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About Us Menu 
- Group Overview
- Coronavirus Update
- Our Divisions
- Interactive Map
- Board of Directors
- Our Heritage
- 100 Years Book
- The Blakemore Way
- The Way We Do Business
- Corporate Responsibility
- Corporate Responsibility Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Food Safety & Quality Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Tax Policy
- Modern Slavery Statement
- Gender Pay Gap Report
- Awards
- Blakemore Property
- AFB Website Ts & Cs
- Privacy and Cookies Policy
- News
News
Blakemore Foundation Donates £55,000 to Christmas Community Activities
December 17, 2021
The Blakemore Foundation donates circa £55,000 to more than 1,200 different Christmas activities across the company’s trading area
Festive Friday Raises Thousands for Charity
December 17, 2021
Last week’s Festive Friday is estimated to have raised more than £20,000 for charity
Blakemore Colleagues Scoop Three FWD Gold Medals
November 26, 2021
Kelly Burrows, Ian Cawley and Alan Mayor are crowned winners at this year’s FWD Awards
A.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 results
Blakemore 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 2021
Blakemore 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 Tuesday
SPAR 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 Guild
SPAR Parkfoot Scoops Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 15, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot is named Convenience Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2021
GroceryAid 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 GroceryAid
SPAR 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 month
Blakemore 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 charity
Operations 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 Awards
Blakemore 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 alone
Blakemore Retail Launches First SPAR Market Store
June 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail relaunches its store in Bala under the SPAR Market fascia following a complete refurbishment
Blakemore 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 charity
SPAR 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 months
Blakemore 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 year
A.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 Aggarwal
Colleagues Celebrate GroceryAid Awareness Day
March 05, 2021
Colleagues across A.F. Blakemore help the company raise awareness of GroceryAid as it marks GroceryAid Awareness Day
Blakemore 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 app
Blakemore 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 £176,000
A.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 results
Double Success at Retail Industry Awards
January 27, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot and Eat 17 SPAR Walthamstow are crowned winners at the 2020 Retail Industry Awards
Hockenhull Garages Crowned Forecourt Trader of the Year
January 21, 2021
Independently owned SPAR forecourt site The Stage has been named Forecourt Trader of the Year
Store 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 Honours
SPAR Retail Show Looks Ahead to New Opportunities
November 04, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show explores the new opportunities presented to SPAR retailers this year and how they can continue to react to the needs of local communities and customers
A.F. Blakemore Launches New Commission Operator Store Model
October 01, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a brand-new commission operator SPAR store model
SPAR Y Maes Takes Home Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 30, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is celebrating after a fantastic evening at the Convenience Awards
A.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 Store
Philpotts 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 app
Blakemore Retail Trials Self-service Checkouts
July 23, 2020
Blakemore Retail is trialling three card-only self-service checkouts at its Bannerbrook store
A.F. Blakemore Ranked 60th Largest Privately Owned Company in Britain
July 02, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to be named the 60th largest privately owned company in Britain in the Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 100
AFB to Give Away £30,000 with Community Cashback Scheme
June 17, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a Community Cashback Grant scheme to thank groups who are there for vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis
Blakemore Retail Launches Home Delivery Website
April 30, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches an online ordering website to make it easier for customers to browse products from SPAR stores offering home deliveries
A.F. Blakemore Introduces Home Delivery for Most Vulnerable
April 23, 2020
A.F. Blakemore introduces home delivery to 165 of its company-owned stores to assist vulnerable customers in local communities
A.F. Blakemore Colleagues Donate Over £25,000 During Coronavirus Crisis
April 21, 2020
Colleagues from across A.F. Blakemore donate more than £25,000 to local communities during the coronavirus crisis
A.F. Blakemore Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 15, 2020
A.F. Blakemore partners with the Royal Voluntary Service to help vulnerable people and NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis
SPAR Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 08, 2020
SPAR stores in England are to be the first convenience retailer to partner with Royal Voluntary Service on its NHS Volunteer Responders programme
SPAR Meets Surge in Supply Demand
March 20, 2020
Thousands of SPAR stores around the UK are meeting exceptional customer demand by maintaining a high level of stock availability and service throughout the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic
Colleagues Praised for Outstanding Service in Coronavirus Crisis
March 19, 2020
Customers and SPAR retailers thank AFB colleagues for their commitment to outstanding customer service during the coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus Update
March 19, 2020
The services we provide, the relationships we have with our trade partners and the health of our colleagues and customers are of the utmost importance to us, and as a company we are following official guidance with regards to the running of our business and services
Blakemore Retail Launches Standalone Greggs and Subway
March 04, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches its first standalone Greggs and Subway store as part of its strategy to expand retail spaces across the business
A.F. Blakemore Supplier Event Attracts Record Number of Attendees
February 24, 2020
A.F. Blakemore welcomes more than 300 attendees to its annual Supplier Conference
AFB Set to Host First Women in Blakemore Conference
February 24, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to host its first Women in Blakemore conference on 26th February
A.F. Blakemore Partners with Disability Sport Wales
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore becomes the national community partner of Disability Sport Wales
A.F. Blakemore Trials Food Waste Fighting App
January 24, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is the latest convenience store retailer to trial the food waste fighting app Too Good to Go
New Year, New Company Values
January 09, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is re-launching its company values: The Blakemore Way
Blakemore Foodservice Announces Contract with SOHO Coffee Co.
January 08, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice announces a three-year contract to supply SOHO Coffee Co.
SPAR International Presents A.F. Blakemore with Special Recognition Award
December 04, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has been presented with a Special Recognition award by SPAR International for the contribution it has made to the community through its Branching Out education programme
A.F. Blakemore Signs Up to Refill Campaign
December 04, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has become the first convenience retailer to join the Refill campaign to help reduce plastic waste
Blakemore Logistics Steps Up for Safer Streets
November 27, 2019
More than 700 pupils from across the West Midlands are educated on the rules of the road as part of Blakemore Logistics’ annual Road Safety campaign
Blakemore Retail Raises a Dino-mite £34,000 for NSPCC
October 02, 2019
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales have been on a fundraising drive for the NSPCC while raising awareness about keeping children safe from sexual abuse
Blakemore SPARs Celebrate Industry Award Success
October 01, 2019
SPAR stores across the Meridian & Welsh Guild win five titles at this year’s Forecourt Trader and Retail Industry Awards
A.F. Blakemore Relaunches First Company-owned SPAR as Flagship Store
September 09, 2019
A.F. Blakemore relocates its inaugural company-owned SPAR store to a forecourt site in Willenhall
A.F. Blakemore Set for Success After Year of Investment
August 28, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is “energised and ready for the year ahead” after a year of significant investment and reorganisation
A.F. Blakemore Sets Sights on New Distribution Depot
August 21, 2019
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has set its sights on a brand new purpose-built warehouse in Bedford as part of ambitious growth plans.
Blakemore Retail Colleagues Raise Record-breaking Total for NSPCC
July 31, 2019
Blakemore Retail colleagues celebrate a record-breaking year of fundraising after generating more than £450,000 for the NSPCC
A.F. Blakemore Crowned National Winner at Business in the Community Awards
July 10, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is celebrating after being crowned a national winner at the prestigious Responsible Business Awards 2019, run by Business in the Community
Peter Blakemore Outlines Vision for One Company with One Goal
July 04, 2019
Peter Blakemore reinforces his vision of one company with one goal for A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd at the company’s 2019 Management Communication Day
Blakemore Foodservice Joins Country Range Group
June 14, 2019
Blakemore Foodservice joins the Country Range Group network of independent wholesalers
A.F. Blakemore Flagship Store Programme Wins Grocer Gold
June 12, 2019
A.F. Blakemore’s Flagship Store Programme has been crowned Business Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards
Blakemore Retail Achieves Investors in People Gold Accreditation
June 06, 2019
Blakemore Retail’s commitment to developing colleagues is recognised with the highly prestigious Investors in People Gold accolade
Blakemore Logistics Purchases New Econic Vehicles
May 07, 2019
Blakemore Logistics has demonstrated its commitment to road safety with the purchase of two Mercedes-Benz Econic vehicles
Flagship Store Programme Shortlisted for Grocer Gold Award
May 01, 2019
A.F. Blakemore’s Flagship Store Programme is shortlisted for Business Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards
A.F. Blakemore Announced as Finalist for Responsible Business Awards
April 29, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is named as a finalist for Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards 2019
Caoire Blakemore Joins Black Country Women in Business Steering Group
April 17, 2019
A.F. Blakemore Group Board Director Caoire Blakemore has joined the steering group of the Black Country Women in Business forum
Blakemore Retail Ball Fundraises £32,000 for NSPCC
April 16, 2019
Blakemore Retail raises £32,000 for the NSPCC at its third Charity Ball
Ranald Forbes Announced as Supply Chain Director
April 03, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has announced the appointment of a new Supply Chain Director for its group of companies
Double Success at Convenience Retail Awards
April 01, 2019
Eat 17 SPAR Hammersmith scoops Best New Store and Blakemore Retail’s Lyndsay Howden-Smith walks away with the Community Hero award
A.F. Blakemore Launches Education Programme for Secondary Schools
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has launched a brand new education programme for secondary school children to help them develop the attitudes and behaviours for success
A.F. Blakemore Acquires Philpotts Store Chain
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has acquired the Philpotts chain of prepared-food stores, adding an additional 22 stores to the company’s retail estate
New Community Engagement Report Published
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has produced a publication showcasing the great work that took place as part of the company’s community engagement programme during 2018
2016 Apprentice Winner Launches Cake Range at SPAR Pwllheli
February 26, 2019
The winner of 2016’s The Apprentice launches a delicious cake range at independent retailer Conrad Davies’ SPAR Pwllheli
A.F. Blakemore Centenary Publication Now Out
January 29, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has published a 100th anniversary commemorative publication showcasing the company’s history through photos, memories and newspaper cuttings
Blakemore Retail Colleagues’ Daring Deeds Raise Over £200k for NSPCC
January 28, 2019
Colleagues from Blakemore Retail SPAR stores went above and beyond during the latter half of 2018 to raise more than £200k for the children’s charity
SPAR Brayford Wharf Relaunches with New Food-to-go Range
January 23, 2019
SPAR Brayford Wharf has undergone a significant transformation to introduce Blakemore Retail’s latest food-to-go offer
Blakemore Retail Praised for Disability Awareness Training
December 04, 2018
Blakemore Retail is recognised with an award for its innovative disability e-learning training by the charity Purple
Blakemore Logistics Delivers Road Safety Message to Schools
November 28, 2018
More than 800 pupils from across the West Midlands are educated on the rules of the road as part of Blakemore Logistics’ annual road safety campaign
Drivers Celebrate Warehouse to Wheels Success
October 29, 2018
A.F. Blakemore employees celebrate successfully qualifying as LGV drivers on the company’s Warehouse to Wheels programme
Blakemore Retail Raises Child Safety Awareness and a Roarsome £52,000 for the NSPCC
September 04, 2018
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales have been on a bank holiday fundraising drive for the NSPCC while at the same time raising awareness about how parents can keep their children safe from sexual abuse
New Eat 17 Hammersmith Store Reinvents the Market Hall
August 14, 2018
Multi-award-winning fine food store and restaurant chain Eat 17 opens a new store in Hammersmith, complete with an indoor street food market and yoga classes
Blakemore Foodservice Crowned Favourite Delivered Wholesaler at HIM Wholesale Awards
July 03, 2018
Blakemore Foodservice scoops the title of Independent Foodservice Operator’s Favourite Delivered Wholesaler at the HIM Wholesale Awards
A.F. Blakemore Rolls Out Equality, Inclusion & Diversity Sessions
July 03, 2018
A.F. Blakemore begins the rollout of a new Equality, Inclusion & Diversity (EID) awareness session across the company
Blakemore Logistics Helps 100 Young People into Work
May 28, 2018
Blakemore Logistics helps more than 100 young people into work as a result of a partnership with a West Midlands employability programme
SPAR Thurcroft Re-launches at New Site
April 20, 2018
Blakemore Retail’s Thurcroft SPAR store in Rotherham relaunches with a brand new Greggs
New SPAR Store Launches at Roadchef Strensham South
March 23, 2018
Blakemore Trade Partners launches a new SPAR store offering premium food to go at Roadchef Strensham South Services in Worcestershire
A.F. Blakemore Honoured at Apprenticeship Awards
February 21, 2018
A.F. Blakemore is crowned Employer of the Year at the Performance Through People Achievement Awards
A.F. Blakemore Spreads the Word on Responsible Business
February 15, 2018
More than 30 business leaders, council heads and community organisations from across Walsall join together to investigate collaborative ways to address key challenges across the borough
Inside Eat 17’s Latest Store at Bishop’s Stortford
January 31, 2018
A.F. Blakemore and entrepreneurial business partners James Brundle and Chris O’Connor opened their latest Eat 17 store in the Hertfordshire town of Bishop’s Stortford in November
Defibrillator Installation Now Complete Across AFB RDCs
January 30, 2018
A.F. Blakemore’s rollout of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across its retail distribution centres is now complete
A.F. Blakemore Awards 12 Good Causes £1,917 Heritage Grants
December 20, 2017
A.F. Blakemore has concluded its centenary year by awarding 12 good causes a grant of £1,917 through its charitable trust, the Blakemore Foundation
Colleagues Rally Together for Education Focus Week
November 30, 2017
A focus week based on A.F. Blakemore’s Branching Out education programme took place this month, as part of the company’s centenary celebrations
A.F. Blakemore Celebrates Equality, Inclusion and Diversity
October 25, 2017
A.F. Blakemore hosts an Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Week as part of a series of commemorative events to celebrate 100 years in business
A.F. Blakemore Ready and Waiting to Sign Up New Retail Accounts Today
October 01, 2017
If you are looking for a new supplier partner for your store, look no further than our SPAR team here at Blakemore Trade Partners
100th Anniversary Charity Birthday Party Raises £86,000 for Good Causes
September 29, 2017
On September 1st, colleagues across England and Wales took part in 300 celebratory events at stores and depots across the company’s trading area
A.F. Blakemore Launches Apprenticeship Partnership with PTP
August 03, 2017
A.F. Blakemore announces West Midlands-based training company Performance Through People as the lead provider in the delivery of its 2017/18 apprenticeship programme
Blakemore Retail Launches New Store at Aldridge
July 01, 2017
Blakemore Retail opens a brand new SPAR convenience store in Walsall featuring a state-of-the-art Daily Deli food service counter
New Blakemore Logistics Livery Hits the Road
May 31, 2017
A.F. Blakemore has begun the rollout of a brand new livery design on its distribution fleet
Eat 17 Scoops Three Convenience Retail Awards
March 20, 2017
SPAR Eat 17 Hackney has been crowned Best Large Convenience Store at the Convenience Retail Awards
News
December 17, 2021
Blakemore Foundation Donates £55,000 to Christmas Community Activities
December 17, 2021
Festive Friday Raises Thousands for Charity
November 26, 2021
Blakemore Colleagues Scoop Three FWD Gold Medals
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