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Staff Zone News
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
Sign Up Now: AFB Pension Scheme Webinar
September 24, 2020
Attend a webinar to find out more about the proposed changes to A.F. Blakemore’s pension scheme
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 20, 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
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
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Staff Zone News
October 15, 2020
SPAR Takes Top Prize for Luxury Mince Pies
October 15, 2020
AFB Pension Scheme Webinar: View Now
October 14, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners Announces Virtual SPAR Retail Show
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