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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
- Privacy and Cookies Policy
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News
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 Christmas
A.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 prizes
A.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 Awards
Meat 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 Awards
Independent 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 family
New 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 store
Lisa James Crowned Sales Colleague of the Year
September 27, 2022
SPAR Beddau Supervisor Lisa James wins Sales Colleague of the Year at The Convenience Awards
Five 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 GroceryAid
SPAR 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 scheme
SPAR 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 year
Blakemore 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, Lincolnshire
SPAR 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 go
A.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 stores
Blakemore Retail Unveils New Concept Store at SPAR Aberystwyth
February 18, 2022
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new concept store at SPAR Aberystwyth
A.F. Blakemore Appoints New Group Commercial Director
February 16, 2022
A.F. Blakemore appoints David Cooke to the newly created role of Group Commercial Director
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
