Home > Blakemore Trade Partners > News
Main Menu
- Welcome
- Retail Support
- Working in Partnership
- Store Development
- How We Can Benefit You
- SPARPoS Technology
- Marketing Support
- Value Initiatives
- SPAR Brand
- SPAR in the Community
- Blakemore Foundation
- eLAB elearning
- Become a SPAR Retailer
- Join SPAR Form
- Contact Us
- Vacancies
- News
Trade Partners Menu 
Blakemore Trade Partners News
A.F. Blakemore announce Steven Nuttall as Chief Financial Officer
May 01, 2025
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Steven Nuttall will join as Chief Financial Officer from 6th May 2025 as Ian Kellett retires at the end of May.SPAR’s £100K Community Cashback returns for a fourth year to support local causes
April 25, 2025
SPAR is once again giving back to the communities it serves with the return of its £100,000 Community Cashback campaign - now in its fourth consecutive year. Following another hugely successful year, the initiative continues to provide much-needed funding to voluntary organisations, charities, and community groups across the UK.Global Football Icon Leo Messi Launches His Breakthrough Drink Más+ by Messi™, Available Exclusively at SPAR
March 05, 2025
Messi's new drink is a goal-den opportunity to bring more to your game with positive hydration. Más+ by Messi, is coming to UK and within the convenience sector, it will be exclusively available to SPAR shoppers in England, Wales and Scotland from 10th March until 31st March 2025.SPAR shoppers can win big with new Frozen Fortune campaign
January 09, 2025
SPAR shoppers can win big this New Year with four £10,000 grand prizes up for grabs through the latest customer campaign Frozen Fortune.Unique in-store SPAR campaign returns with a Christmas twist
November 22, 2024
In true festive spirit, A.F. Blakemore, has announced their summer campaign is returning again for Christmas but bigger and better! Summer hit, SPARaoke returns, this time with a festive flavour. The Campaign celebrates the BIG DEALS of Christmas by working with someone who is a BIG DEAL at Christmas. Roy Wood of Wizzard, signs on to lead the campaign.SPAR BIG Deals of Christmas returns for 2024
November 15, 2024
SPAR’s national brand campaign, BIG Deals of Christmas, is back and bigger than ever for 2024. Launching in SPAR stores in England and Wales from 31st October, this year’s campaign promises even more incredible promotional offers.SPAR launches new 1kg bag of Pick ‘n’ Mix sweets with Uniflex
October 29, 2024
SPAR stores across England, Scotland and Wales are excited to launch an exclusive new 1kg bag of Pick 'n' Mix sweets, available in selected stores from Uniflex from 31st October 2024. This latest addition brings a fun, nostalgic twist to the classic sweet treat, offering everyone’s favourite sweets in an extra-large, shareable bag.SPAR becomes first to market with new range of freeze-dried sweets from Bebeto
October 21, 2024
SPAR is announcing the launch of a new range of freeze-dried sweets, making it the first retailer in the convenience sector to introduce this innovative snack.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 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.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.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 grows its own label ambient dessert range
July 20, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR is introducing its own brand tins of rice pudding and custard.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.Tipton scores with new SPAR store
July 19, 2023
Wolves FC legend, Steve Bull MBE, officially opened the new £1.1m SPAR store in Tipton recently.SPAR launches own label raspberry flavoured vodka
July 12, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR is entering the flavoured spirits market and has launched a brand new own label raspberry flavoured vodka spirit.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.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 prizesIndependent 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 familySPAR Harnessing the Power of the Past, to Be the Force for the Future
October 27, 2022
Four hundred people attend SPAR UK’s national conference in Gran CanariaNew 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 storeSPAR Supports One Tree Planted Campaign
September 29, 2022
SPAR UK is supporting the international brand’s 90th anniversary celebrations by giving back to communities and planting 12,500 trees all over England with leading organisation One Tree PlantedFive 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 Launches New Partnership with Deliveroo
June 22, 2022
SPAR UK signes a new partnership deal with Deliveroo covering all 2,160 SPAR stores in England, Scotland and WalesSPAR 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 yearSPAR Own Label Expands for Summer BBQs
May 09, 2022
SPAR launches a variety of own label products to maximise this summer’s great opportunityA.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 storesA.F. Blakemore to Trial Electric HGV
March 02, 2022
A.F. Blakemore will be trialling an electric truck at its Willenhall distribution centre for a week in MarchA.F. Blakemore Appoints New Group Commercial Director
February 16, 2022
A.F. Blakemore appoints David Cooke to the newly created role of Group Commercial DirectorSPAR Launches New Brand Positioning
January 12, 2022
SPAR unveils new UK-wide brand positioning that celebrates the unique characteristics of SPAR convenience storesSPAR Becomes First Grocer in UK to Launch 100% Vegan Own-label Wine Range
January 06, 2022
SPAR makes its full range of own-label wines suitable for vegansSPAR Offers Shoppers Chance to Win Shop for Free Throughout January
January 05, 2022
SPAR is launching a brand-new consumer campaign in participating stores around England, Scotland and Wales throughout January 2022Blakemore Colleagues Attend Disability Sport Wales Paralympic Celebratory Dinner
November 25, 2021
A.F. Blakemore Group Marketing Director Sarah Ellis and Responsible Business Director Caoire Blakemore attend Disability Sport Wales’s Paralympic Celebratory DinnerSPAR UK Celebrates Raising £2m for Marie Curie
November 24, 2021
SPAR UK fundraising for Marie Curie surpasses £2 millionSPAR 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 GuildAjay Odedra Switches to SPAR
October 01, 2021
Independent retailer Ajay Odedra has chosen to move his Simply Fresh supplied store in Boreham, Essex to SPARSPAR Parkfoot Scoops Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 15, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot is named Convenience Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2021SPAR MD Louise Hoste Announced as New Chair of ACS
September 01, 2021
The Association of Convenience Stores announces the appointment of SPAR Managing Director Louise Hoste as its new chair from NovemberShortlists for Grocer Gold, Convenience and Retail Industry Awards Announced
July 23, 2021
A.F. Blakemore and its stores make the shortlist for the Grocer Gold, Convenience and Retail Industry awardsGroceryAid 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 Cyclists to Embark on Coast to Coast Challenge
July 09, 2021
Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores are set to take on an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAidSPAR 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 monthsA.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 AggarwalBlakemore 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 £176,000Double 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 YearLowdham Village Gets Brand New SPAR Store and Forecourt
December 14, 2020
Car dealership owners Duncan and Lisa Betts team up with Blakemore Trade Partners to open a brand new SPAR store and forecourt in the Nottinghamshire village of LowdhamRaj Aggarwal Trophy to Be Awarded to Outstanding Community Retailers from 2021
October 12, 2020
A new trophy marking the legacy of independent SPAR retailer Raj Aggarwal is to be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailersA.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 AwardsSPAR Retailers Shortlisted for Convenience and Retail Industry Awards
September 17, 2020
SPAR retailers across the Meridian & Welsh Guild have received notable recognition on this year's Convenience Awards and Retail Industry Awards shortlistsA.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 StoreSPAR Removes 300 Tonnes of Plastic from Own-label Packaging in One Year
June 11, 2020
SPAR removes nearly 300 tonnes of virgin plastic from 53 own-label productsSPAR Extends Shopping Support to National Charities
June 11, 2020
More than 700 SPAR stores in England and Wales sign up to support volunteers for three additional national charities in order to support more vulnerable peopleA.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 crisisSPAR 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 programmeA.F. Blakemore Partners with Disability Sport Wales
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore becomes the national community partner of Disability Sport WalesCustomer Login
Trade Partners News
May 01, 2025
A.F. Blakemore announce Steven Nuttall as Chief Financial Officer
April 25, 2025
SPAR’s £100K Community Cashback returns for a fourth year to support local causes
March 05, 2025
View all Stories