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- Group Overview
- Coronavirus Update
- Our Divisions
- Interactive Map
- Board of Directors
- Our Heritage
- 100 Years Book
- The Blakemore Way
- Corporate Responsibility
- Corporate Responsibility Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Food Safety & Quality Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Tax Policy
- Modern Slavery Statement
- Awards
- Blakemore Property
- AFB Website Ts & Cs
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News
BrewDog Partners with SPAR to launch an exclusive pale ale
September 23, 2024
16th September 2024: The number one craft beer brand, BrewDog, is uniting with the UK’s leading convenience store group, SPAR, to create an exclusive beer, in a partnership influenced by storytelling, adventure and fun.Ballygally school boy’s sweet idea becomes new product sold in SPAR stores across UK
September 04, 2024
9 year old Archie Barr has become Ballygally’s youngest product designer, after his imaginary packet of sweets has been made a reality by his local SPAR retailer.SPAR OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STORE IN TON PENTRE
August 19, 2024
New Store Features GREGGS and an Extended Range of Fresh and Local ProduceSPARaoke Winner Announced
August 15, 2024
Innovative SPAR campaign gives the winner a month’s shopping basket for free.A.F. Blakemore colleagues to raise vital funds for end of life care across the Midlands and Wales
July 31, 2024
Colleagues at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, have chosen the UK’s leading end of life care charity, Marie Curie, to be their official charity partner across the whole business.A.F. Blakemore appoints Ian Kellett as new CFO
July 30, 2024
AFBNSPCC thanks Blakemore Retail for raising over £5 million for the charity in 18-year partnership
July 24, 2024
AFBSPAR becomes the Official Convenience Store Partner of Leicester Tigers
July 17, 2024
SPAR is now the official Convenience Store of Leicester Tigers and will become a supporting partner for the Tigers Under-10s Cup.SPAR retailers celebrate excellence at A.F. Blakemore SRS24 awards
July 15, 2024
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses and wholesaler for SPAR stores in Wales, Central and South East England, held its annual 2024 SPAR Retail Show (SRS24) Awards at Telford International Centre on Thursday 13th June, with over 1,300 people attending the glittering gala dinner and awards evening.A.F. Blakemore celebrates partnership success at SRS24
July 12, 2024
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, retailer and wholesaler for SPAR stores in Wales, Central and South East England, held its annual 2024 SPAR Retail Show (SRS24) at Telford International Centre on Thursday 13th June, with over 1,300 guests attending the conference, tradeshow, gala dinner and awards evening.Nestlé KitKat Chunky Crunchy Double Chocolate agrees symbol group exclusive with SPAR
July 01, 2024
Leading symbol group SPAR has agreed another UK symbol group exclusive with Nestlé on the launch of KitKat Chunky Crunchy Double Chocolate.Veer Patel moves Clacton-on-Sea forecourt store to SPAR
June 07, 2024
The seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in Essex is home to a new SPAR convenience store and forecourt site. Owned and operated by Nash and Sharlie Patel with their son Veer, the family business has re-joined SPAR after 15 years.SPAR becomes Official Partner of Glamorgan Cricket
May 31, 2024
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses and wholesaler for SPAR stores in Wales, Central and South East England, is proud to announce its new partnership with Glamorgan Cricket as an Official back-of-shirt Partner for the next two cricket seasons – 2024 and 2025.SPAR introduces new value own label wine collection
May 22, 2024
SPAR UK, the leading symbol group, is announcing the release of its latest collection of value own label wines.Paralympic legend opens Llandaff SPAR following £500k Refurbishment
May 17, 2024
The new-look SPAR Market opened its doors on Friday 3 May, showcasing Cardiff’s first Philpotts concession with a FREE celebratory barista coffee for all customers.SPAR UK activates new retailer recruitment incentive at NCS 2024
April 23, 2024
Leading symbol group SPAR UK is participating in the upcoming National Convenience Show (NCS) in Birmingham from 29 April to 1 May 2024.SPAR £100k Community Cashback returns
April 09, 2024
The SPAR Community Cashback is back for the third year in a row.A F Blakemore Appoints Nicola McIntosh as New Chief People Officer
April 03, 2024
AF Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, today announced the appointment of Nicola McIntosh as its new Chief People Officer, effective May 20th, 2024.Top Industry Convenience Leaders Gather at Sun City, South Africa for SPAR UK 2024 Conference
April 02, 2024
The vibrant setting of Sun City in South Africa played host to the SPAR UK 2024 Conference, where 480 independent SPAR retailers and families, national account customers, company owned store colleagues, suppliers, RDC and central office leaders attended the highly anticipated business event between 12-16 March 2024.A new SPAR retailer for Barlborough
February 26, 2024
Blakemore Trade Partners, one of the UKs largest family businesses and the primary SPAR wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, is delighted to welcome Minesh Keshwala to SPAR with his new 1,500sqft SPAR store which opened in Ash Close, Barlborough, Derbyshire at the end of last year.A.F. Blakemore Takes a Big Step Towards Sustainable Deliveries with Purchase of Electric HGVs
February 07, 2024
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UKs largest family businesses and the primary SPAR wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, today announced the addition of two state-of-the-art electric HGVs to its fleet, marking a significant step towards its commitment to sustainable operations.Ready, Set, Go With SPAR School Sports Day Grants
February 05, 2024
Following the huge success of last year’s school sports day grants campaign, leading symbol group SPAR UK is offering another £50,000 to support schools in their local communities across the UK.January value at only £1.25 available from SPAR
January 04, 2024
SPAR is helping shoppers through the month of January by offering great value deals on a range of store cupboard staples from just £1.25.Blakemore Retail unveils SPAR store in Warren Wood, Gainsborough – A hub of convenience and sustainability
December 12, 2023
Blakemore Retail is delighted to announce the grand opening of its latest SPAR store in Warren Wood, Gainsborough.A.F. Blakemore appoints Lawrence Shirazian as Managing Director of Foodservice Business Unit
December 01, 2023
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Lawrence Shirazian will join as Managing Director of their newly formed Foodservice Business Unit on 4th December 2023.Blakemore Retail acquires Hockmeyer Motors Limited
November 23, 2023
The UK’s largest SPAR Retail Distribution Company A.F. Blakemore and Son Limited has expanded its operation in Sleaford, Lincolnshire after agreeing a deal to purchase Hockmeyer Motors Limited.Spinner Winner proves a huge success with SPAR shoppers
November 14, 2023
SPAR presents MrBeast Feastables campaign winners with grand prizes - Spinner Winner, an online consumer competition campaign launched during the summer to support the convenience partnership between MrBeast Feastables chocolates and SPAR, has proven to be a huge success with SPAR shoppers.SPAR UK ANNOUNCES THREE NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
November 14, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR UK Ltd has announced three new Director appointments at Central Office in Harrow.SPAR UK celebrates raising £3m for Marie Curie
October 24, 2023
Leading convenience store group SPAR is celebrating a huge fundraising milestone by raising £3 million for its national charity partner Marie Curie.SPAR is making a BIG Deal of Christmas
October 04, 2023
This October sees leading symbol group SPAR UK launch its largest national brand campaign to date.A.F. Blakemore and Inenco Shortlisted for Prestigious Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year Award
September 26, 2023
A.F. Blakemore in collaboration with energy and sustainability specialists Inenco has been officially shortlisted for the esteemed Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year by The Energy Awards.Star Studded Performance From SPAR At 2023 Retail Industry Awards
September 25, 2023
The 2023 Retail Industry Awards night took place on 19 September at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London, hosted by the excellent Paul Sinha.SPAR partners with FareShare to launch their first Giving One Million Meals campaign
September 21, 2023
SPAR is partnering with FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and tackling food waste, to provide the equivalent of one million meals through local charities in cities, towns and villages across the UK, as part of the Giving One Million Meals | SPAR project.A.F. Blakemore & Son Reports Robust Financial Performance, Championed by SPAR Retail Estate
September 18, 2023
A.F. Blakemore & Son, one of the UK's foremost family-owned businesses, has reported strong financial results for its food retail, foodservice and wholesale business for the financial year ending on 30 April 2023.A.F. Blakemore announce new structure to leverage retail strength
September 12, 2023
A.F. Blakemore has announced changes to the leadership team to consolidate retail knowledge across its SPAR portfolio.SPAR launches exciting Spinner Winner campaign in collaboration with YouTuber MrBeast and exclusive Feastables chocolate bars
July 26, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR has launched its highly anticipated summer campaign, Spinner Winner, in collaboration with the renowned internet personality and philanthropist, MrBeast.SPAR announces winners of the 2023 UK £100k Community Cashback scheme
July 25, 2023
Leading convenience symbol group SPAR has announced the winners of its second £100,000 Community Cashback scheme launched in January this year.SPAR Phoenix Park opens in Nottingham
July 21, 2023
Locals and commuters alike can delight in the brand new £1.5 million SPAR store that’s just opened in the Phoenix Park area of Nottingham. That’s because alongside an extensive range of convenience products, shoppers will find a Greggs and a Subway franchise.SPAR goes yellow to support Marie Curie 75th celebrations
July 20, 2023
Marie Curie, the SPAR national charity partner, is celebrating its 75th birthday and in acknowledgment, SPAR alongside seven leading FMCG grocery brands have pledged to donate £35,000 in total to a new campaign, called Go Yellow, in support of Marie Curie’s special birthday anniversary.SPAR retailer wins £100,000 investment award at Blakemore Trade Partners SPAR Retail Show
June 19, 2023
The Blakemore Trade Partner's (BTP) SPAR Retail Show (SRS) this year focused on the theme of ‘Sustainable Growth' culminating in one retailer receiving a £100,000 investment fund to develop their business.Roadchef introduces SPAR’s latest convenience store design to Strensham North motorway services
June 09, 2023
Drivers and passengers visiting Roadchef’s Strensham North motorway services on the M5 northbound, between junctions 7 and 8 will enjoy a visit to its newly refurbished SPAR store.Blakemore Foodservice awarded £9m worth of education and council services contracts
May 11, 2023
One of the UK's largest independent businesses, AF Blakemore & Son ltd, has been awarded £9m of new contracts for its Blakemore Foodservice division.A.F. Blakemore launches the new Plant & Win App
April 27, 2023
Leading SPAR wholesaler and convenience store retailer, A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, has launched a new app called Plant & Win, where SPAR shoppers in Wales, central England and the Southeast can play to plant trees and win a host of exciting prizes.SPAR driving the future of convenience at NCS
April 18, 2023
Leading convenience symbol group SPAR is exhibiting at the National Convenience Show (NCS) in Birmingham from 24-26 April.A new SPAR forecourt store for Gallows Point, Beaumaris
April 18, 2023
Blakemore Trade Partners, SPAR’s wholesaler for Central and Southeast England and Wales, welcomes Anglesey Boat Company to SPAR with the development of their site at Gallows Point, Beaumaris in Anglesey.Disability Sport Wales and SPAR extended partnership
March 27, 2023
Disability Sport Wales are delighted to announce that SPAR, the leading convenience store brand, will continue as the national Community Partner for the next three years.A.F. Blakemore launches ‘Short Supportive Stories’ book to recognise their ‘Women In Blakemore’
March 13, 2023
A F Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest independently owned businesses, has the announced the winners of their first Women in Blakemore Awards, via a story book. The book launch amalgamates the stories of the winners and their nominees.SPAR wins Convenience Chain of the Year at 2023 Drinks Retailing Awards
February 13, 2023
The 2023 Drinks Retailing Awards celebrated a range of dynamic supermarkets, convenience chains and regional stores, all of which are championing drinks and helping the off-trade thrive.SPAR launches its second UK wide £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme
February 06, 2023
Following the enormous success of last year’s £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme, leading convenience symbol group SPAR is launching a second £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme this February, giving away grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities.SPAR Shopper Wins Ultimate Christmas in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Scunthorpe has won the ultimate Christmas after entering a SPAR competition.SPAR Shopper Wins Fuel for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Welshampton has won free fuel for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.SPAR Shopper Wins Energy for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Worcester has won free energy for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.SPAR Customer Wins Shopping for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store customer from Peterborough has won free shopping at SPAR for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.SPAR Brand launches tasty new sweets
February 06, 2023
SPAR is launching five new and exciting own label lines to its overall confectionery range.AF Blakemore appoints Carol Welch as new CEO
February 02, 2023
AF Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Carol Welch will join as Chief Executive in April, succeeding Jerry Marwood who is leaving to focus more time on his non-executive directorships and consultancy roles.Tremendous Success for A.F. Blakemore’s SPAR Christmas Campaign
February 02, 2023
A.F. Blakemore & Son launched a SPAR Christmas campaign in December giving away up to £100,000 worth of prizes.Donations Worth £65,000 Awarded to Good Causes at Christmas
December 23, 2022
The Blakemore Foundation awards donations worth circa £65,000 to more than 1,300 activities and events in communities this ChristmasA.F. Blakemore Christmas Campaign to Give Away up to £100,000 Worth of Prizes
December 08, 2022
A.F. Blakemore launches a SPAR Christmas campaign giving away up to £100,000 worth of prizesA.F. Blakemore Wins at FWD Gold Medal Awards
November 28, 2022
A.F. Blakemore is celebrating after winning the Data and Insight award at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) Gold Medal AwardsMeat Trader Bal Mehmi Wins National Award
November 22, 2022
Meat Trader Bal Mehmi from Blakemore Fresh Foods is crowned a winner at the national Women in Meat Industry AwardsIndependent Retailer Muru Visana Opens New SPAR Market Store in Clavering
November 08, 2022
The picturesque village of Clavering in Essex is home to a brand-new SPAR Market owned by enterprising independent retailer Muru Visana and familyNew SPAR Market Store for Dersingham Sees Substantial Increase in Sales and Margin
October 21, 2022
An independent family-owned SPAR store in Dersingham rebrands as a SPAR Market storeLisa James Crowned Sales Colleague of the Year
September 27, 2022
SPAR Beddau Supervisor Lisa James wins Sales Colleague of the Year at The Convenience AwardsFive Colleagues Cycle London to Paris for GroceryAid
September 13, 2022
Five A.F. Blakemore colleagues complete an epic bike ride from London to Paris in aid of charity GroceryAidSPAR UK Awards £100,000 to Good Causes Via Community Cashback Scheme
July 12, 2022
SPAR UK awards £100,000 to good causes across the UK via its Community Cashback schemeSPAR Retail Show 2022: New World, New Opportunities
June 17, 2022
‘New World, New Opportunities’ was the key theme lighting up the room at Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show this yearBlakemore Retail Opens New Purpose-Built SPAR in Spalding
May 04, 2022
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new SPAR convenience store in the town of Spalding, LincolnshireSPAR Aberavon Relaunches with New and Improved Food to Go
April 22, 2022
SPAR Aberavon relaunches with a new and improved hot food counter serving delicious food to goA.F. Blakemore to Launch SPAR Augmented Reality Game App
April 05, 2022
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch an interactive augmented reality (AR) game app that offers customers the chance to win prizes at SPAR storesBlakemore Retail Unveils New Concept Store at SPAR Aberystwyth
February 18, 2022
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new concept store at SPAR AberystwythA.F. Blakemore Appoints New Group Commercial Director
February 16, 2022
A.F. Blakemore appoints David Cooke to the newly created role of Group Commercial DirectorFestive Friday Raises Thousands for Charity
December 17, 2021
Last week’s Festive Friday is estimated to have raised more than £20,000 for charityBlakemore Colleagues Scoop Three FWD Gold Medals
November 26, 2021
Kelly Burrows, Ian Cawley and Alan Mayor are crowned winners at this year’s FWD AwardsA.F. Blakemore & Son Well Positioned for Growth
November 17, 2021
Chairman Peter Blakemore announces a year of good progress for 2020/21 in his statement on A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd’s annual financial resultsBlakemore Retail and NSPCC Win at Corporate Engagement Awards
November 15, 2021
Blakemore Retail’s charity partnership with the NSPCC wins bronze at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2021Blakemore Retail Goes Purple for Purple Tuesday
November 05, 2021
Blakemore Retail colleagues dress up and decorate their stores in purple for disability awareness event Purple TuesdaySPAR Retail Show 2021: Better Together
October 22, 2021
Blakemore Trade Partners lays on its annual show for suppliers, colleagues and retailers from across SPAR UK’s Meridian & Welsh GuildSPAR Parkfoot Scoops Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 15, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot is named Convenience Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2021GroceryAid Coast to Coast Cycle Gets Underway
July 23, 2021
Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores take on an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAidSPAR Stores Across Wales to Celebrate Welsh Food Fortnight
July 23, 2021
SPAR stores across Wales will be taking part in a Welsh Food Fortnight campaign next monthBlakemore Retail Reaches £4 Million Fundraising Milestone for NSPCC
July 23, 2021
Blakemore Retail reaches a £4 million fundraising milestone for the NSPCC through its 16-year partnership with the charityOperations Manager Chloe Ball Wins Warehousing Award
July 09, 2021
Chilled Operations Manager Chloe Ball becomes the first Blakemore colleague to win an award at the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics AwardsBlakemore Retail Teams Up with NSPCC for Home or Out Alone Campaign
July 09, 2021
Blakemore Retail teams up with the NSPCC to help parents decide if their children are ready to stay home or go out aloneBlakemore Retail Launches First SPAR Market Store
June 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail relaunches its store in Bala under the SPAR Market fascia following a complete refurbishmentBlakemore Retail Birthday Parties Raise More Than £35,000 for NSPCC
June 11, 2021
Blakemore Retail raises £35,212 for the NSPCC by hosting 16th birthday parties across its SPAR estate to celebrate the start of its 16th year of partnership with the charitySPAR UK Conference 2021: The Future of Convenience is with SPAR
May 27, 2021
The SPAR symbol group is determined to maintain its lead in the convenience market by investing £125 million in the business over the next 12 monthsBlakemore Foundation Awards £313,257 to Good Causes in 2020/21
May 24, 2021
The Blakemore Foundation awarded goods and monetary donations worth £313,257 to good causes during A.F. Blakemore’s 2020/21 financial yearA.F. Blakemore to Launch Charity Campaign in Memory of Raj Aggarwal
March 16, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch a charity campaign in April in memory of much-loved SPAR retailer Raj AggarwalColleagues Celebrate GroceryAid Awareness Day
March 05, 2021
Colleagues across A.F. Blakemore help the company raise awareness of GroceryAid as it marks GroceryAid Awareness DayBlakemore Retail Extends Partnership with Too Good To Go to 275 Stores
February 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail signs up all 275 of its SPAR convenience stores to the Too Good To Go appBlakemore Foundation Covid-19 Support Reaches Value of £176,000
February 17, 2021
Charitable donations awarded to Covid-related causes via the Blakemore Foundation have now reached a value of £176,000A.F. Blakemore & Son Invests for Growth with New Opportunities
February 08, 2021
Chairman Peter Blakemore reports a year of good progress for 2019/20 in his annual statement on A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd’s financial resultsDouble Success at Retail Industry Awards
January 27, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot and Eat 17 SPAR Walthamstow are crowned winners at the 2020 Retail Industry AwardsHockenhull Garages Crowned Forecourt Trader of the Year
January 21, 2021
Independently owned SPAR forecourt site The Stage has been named Forecourt Trader of the YearStore Manager Linda Carrington Receives New Year Honour
December 31, 2020
SPAR Store Manager Linda Carrington receives a British Empire Medal in The Queen’s New Year HonoursA.F. Blakemore Launches New Commission Operator Store Model
October 01, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a brand-new commission operator SPAR store modelSPAR Y Maes Takes Home Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 30, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is celebrating after a fantastic evening at the Convenience AwardsA.F. Blakemore Expands Operations with Acquisition of Online Vegan Store
August 13, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the purchase of the online wholesaler and retailer Vegan StorePhilpotts Signs Up to Too Good to Go Food Waste App
July 24, 2020
Philpotts joins Blakemore Retail in signing up to the Too Good to Go food waste fighting appBlakemore Retail Trials Self-service Checkouts
July 23, 2020
Blakemore Retail is trialling three card-only self-service checkouts at its Bannerbrook store
News
September 23, 2024
BrewDog Partners with SPAR to launch an exclusive pale ale
September 04, 2024
Ballygally school boy’s sweet idea becomes new product sold in SPAR stores across UK
August 19, 2024
SPAR OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STORE IN TON PENTRE
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