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Staff Zone Menu 
- Welcome
- Brand Guidelines
- News
- Covid-19 – What We’re Doing
- Covid-19 Resources
- Staff Benefits
- Blakemore Benefits
- Blakemore Retail Rewards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Payroll Giving
- GroceryAid
- Pension Scheme
- Company Policies
- AFB Employee Handbook
- B-Retail Employee Handbook
- Anti-facilitation of Tax Evasion
- Learning & Development
- LTBW e-Learning
- Philpotts e-Learning
- Customer Service e-Learning
- BR Period Training
- Microsoft Teams User Guide
- Ask the Board
- Videos
Staff Zone News
A.F. Blakemore Joins Kickstart Scheme
January 22, 2021
A.F. Blakemore joins the government’s Kickstart Scheme as part of its ongoing commitment to helping young people into the workplace
A.F. Blakemore Rolls Out SPAR Natural Range
January 22, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches SPAR’s Natural range into selected Blakemore Retail and independent SPAR stores
Wellbeing in the Workplace Programme Launches Across AFB
January 22, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a new Wellbeing in the Workplace programme to help engage and support colleagues
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
New 24/7 Virtual GP Service Available to Colleagues
January 08, 2021
A.F. Blakemore offers colleagues access to a 24/7 virtual GP and wellbeing app
Sign Up Now: AFB Pension Scheme Webinars Return
January 07, 2021
A.F. Blakemore will be running three webinars with Aviva in January to introduce the company’s new pensions website to colleagues
Reminder of GroceryAid Support on Offer to AFB Colleagues
January 07, 2021
A.F. Blakemore wants to remind all colleagues across the group that they are eligible for support from GroceryAid
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
Christmas Tree Competition Winners Announced
December 23, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the winners of its Christmas tree competition
And the Winners of AFB’s Children’s Christmas Card Competition Are…
December 23, 2020
A.F. Blakemore announces the winners of its children’s Christmas card competition
Colleagues Support More Than a Thousand Good Causes this Christmas
December 23, 2020
A.F. Blakemore colleagues support more than a thousand good causes in communities across the company’s trading area over the Christmas period
Blakemore Retail Continues Snappy Shopper Van Rollout
December 11, 2020
Blakemore Retail is investing in 40 new delivery vans to keep up with demand for Snappy Shopper home deliveries
Dunkin’ Donuts Launched in Blakemore Retail
December 10, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches a new Dunkin’ Donuts range in 17 of its stores
Help Support Blakemore Retail’s Christmas Fundraising for the NSPCC
December 10, 2020
Help support Blakemore Retail’s fundraising for the NSPCC this Christmas with a letter from Santa or fundraising walk
Christmas Competitions: Your Chance to Win
December 10, 2020
This Christmas we’re offering AFB colleagues the chance to win some fantastic prizes in two competitions
Blakemore Benefits: Save on Gifts this Christmas
December 10, 2020
This December, the company’s Blakemore Benefits scheme has a wide selection of offers on leading brands to help colleagues save money during the festive period
Shawbirch Store Relaunched after Major Refit
December 09, 2020
Blakemore Retail relaunches its Shawbirch store in Telford after carrying out a major refit
Vegan Store Launches Christmas Range
November 27, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s Vegan Store websites have launched a new range of plant-based products for Christmas 2020
A.F. Blakemore Launches Black Friday Offers for Retailers
November 27, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is running a series of Black Friday deals for its SPAR and wholesale retail customers
Online Leading the Blakemore Way Programme Piloted
November 27, 2020
Nine AFB colleagues participate in a pilot online Leading the Blakemore Way programme
Colleagues Celebrate Leadership & Management Qualifications
November 23, 2020
Two cohorts of A.F. Blakemore colleagues successfully complete Institute of Leadership & Management programmes
Blakemore Retail Enjoys Record Snappy Shopper Sales
November 13, 2020
Blakemore Retail has seen Snappy Shopper sales and orders increase by 25% over the last two weeks
SRS2020: New Opportunities
November 13, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s SPAR Retail Show took place virtually on 3rd November and was attended by 1,000 guests
Blakemore Foodservice Reacts to Lockdown: Q&A with Cheryl Hope
November 12, 2020
As Blakemore Foodservice faces the challenge of a new lockdown in England, we caught up with Head of Trading for Foodservice Cheryl Hope to find out how the business is handling the situation
Retail Apprenticeships: Sign Up Now
October 30, 2020
Blakemore Retail is now recruiting its next cohort of apprentices
A.F. Blakemore Relaunches Daily Deli Food to Go
October 29, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has relaunched its Daily Deli food-to-go range for SPAR customers
Blakemore Retail Trials New Pizza-to-go Concept
October 29, 2020
Blakemore Retail is trialling a new pizza-to-go concept in SPAR Aldridge in the West Midlands
New Transport Offices for Willenhall
October 29, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has invested in brand-new facilities for its Transport department in Willenhall
SPAR Takes Top Prize for Luxury Mince Pies
October 15, 2020
The UK’s best mince pies are officially only available at SPAR
AFB Pension Scheme Webinar: View Now
October 15, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has recorded a pension scheme webinar for colleagues
Blakemore Trade Partners Announces Virtual SPAR Retail Show
October 14, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners announces its first-ever virtual SPAR Retail Show
A.F. Blakemore Launches Own-brand Food-to-go Range
October 13, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch a new own-brand food-to-go range designed especially for the convenience retail market
A.F. Blakemore Launches New Commission Operator Store Model
October 01, 2020
A.F. Blakemore launches a brand-new commission operator SPAR store model
Last Chance to Sign Up to AFB Pension Scheme Webinar
October 01, 2020
If you want to know more about the proposed changes to A.F. Blakemore’s pension scheme, it’s not too late to sign up to one of the company’s pension scheme webinars next week
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
Bedford Depot Construction Update
September 25, 2020
The construction of A.F. Blakemore’s brand new distribution depot in Bedford has made significant progress over the past few weeks
Wholesale Distribution Online Ordering Website Continues Growth
September 25, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution’s online ordering website enjoyed its best week yet last week
SPAR Brand Sees Huge Opportunity in Food to Go
September 18, 2020
SPAR is launching seven new own-label food-to-go products in order to drive sales and help fulfil the food-to-go shopping mission
All About Vegan Store: Q&A with Lisa Ruskin
September 17, 2020
A.F. Blakemore catches up with Vegan Store founder Lisa Ruskin to find out more about the business she created
SPAR 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 shortlists
Blakemore Retail Buy One, Get One for a Penny Campaign Now Live
September 17, 2020
Blakemore Retail’s ‘Buy One, Get One for a Penny’ campaign is now live across its SPAR estate
Blakemore Retail PANTS Day Raises £31,453
September 11, 2020
Blakemore Retail PANTS Weekend raises an incredible £31,453
Covid-19 Situational Guidance for Colleagues
September 10, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has issued new Covid-19 situational guidance for employees
County Bridge Fresh Meat Trial Delivers Promising Early Results
September 10, 2020
A.F. Blakemore’s expansion of its own-label County Bridge retail fresh meat offering is delivering some fantastic initial sales results
Blakemore Retail Recognises Top Fundraising Stores
September 08, 2020
Blakemore Retail recognises its top fundraising stores after raising more than £252,000 for the NSPCC during its last fundraising year
Last Chance to Sign Up for AFB Mentoring Programme
September 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is offering colleagues a final chance to sign up to its mentoring programme before it launches later this month
Blakemore Retail to Launch Buy One, Get One for a Penny Campaign
September 01, 2020
Blakemore Retail is set to launch a ‘Buy One, Get One for a Penny’ campaign next month
HR Self-service System Update
August 28, 2020
82% of AFB colleagues have now registered and confirmed their personal e-mail address with the business in order to access the ‘MyHR’ self-service Payroll/HR system
Do You Know Anyone Who Deserves to Be Recognised?
August 28, 2020
Do you know anyone in your team who deserves to be recognised with an award?
Blakemore Retail Enjoys Strong Summer Sales
August 27, 2020
Blakemore Retail has enjoyed strong trade this summer, with sales over the last six weeks up 12.54% like for like on last year
Blakemore Retail Launches New Flagship Store in North Wales
August 24, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new flagship SPAR store in Bodelwyddan, North Wales
Blakemore Retail Gets Set for Big Bank Holiday Fundraiser
August 20, 2020
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales will be embarking on one of their biggest bank holiday fundraising drives for the NSPCC next weekend
SPAR Continues its Support of British Athletics
August 14, 2020
SPAR, the UK’s leading independent convenience group and partner of British Athletics, continues with its support of the British Athletics Championships
Blakemore Retail Extends Too Good to Go Trial
August 13, 2020
Blakemore Retail extends its trial of the Too Good to Go food waste fighting app, with 57 SPAR stores now registered on the platform
SPAR Remains Committed to Helping Vulnerable People
August 13, 2020
SPAR continues its commitment to multiple charities around the UK to ensure that everyone has access to essentials and the ability to shop in a safe environment
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
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme Boosts Foodservice Sales
August 12, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice experiences a boost to sales thanks to the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme
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
Ask The Board
Staff Zone News
January 22, 2021
A.F. Blakemore Joins Kickstart Scheme
January 22, 2021
A.F. Blakemore Rolls Out SPAR Natural Range
January 22, 2021
Wellbeing in the Workplace Programme Launches Across AFB
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