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Staff Zone Menu 
- Welcome
- News
- Staff Benefits
- Blakemore Benefits
- Blakemore Retail Rewards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Payroll Giving
- GroceryAid
- Pension Scheme
- Investment Principles
- Implementation Statements
- AFB Employee Handbook
- B-Retail Employee Handbook
- Anti-facilitation of Tax Evasion
- Learning & Development
- Ask the Board
- RBP Newsletter May 2023
Staff Zone News
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.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 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.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.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.Staff Engagement Survey: We want to hear your voice!
May 05, 2023
Your feedback is what drives improvement, let's hear your voice!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 ChristmasBlakemore Retail Support Team Shortlisted for Head Office Heroes Award
December 23, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Operations Support team makes the shortlist for a Head Office Heroes award at the Retail Week AwardsSPAR Alsager Relaunches with New Food to Go
December 22, 2022
Blakemore Retail's Alsager SPAR store relaunches with a delicious new food-to-go offerA.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 prizesMachynlleth SPAR and Post Office Relaunches with New Greggs
December 07, 2022
Machynlleth SPAR and Post Office reopens with a new Greggs bakery after undergoing a refurbishmentQuay Road SPAR and Post Office Celebrates Relaunch
December 07, 2022
Blakemore Retail's Quay Road SPAR and Post Office reopens after undergoing a refitA.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 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 CanariaLocal MP Launches New Post Office at SPAR Chipping Sodbury
October 25, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Chipping Sodbury store celebrates the opening of a brand-new post office with a visit from a local MPNew 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 storeA.F. Blakemore Helps 108 Colleagues Gain New LGV Driving Licence
September 30, 2022
A.F. Blakemore’s driver training programmes enables 108 colleagues to gain a new LGV driving licence in the past 12 monthsQ&A with Bedford General Manager Bruno Krssak
September 30, 2022
Back in August, A.F. Blakemore welcomed Bruno Krssak to the business as General Manager for its Bedford distribution depotLlanharry SPAR and Post Office Relaunches After Fire
September 29, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Llanharry SPAR and Post Office reopens after extensive fire and water damage forced it to close in AprilBlakemore Colleagues Enjoy Free Day Out at Alton Towers
September 29, 2022
More than 800 A.F. Blakemore colleagues enjoy a free day out at Alton Towers theme park in StaffordshireSPAR 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 PlantedLisa James Crowned Sales Colleague of the Year
September 27, 2022
SPAR Beddau Supervisor Lisa James wins Sales Colleague of the Year at The Convenience AwardsBlakemore Retail Bank Holiday Fundraising Tops £30,000
September 14, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s August bank holiday fundraiser has already raised more than £30,000 for the NSPCCFive 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 GroceryAidRetail Colleagues Lend a Hand to Food Banks and Homeless Services
September 13, 2022
Blakemore Retail colleagues help various good causes supporting people in need during the school summer holidays.Five Colleagues Embark on GroceryAid London to Paris Cycle
September 09, 2022
Five A.F. Blakemore colleagues embarked upon an epic bike ride from London to Paris in aid of charity GroceryAidBlakemore Colleagues Celebrate Apprenticeship Success
August 26, 2022
Five A.F. Blakemore colleagues celebrate completing apprenticeships at a graduation ceremony at Stafford County ShowgroundColleagues Team Up for Big Day of Volunteering with Disability Sport Wales
August 26, 2022
Twenty-nine colleagues from A.F. Blakemore volunteer a day of work time to help Disability Sport Wales deliver a major sports festival eventGroceryAid Week: Get Involved
August 26, 2022
Colleagues get set to celebrate GroceryAid Week from Monday 5th September to Sunday 11th SeptemberSPAR Stores Shortlisted for Multiple Industry Awards
August 24, 2022
Blakemore Retail and independent SPAR stores across the Meridian & Welsh Guild make the shortlist at 2022’s Convenience, Retail Industry and Forecourt Trader AwardsBal Mehmi Nominated for Women in Meat Award
August 22, 2022
Meat Trader Bal Mehmi from Blakemore Fresh Foods is nominated for a Meat Businesswoman Award at the national Women in Meat Industry AwardsNSPCC Launches New Virtual Volunteering Opportunity
August 02, 2022
Five Blakemore colleagues take part in a new virtual community volunteering opportunity with the NSPCCBedford Colleagues Make a Splash with Raft Race Fundraiser
August 01, 2022
Colleagues at A.F. Blakemore’s Bedford distribution depot brave their local river waters to take part in a raft race in aid of charityBlakemore Retail Conference Looks to Future
July 29, 2022
More than 250 store managers attend Blakemore Retail’s Managers’ Conference to learn about exciting new initiatives setting the business up for future successSPAR 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 WalesBlakemore Retail Spring Ball Raises £40,000 for NSPCC
June 22, 2022
Blakemore Retail raises more than £40,000 for the NSPCC at its fourth charity ballSPAR 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 Colleagues Celebrate Jubilee
June 10, 2022
Blakemore Retail colleagues enjoy the long bank holiday weekend celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a fundraiser for the NSPCCA.F. Blakemore Bids Farewell to Geoff Hallam
June 10, 2022
Colleagues wish A.F. Blakemore’s Group Managing Director for Operations, Geoff Hallam, a happy retirement after 32 years with the businessCan You Help Shape Your Pension Scheme?
June 09, 2022
Now that the A.F. Blakemore Retirement Savings Plan with Aviva is up and running, we want to make sure that it continues to deliver what members really need and value - and so we need your helpBlakemore Retail Set for Big Bank Holiday Weekend
June 01, 2022
Blakemore Retail colleagues are getting ready for a big bank holiday weekend celebrating the Queen's Platinum JubileeA.F. Blakemore Launches Race at Work Strategy
May 18, 2022
A.F. Blakemore launches a Race at Work StrategySPAR Own Label Expands for Summer BBQs
May 09, 2022
SPAR launches a variety of own label products to maximise this summer’s great opportunityBlakemore 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, LincolnshireLast Chance to Get Behind SPAR Play & Win Trivia Game
April 22, 2022
There are just five days remaining for colleagues to get behind A.F. Blakemore’s new ‘Play & Win’ smartphone game!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 goBlakemore Retail Wins at NSPCC Corporate Impact Awards
April 21, 2022
Blakemore Retail is recognised at the NSPCC Corporate Impact Awards with the CEO’s Choice Award for FundraisingA.F. Blakemore Trials Electric HGV
April 06, 2022
A.F. Blakemore trials an electric truck at its Willenhall distribution centreA.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 storesMentoring Programme Reopens for Applications
March 25, 2022
A.F. Blakemore opens its Mentoring Programme up again for a new intake of mentors and menteesComing Soon: Environment Week
March 25, 2022
A.F. Blakemore is inviting all colleagues to get involved in Environment Week next monthBlakemore Colleagues Pack Bags of Essentials for People in Need
March 25, 2022
Blakemore Foodservice and Wholesale Distribution colleagues volunteer 31 hours of work time to packing bags of essentials for people in needA.F. Blakemore Educates Schoolchildren on Rules of the Road
March 24, 2022
A.F. Blakemore relaunches its road safety awareness campaign to more than 450 students at two West Midlands schoolsJoin Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection
March 18, 2022
A.F. Blakemore is inviting colleagues to join in with Marie Curie’s National Day of ReflectionColleagues Go Above and Beyond for Ukraine Appeals
March 18, 2022
A.F. Blakemore colleagues and retailers support numerous appeals to help Ukrainian peopleWorld Cancer Day Raises More Than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK
March 17, 2022
A.F. Blakemore takes part in World Cancer DayLook Out: New Colleague Survey Coming Soon
March 04, 2022
A.F. Blakemore will be inviting all colleagues to have their say on working at the business in a new company-wide survey later this MarchBlakemore Volunteers Support Wolverhampton Food Parcel Scheme
March 04, 2022
Seven Blakemore colleagues volunteer their work time to supporting a school half-term food parcel scheme in WolverhamptonQ&A with Environmental Sustainability Manager Darshika Patel
March 02, 2022
Find out more about new Environmental Sustainability Manager Darshika PatelA.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 MarchBlakemore 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 DirectorSPAR Reports Buoyant Christmas and New Year Trading
February 07, 2022
SPAR announces market-leading sales for the four weeks to 2nd January 2022Vegan Store Launches Weekly Delivery Boxes for Veganuary
January 13, 2022
Vegan Store launches a new weekly delivery box for VeganuaryA.F. Blakemore Invests in New Tractor Units
January 13, 2022
Ten new tractor units have been delivered into A.F. Blakemore’s food distribution fleet, each meeting Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) ratingSPAR 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 2022More Colleagues Qualify as Mental Health First Aiders
December 17, 2021
More AFB colleagues have qualified as mental health first aidersFestive 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 AwardsBlakemore 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 millionA.F. Blakemore Achieves Goal of 100% Renewable Electricity
November 19, 2021
A.F. Blakemore moves its operations to 100% renewable electricityA.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 TuesdayThree AFB Colleagues Shortlisted for FWD Gold Medal Awards
October 22, 2021
Supply Chain Manager Kelly Burrows, Wholesale Distribution National Account Manager Ian Cawley and Telesales Manager Alan Mayor have all been shortlisted for this year’s FWD AwardsSPAR 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 GuildAsk The Board
Staff Zone News
September 26, 2023
A.F. Blakemore and Inenco Shortlisted for Prestigious Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year Award
September 25, 2023
Star Studded Performance From SPAR At 2023 Retail Industry Awards
September 18, 2023
A.F. Blakemore & Son Reports Robust Financial Performance, Championed by SPAR Retail Estate
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