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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
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- 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
Staff Zone News
A.F. Blakemore Pilots Business Admin Diploma with Coventry University
September 17, 2021
Seventeen colleagues from A.F. Blakemore get set to embark on a brand-new Level 7 commercial apprenticeship programme
A.F. Blakemore Gets Ready for Natasha’s Law
September 17, 2021
After a year of planning, A.F. Blakemore is in the final stages of preparation for the introduction of Natasha’s Law
SPAR Parkfoot Scoops Top Prize at Convenience Awards
September 15, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot is named Convenience Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2021
Blakemore Retail Bank Holiday Fundraiser Generates Thousands for NSPCC
September 03, 2021
Blakemore Retail’s PANTS Weekend fundraiser held in aid of the NSPCC over the August bank holiday has already raises in excess of £35,000
AFB Offers 100 Work Placements via Kickstart Scheme
September 03, 2021
A.F. Blakemore welcomes 100 young people into the business on work placements via the government’s Kickstart Scheme
Performance Development Reviews to Go Online
September 02, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a new online performance development review process that will be rolled out to all colleagues
SPAR MD Louise Hoste Announced as New Chair of ACS
September 01, 2021
The Association of Convenience Stores announces the appointment of SPAR Managing Director Louise Hoste as its new chair from November
Blakemore Retail to Host Big Bank Holiday Fundraiser for NSPCC
August 20, 2021
Blakemore Retail colleagues are set to go on a fundraising drive for the NSPCC this August bank holiday with their annual PANTS Weekend
Covid-19 Vaccination Bus Comes to Willenhall
August 20, 2021
A.F. Blakemore hosts the Walsall NHS Trust Covid vaccination bus at its Willenhall head office site
Payroll Giving: Give to Charity Through Your Wages
August 20, 2021
Payroll giving is a simple, tax-effective way for colleagues to give to any UK-based charity from their pay
Blakemore Trade Partners Continues to Attract New SPAR Retailers
August 20, 2021
A.F. Blakemore has welcomed 14 new stores to its independent SPAR retail estate over the past eight weeks
Blakemore Foodservice Steps Up Deliveries Ahead of New School Term
August 20, 2021
Blakemore Foodservice is once again busy with start-up deliveries ahead of the new school term in September
Blakemore Team Defies Heat and Hills to Complete GroceryAid Cycle
August 06, 2021
Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores successfully complete an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAid
50% Off Entry into £3 Million House Prize Draw in Aid of NSPCC
August 06, 2021
All Blakemore colleagues are being given 50% off entry into a £3 million house prize draw
SPAR Bala Goes from Strength to Strength Following Relaunch
August 05, 2021
Blakemore Retail’s Bala store in Gwynedd goes from strength to strength following its relaunch under the SPAR Market fascia
Shortlists for Grocer Gold, Convenience and Retail Industry Awards Announced
July 23, 2021
A.F. Blakemore and its stores make the shortlist for the Grocer Gold, Convenience and Retail Industry awards
GroceryAid Coast to Coast Cycle Gets Underway
July 23, 2021
Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores take on an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAid
SPAR Stores Across Wales to Celebrate Welsh Food Fortnight
July 23, 2021
SPAR stores across Wales will be taking part in a Welsh Food Fortnight campaign next month
Blakemore Retail Reaches £4 Million Fundraising Milestone for NSPCC
July 23, 2021
Blakemore Retail reaches a £4 million fundraising milestone for the NSPCC through its 16-year partnership with the charity
Operations Manager Chloe Ball Wins Warehousing Award
July 09, 2021
Chilled Operations Manager Chloe Ball becomes the first Blakemore colleague to win an award at the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards
Blakemore Cyclists to Embark on Coast to Coast Challenge
July 09, 2021
Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores are set to take on an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAid
Blakemore Retail Teams Up with NSPCC for Home or Out Alone Campaign
July 09, 2021
Blakemore Retail teams up with the NSPCC to help parents decide if their children are ready to stay home or go out alone
Meet Your New AFB Mental Health First Aiders
July 06, 2021
As part of A.F. Blakemore’s Wellbeing in the Workplace programme, the company is pleased to announce that 26 colleagues have qualified as mental health first aiders
Blakemore Retail Launches First SPAR Market Store
June 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail relaunches its store in Bala under the SPAR Market fascia following a complete refurbishment
A.F. Blakemore Launches New Customer Web Apps
June 23, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches three new web apps for customers to improve their online shopping experience
Blakemore Retail Birthday Parties Raise More Than £35,000 for NSPCC
June 11, 2021
Blakemore Retail raises £35,212 for the NSPCC by hosting 16th birthday parties across its SPAR estate to celebrate the start of its 16th year of partnership with the charity
Apply to Become a Mental Health First Aider
June 11, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is inviting all colleagues to apply to become a mental health first aider
Have Your Say: Major Life Events Survey and Focus Group Opportunity
June 11, 2021
We’re currently reviewing how we support colleagues through major life events and would love to hear your experiences, if you are happy to share them with us
AFB Steps Up Recruitment Drive to Address Driver Shortage
June 09, 2021
A.F. Blakemore steps up its recruitment drive to help attract more HGV drivers to the business amidst the national shortage
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution Embraces Immediate Convenience Opportunity
June 09, 2021
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution sees sales in the immediate convenience market grow
Blakemore Benefits: Offers and Discounts on Gym Memberships
May 28, 2021
Get offers and discounts on gym memberships with Blakemore Benefits
A.F. Blakemore Launches New Instagram Profile
May 28, 2021
A.F. Blakemore enhances its social media presence with a new Instagram profile to showcase working life at the business
SPAR UK Conference 2021: The Future of Convenience is with SPAR
May 27, 2021
The SPAR symbol group is determined to maintain its lead in the convenience market by investing £125 million in the business over the next 12 months
Blakemore Foundation Awards £313,257 to Good Causes in 2020/21
May 24, 2021
The Blakemore Foundation awarded goods and monetary donations worth £313,257 to good causes during A.F. Blakemore’s 2020/21 financial year
Blakemore Foodservice Retains Contract with Dudley and Walsall Councils
May 14, 2021
Blakemore Foodservice retains its grocery, chilled and frozen distribution contract with Dudley and Walsall councils
Chloe Ball and Liz Blakemore Shortlisted for Logistics Awards
May 14, 2021
Chilled Operations Manager Chloe Ball and HR Business Partner Liz Blakemore are named as finalists in this year’s Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards
Have You Registered for AFB’s Learning Management System?
May 14, 2021
All colleagues should now have received an email inviting them to sign up to the company’s new learning management system
Reminder of GroceryAid Support on Offer to AFB Colleagues
April 30, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is reminding colleagues of a few wellbeing and support resources available from charity GroceryAid ahead of national Mental Health Awareness Week in May
Refer a Driver Friend and Receive £400 in Vouchers
April 29, 2021
Get yourself £400 in high street vouchers for referring any Class C or Class C + E driver that is successfully recruited into the Group Logistics division
Time to Register for AFB’s New Learning Management System
April 29, 2021
It’s time to register for AFB’s new learning management system
Q&A: Five Questions with Head of Fresh Sarah Deakin
April 28, 2021
In March A.F. Blakemore appointed Sarah Deakin to the new role of Head of Fresh
AFB Launches Monthly Video News Updates
April 16, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a monthly video news update to keep colleagues up to date with the latest goings-on from around the business
Blakemore Benefits: Make the Most of Savings this Spring
April 16, 2021
Make the most of discounts available via A.F. Blakemore’s benefits scheme
New Learning Management System Coming Soon
April 13, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch a new learning management system for colleagues
New Project Management Toolkit Introduced to Support Projects
April 13, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a new project management toolkit to support the delivery of key projects within the business
Happy Retirement John Bowman and David Cartwright
April 12, 2021
A.F. Blakemore wishes John Bowman and David Cartwright a happy retirement
Blakemore Colleagues Support More Than 300 Easter Activities
April 06, 2021
A.F. Blakemore colleagues help to make Easter ‘eggstra special’ for their local communities with charitable giving and fundraising initiatives
Axcess 10 Distribution Depot Achieves BRCGS Grade A Standard
April 02, 2021
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution’s Axcess 10 depot is awarded a grade A in its latest BRCGS audit
Blakemore Foodservice Set to Recommence Supply to Pubs and Restaurants
April 01, 2021
Blakemore Foodservice is getting ready to resume supplying pubs and restaurants ahead of their reopening
Additional Holiday Purchase Scheme
April 01, 2021
As from 1st May 2021, employees will have the opportunity to purchase additional holidays on top of their contracted annual entitlement
A.F. Blakemore’s Home-working Survey Results Announced
April 01, 2021
Thank you to all office-based colleagues for taking the time to complete A.F. Blakemore’s recent follow-up pulse survey on home-working
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution Launches New Web App
March 19, 2021
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution launches a new web app for customers to improve their online shopping experience
Vegan Store Launches Golden Crunch Easter Egg
March 18, 2021
Vegan Store launches a brand-new Golden Crunch Easter egg for Easter
A.F. Blakemore to Launch Charity Campaign in Memory of Raj Aggarwal
March 16, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch a charity campaign in April in memory of much-loved SPAR retailer Raj Aggarwal
A.F. Blakemore Launches Store Energy Reduction Programme
March 05, 2021
A.F. Blakemore introduces a new energy reduction programme to help save energy across its SPAR store estate
Colleagues Celebrate GroceryAid Awareness Day
March 05, 2021
Colleagues across A.F. Blakemore help the company raise awareness of GroceryAid as it marks GroceryAid Awareness Day
Blakemore Retail Helps Fund NSPCC Virtual Assembly with Ant and Dec
March 04, 2021
Blakemore Retail’s fundraising for the NSPCC helps the charity to hold a special virtual assembly to talk to children about mental health in the pandemic
A.F. Blakemore Produces New Vegan Store Video
March 03, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a short new video to introduce its Vegan Store brand to retailers
Blakemore Retail Extends Partnership with Too Good To Go to 275 Stores
February 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail signs up all 275 of its SPAR convenience stores to the Too Good To Go app
Help AFB Fundraise for GroceryAid on GroceryAid Awareness Day
February 19, 2021
A.F. Blakemore is calling on all colleagues to help the company fundraise for GroceryAid as it marks GroceryAid Awareness Day on 2nd March
AFB Launches Leading the Blakemore Way App
February 18, 2021
A.F. Blakemore launches a new Leading the Blakemore Way app to support colleagues with their leadership development
Logistics Managers Complete Upskilling Programme
February 18, 2021
Twenty-two A.F. Blakemore logistics colleagues successfully complete a new learning & development programme online
YuLife: Sign Up to AFB’s New Wellbeing App
February 18, 2021
AFB colleagues are invited to sign up to a new wellbeing app that offers rewards for walking and meditating
Blakemore Foundation Covid-19 Support Reaches Value of £176,000
February 17, 2021
Charitable donations awarded to Covid-related causes via the Blakemore Foundation have now reached a value of £176,000
A.F. Blakemore & Son Invests for Growth with New Opportunities
February 08, 2021
Chairman Peter Blakemore reports a year of good progress for 2019/20 in his annual statement on A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd’s financial results
Snappy Shopper Sales Break More Records
February 05, 2021
Snappy Shopper sales are continuing to break records in Blakemore Retail, with the last few weeks seeing the best results yet for the home delivery app.
MyHR: It’s Time to Update Your Details
February 05, 2021
Following the successful launch of the company’s MyHR system last year, A.F. Blakemore is now asking colleagues to update their personal information on the platform
Double Success at Retail Industry Awards
January 27, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot and Eat 17 SPAR Walthamstow are crowned winners at the 2020 Retail Industry Awards
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
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
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
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
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
Ask The Board
Staff Zone News
September 17, 2021
A.F. Blakemore Pilots Business Admin Diploma with Coventry University
September 17, 2021
A.F. Blakemore Gets Ready for Natasha’s Law
September 15, 2021
SPAR Parkfoot Scoops Top Prize at Convenience Awards
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