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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
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.MyHub is now live, so start exploring!
August 29, 2024
MyHub, the new colleague engagement platform designed to be a hub for rewards, recognition, company benefits, countless discounts and wellbeing resources, is now live!SPAR OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STORE IN TON PENTRE
August 19, 2024
New Store Features GREGGS and an Extended Range of Fresh and Local ProduceSPARaoke Winner Announced
August 15, 2024
Innovative SPAR campaign gives the winner a month’s shopping basket for free.A.F. Blakemore colleagues to raise vital funds for end of life care across the Midlands and Wales
July 31, 2024
Colleagues at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, have chosen the UK’s leading end of life care charity, Marie Curie, to be their official charity partner across the whole business.A.F. Blakemore appoints Ian Kellett as new CFO
July 30, 2024
AFBNSPCC thanks Blakemore Retail for raising over £5 million for the charity in 18-year partnership
July 24, 2024
AFBSPAR becomes the Official Convenience Store Partner of Leicester Tigers
July 17, 2024
SPAR is now the official Convenience Store of Leicester Tigers and will become a supporting partner for the Tigers Under-10s Cup.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.Paralympic legend opens Llandaff SPAR following £500k Refurbishment
May 17, 2024
The new-look SPAR Market opened its doors on Friday 3 May, showcasing Cardiff’s first Philpotts concession with a FREE celebratory barista coffee for all customers.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.A.F. Blakemore Takes a Big Step Towards Sustainable Deliveries with Purchase of Electric HGVs
February 07, 2024
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UKs largest family businesses and the primary SPAR wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, today announced the addition of two state-of-the-art electric HGVs to its fleet, marking a significant step towards its commitment to sustainable operations.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.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.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 menteesAsk The Board
Staff Zone News
September 04, 2024
Ballygally school boy’s sweet idea becomes new product sold in SPAR stores across UK
August 29, 2024
MyHub is now live, so start exploring!
August 19, 2024
SPAR OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STORE IN TON PENTRE
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