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Staff Zone News
HR Self-service System: Have You Logged In Yet?
August 07, 2020
All AFB colleagues who have registered and confirmed an email address with the company should now have received an email inviting them to log in to A.F. Blakemore’s new HR and Payroll self-service system, ‘MyHR’
AFB to Roll Out County Bridge Fresh Meat to More Stores
August 07, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is evolving its County Bridge fresh meat offer with the introduction of new retail packs and expansion into more SPAR stores via centralised distribution
Wholesale Distribution Online Ordering Website Goes from Strength to Strength
August 07, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution’s online ordering website has been going from strength to strength since relaunching in May
More than 220,000 Units of PPE Sold in Blakemore Retail
August 06, 2020
Blakemore Retail stores have sold more than 220,000 units of personal protective wear and personal hygiene items since the end of May
Action Required: New HR Self-service System Launching Monday
July 31, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s new Payroll and Human Resources self-service system is set to go live
A.F. Blakemore Invests in New Rigid Vehicles
July 30, 2020
A.F. Blakemore adds 10 new rigid lorries to its distribution fleet as part on an ongoing vehicle replacement programme
Process Improvement Q&A with Ambient Warehouse Manager Chloe Ball
July 30, 2020
We catch up with Ambient Warehouse Manager Chloe Ball to find out about some of the process improvement activity going on at her depot in Willenhall
Non-uniform Weekend Raises £25,000 for NSPCC
July 29, 2020
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales raise £25,000 for the NSPCC with a ‘Dress Up or Dress Down’ fundraising weekend
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 Value Initiative Boosts Sales by 36%
July 23, 2020
A Blakemore Retail initiative promoting value to customers has helped increase sales of selected products by 36% compared to pre-coronavirus-lockdown figures
AFB Publishes Covid-19 Homeworking Survey Results
July 22, 2020
A.F Blakemore publishes the results of its Covid-19 home-working survey undertaken with colleagues in June
Final Community Cashback Grant Scheme Winners Announced
July 17, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the final good causes to benefit from its Community Cashback Grant scheme
Philpotts Launches New App for Customers
July 16, 2020
Philpotts launches a new app offering customers a click and collect service
Blakemore Retail Introduces New Online Collaboration Platform
July 16, 2020
Blakemore Retail introduces a new internal collaboration platform to the business to help bring store and field teams across its estate together
Hand Sanitiser Stations Rolled Out Across AFB
July 15, 2020
A.F. Blakemore rolls out hand sanitiser stations across its store estate and depots
Latest Community Cashback Grant Scheme Winners Announced
July 10, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces more good causes to benefit from its Community Cashback Grant scheme
New Deals of the Day App to Launch for Retailers
July 09, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is launching a Deals of the Day app for independent retailers next week, to make it easier than ever for them to take advantage of special offers
Wholesale Distribution Gears Up for Motorway Services to Get Busy Again
July 09, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution is gearing up for motorway service stations to get busy once again as more travellers take to the roads for work and summer holidays
Construction of New Bedford Depot Gets Underway
July 09, 2020
Construction of A.F. Blakemore’s brand new distribution depot in Bedford is now underway
First Community Cashback Grant Winners Announced
July 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the first good causes to benefit from its Community Cashback Grant scheme
Blakemore Retail to Trial New Distance Learning Programme
July 02, 2020
Blakemore Retail is set to trial a new distance learning programme that will enable store colleagues to gain a personal licence holder qualification remotely for the first time
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
New Video Launched to Attract Prospective Retailers
July 02, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a new video to help attract prospective retailers to the SPAR symbol group
Blakemore Retail Invests in Delivery Vans to Meet Snappy Shopper Demand
June 25, 2020
Blakemore Retail invests in new delivery vans to keep up with demand for Snappy Shopper home deliveries
Disability Sport Wales Hosts Virtual Sports Event
June 25, 2020
A.F. Blakemore community partner Disability Sport Wales hosts its first virtual sports event
AFB in the Community: Q&A with Community Affairs Officer Kate Senter
June 25, 2020
We speak to Community Affairs Officer Kate Senter to find out how her role overseeing charity partnerships and AFB’s charitable trust has changed since the coronavirus outbreak
Blakemore Foodservice Gears Up for Reopening of Pubs and Restaurants
June 24, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice gets ready to resume supplying pubs and restaurants ahead of their reopening on 4th July
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
Q&A with Gavin James from Talbot Green
June 17, 2020
This week we’ve got a Q&A with Production Supervisor Gavin James, who works in Talbot Green’s cheese production facility. In his spare time, Gavin is a singer, songwriter and producer.
SPAR 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 products
SPAR 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 people
A.F. Blakemore Outperforms Competitors in Pandemic Support for Retailers
June 11, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has outperformed other symbol groups and wholesalers in its pandemic support for retailers, according to retailers
Gardening Competition Winner Announced
June 11, 2020
It’s time to announce the winner of last week’s gardening competition
Kelly Burrows Shortlisted for Transport and Logistics Award
June 10, 2020
Logistics Supply Chain Coordinator Kelly Burrows is named as a finalist in the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards
Safety Screens, Face Visors and Store Refits: Q&A with BDS’s Phil Collins
June 09, 2020
Q&A with Phil Collins from Blakemore Design & shopfitting
Missed Celebration Competition Winner Announced
June 05, 2020
The winner of last week’s competition is announced
Cycle to Work Scheme to Return for Summer
June 05, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s Cycle to Work Scheme is set to re-open for applications this June, once again offering employees the chance to make significant cost savings on bike purchases
Wholesale Distribution Relaunches Online Ordering Website
June 05, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution has relaunched its online ordering website to target independent retailers looking for a secondary supply solution
Logistics Colleagues Praised for Efforts as SPAR Volumes Peak
June 05, 2020
A.F. Blakemore enjoyed fantastic sales across its SPAR estate last week, leading to a massive spike in volumes across the company’s logistics operation
Survey Reveals Positive Attitudes to SPAR During Coronavirus Outbreak
June 04, 2020
An online survey looking at attitudes to SPAR and grocery shopping during the coronavirus pandemic has revealed that shoppers are valuing SPAR and smaller local stores more than usual
Missed Celebration Competition: Your Chance to Win
May 29, 2020
This week we’re giving colleagues the chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher by entering our ‘missed celebration’ competition
£58,000 Donated by A.F. Blakemore During Covid-19 Crisis
May 28, 2020
Charitable donations awarded by A.F. Blakemore colleagues to good causes in local communities during the coronavirus crisis have now reached the value of £58,000
Blakemore Retail Home Deliveries Exceed 22,000
May 28, 2020
Blakemore Retail has made more than 22,000 home deliveries to customers in their local communities since March
Produce Sales Soar Across AFB
May 28, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has seen produce sales rocket across its store estate thanks to the outstanding efforts of retail, logistics and trading colleagues
Order Now: Fresh Meat Delivery Service Up and Running
May 22, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has launched a next-day County Bridge fresh meat home delivery service for the Wolverhampton, Walsall and Cannock areas
Lockdown Creations Contest: Winners Announced
May 22, 2020
It’s time to announce the winners of A.F. Blakemore’s lockdown creations contest
SPAR Launches New Brand Advert
May 21, 2020
SPAR launches a new advert to highlight the role of SPAR in the community
Blakemore Retail Launches New Value Initiative
May 20, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches a new value initiative across its store estate to re-establish its value message to customers
Celebrating Blakemore GEMs: Q&A with Alison from SPAR Bulwark Road
May 20, 2020
All throughout the coronavirus pandemic, A.F. Blakemore is celebrating colleagues who are going the extra mile for customers and other staff members via its Blakemore GEMs (Going the Extra Mile) scheme
30,000 Plants Distributed by Logistics
May 20, 2020
A.F. Blakemore reports soaring plant sales during the coronavirus lockdown
Celebrating Blakemore GEMs: Q&A with Tanya from SPAR Rhos
May 14, 2020
A.F. Blakemore celebrates colleagues who are going the extra mile for customers and other staff members via its Blakemore GEMs (Going the Extra Mile) scheme
Leading the Blakemore Way Goes Online
May 14, 2020
AFB colleagues participate in the company’s very first online Leading the Blakemore Way session
Retailers and Senior Leaders Say Thank You Blakemore Colleagues
May 14, 2020
Senior leaders and retailers say thank you to AFB colleagues in a short video
Throwback Photo Competition: Winner Announced
May 14, 2020
It’s time to announce the winner of A.F. Blakemore’s throwback photo contest! Will you recognise anyone who’s entered?
Blakemore Foodservice Helps Feed Thousands in Need
May 14, 2020
Over the past five weeks, Blakemore Foodservice has been helping 36 local authorities, charities and businesses across the country to feed thousands of people in need
A.F. Blakemore Launches Chocolate Bars with Special Messaging
May 14, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a special chocolate bar to cheer people up during the coronavirus pandemic
Food Development Colleagues Embark on Virtual Food Tasting
May 07, 2020
Colleagues embark on their first-ever virtual food tasting session!
A.F. Blakemore Set to Launch Fresh Meat Delivery Service
May 07, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is launching a next-day fresh meat home delivery service for the Wolverhampton, Walsall and Cannock areas
Blakemore Retail to Trial Afternoon Tea Box
May 07, 2020
Blakemore Retail will be trialling an afternoon tea box next week at 10 of its stores for customers who want to treat friends and family at home
Throwback Photo Competition: Your Chance to Win
May 07, 2020
This week we’re hosting a colleague throwback photo competition
Pet Photo Contest: Winners Announced
May 01, 2020
After sifting through more than 70 competition entries, it’s time to meet the much-anticipated winners of AFB’s pet contest
Covid-19 Testing: Information for AFB Colleagues
May 01, 2020
The government has announced that Covid-19 testing has been expanded to essential workers in England and members of their households who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus
Celebrating Blakemore GEMs: Q&A with Zak Aston from Willenhall Ambient Depot
April 30, 2020
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, A.F. Blakemore is celebrating colleagues who are going the extra mile for customers and other staff members via its Blakemore GEMs (Going the Extra Mile) scheme
SPAR There for You Message Reaches Record Online Audience
April 30, 2020
A social media campaign run by A.F. Blakemore to recognise the important role that stores and colleagues have played in supporting their communities during the coronavirus pandemic has reached a record online audience of more than 100,000
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
Milk & More: Liam Hancy on Supporting the Business through Covid-19
April 29, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution National Account Manager Liam Hancy writes about the fantastic work the company is doing with customer Milk & More, who have experienced soaring demand during the coronavirus pandemic
New GroceryAid Support Available for AFB Colleagues
April 28, 2020
National charity GroceryAid announces new welfare support services for grocery colleagues in need amid the coronavirus crisis
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
Pet Photo Contest: Your Chance to Win
April 22, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is offering colleagues the chance to win a pet hamper, gift voucher or donation to a dog rescue centre by entering its pet photo contest
Celebrating Blakemore GEMs: SPAR Elstead
April 21, 2020
All throughout the coronavirus pandemic, A.F. Blakemore is celebrating colleagues who are going the extra mile for customers and other staff members
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
Celebrating Blakemore GEMs: Q&A with Layla from SPAR Wingerworth
April 16, 2020
All throughout the coronavirus pandemic, A.F. Blakemore has been celebrating Blakemore colleagues who have been going the extra mile
Blakemore Foodservice Launches Click & Collect Service
April 16, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice launches a brand new click & collect service at its Darlaston distribution centre to serve people in the West Midlands
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
Rainbow Competition: Your Chance to Win Vouchers Worth £50
April 14, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is offering colleagues the chance to win £50 worth of Love2Shop gift vouchers or a charitable donation to a good cause by entering its rainbow mural competition
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
Blakemore SPARs Shortlisted for Four Convenience Awards
March 12, 2020
Four independent and company-owned SPAR stores make the shortlist for the 2020 Convenience Awards
A.F. Blakemore Celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week
March 04, 2020
A.F. Blakemore celebrates its first Random Acts of Kindness Week with colleagues across the business
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
Women in Blakemore Conference Kick-starts Events to Increase Diversity
March 04, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s first Women in Blakemore conference kick-starts a series of events designed to focus on how the company can increase its diversity across underrepresented groups
James Russell Cycles Cambodia for Charity
March 02, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution Managing Director James Russell cycles more than 500km through Cambodia for charity
A.F. Blakemore Welcomes Welsh Businesses on Study Tour
March 02, 2020
A.F. Blakemore welcomes 20 Welsh businesses on a depot tour of Willenhall to introduce them to the company
Blakemore Retail Food Service Apprenticeships: Apply Now
February 28, 2020
Apply now for one of Blakemore Retail’s two new apprenticeships: Level 2 Food Service Team Member or Level 3 Food Service Supervisor
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
New Mentoring Programme Piloted across AFB
February 05, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is piloting a new mentoring programme for colleagues across the group of companies
Women in Blakemore Conference Line-up Announced
February 04, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the line-up for its Women in Blakemore conference
A.F. Blakemore to Support GroceryAid Awareness Day
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore will be supporting GroceryAid’s annual Awareness Day on Tuesday 3rd March
Coming Soon: Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to host its first Random Acts of Kindness Week in February
Blakemore Benefits: Claim a Free Eye Test this February
February 03, 2020
Vision Express has an exclusive offer of a free eye test for all Blakemore colleagues registered on blakemorebenefits.co.uk
A.F. Blakemore Partners with Disability Sport Wales
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore becomes the National Community Partner of Disability Sport Wales
2020 Starts with a Bang for SPAR UK
January 30, 2020
2020 starts with a bang for SPAR UK, with like-for-like Christmas retail sales up by 2.6% over the four weeks to 29 December 2019
Blakemore Retail Trials Food Waste Fighting App
January 24, 2020
Blakemore Retail has become 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 Trade Partners Pledges £100,000 Investment to Ruskington Retailer
January 09, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners pledges a £100,000 investment to SPAR retailer Paul Baxter to enable him to carry out a transformational store development
Blakemore Foodservice Announces Contract with SOHO Coffee Co.
January 08, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice announces a three-year contract to supply SOHO Coffee Co.
Coming Soon: Women in Blakemore Conference
January 08, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to host its first Women in Blakemore conference on 26th February
A.F. Blakemore to Roll Out New Mental Health Programme
January 07, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to introduce a new Mental Health in the Workplace programme to the business to help engage and support colleagues
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Staff Zone News
August 07, 2020
HR Self-service System: Have You Logged In Yet?
August 07, 2020
AFB to Roll Out County Bridge Fresh Meat to More Stores
August 07, 2020
Wholesale Distribution Online Ordering Website Goes from Strength to Strength
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