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How the Guild Works for Retailers
 

SPAR retailers in the UK are serviced by five retail distribution centres, which each operate within an area known as a guild.  Every SPAR retailer automatically becomes a member of their regional guild. 

The guild system encourages retailers to exchange ideas with each other and to build successful partnerships with both their customers and suppliers.  Whether you sit in on the guild meetings representing SPAR retailers or talk to your guild member to put forward your ideas, you can be sure that SPAR is listening.  Much of the strategic direction of the business starts out with an idea or suggestion put forward by a retailer at a guild meeting. 

The guild system consists of elected retail directors who represent fellow SPAR retailers at both a regional and national level. 

The Meridian & Welsh Guild consists of 16 elected directors, along with two members of the A.F. Blakemore senior management team and Honorary Life President, Stan Moore, of SPAR Stafford.  The Guild Board meets approximately six times a year, with elections held annually. 

A.F. Blakemore’s SPAR Sales Director, Bryan Walters, serves as the Chairman of the Meridian & Welsh Guild Board, while independent retailer Amarjit Bhdaal, of SPAR Auckley, is the Vice Chairman. 

In addition to the guild meetings, SPAR retailers across the Meridian & Welsh Guild are invited to attend six-monthly Retailer Roadshow events.  These allow the Guild Board of Directors and Blakemore SPAR Directors to visit independent retailers and discuss current challenges in the marketplace, new initiatives and share ideas for future joint cooperation.