations.

Blakemore Logistics Managing Director, Barry Davies, discussed the increased efficiencies and environmental initiatives launched across the division and looked ahead to integrating with the Capper operation to create “best in sector service”.

A.F .Blakemore’s support for small regional producers through its Heart Distribution operation was a focus of a presentation from Commercial Manager Caoire Blakemore, and the company’s award winning community engagement programme was highlighted by Corporate Affairs Manager Paul Cowley.

There was also a debut conference appearance from newly appointed Property Development Director, Alastair Haigh, who presented his vision for the future of retail development.

Peter Blakemore thanked his management team for their hard work during a year of massive change and concluded by highlighting the strong values that underpin the company’s success and the role that they will continue to play in developing the company in the years ahead.

Managing Director Peter Blakemore addressing the Management Conference audience

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