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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Staff Engagement Survey: We want to hear your voice!

May 05, 2023

Your feedback is what drives improvement, let's hear your voice!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SPAR Brand launches tasty new sweets

February 06, 2023

SPAR is launching five new and exciting own label lines to its overall confectionery range.

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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.

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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.

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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 Christmas

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Blakemore 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 Awards

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SPAR Alsager Relaunches with New Food to Go

December 22, 2022

Blakemore Retail's Alsager SPAR store relaunches with a delicious new food-to-go offer

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A.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 prizes

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Machynlleth 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 refurbishment

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Quay Road SPAR and Post Office Celebrates Relaunch

December 07, 2022

Blakemore Retail's Quay Road SPAR and Post Office reopens after undergoing a refit

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A.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 Awards

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Meat 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 Awards

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Independent 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 family

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SPAR 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 Canaria

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Local 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 MP

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New 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 store

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A.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 months

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Q&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 depot

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Llanharry 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 April

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Blakemore 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 Staffordshire

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SPAR 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 Planted

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Lisa James Crowned Sales Colleague of the Year

September 27, 2022

SPAR Beddau Supervisor Lisa James wins Sales Colleague of the Year at The Convenience Awards

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Blakemore 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 NSPCC

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Five 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 GroceryAid

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Retail 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.

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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 GroceryAid

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Blakemore Colleagues Celebrate Apprenticeship Success

August 26, 2022

Five A.F. Blakemore colleagues celebrate completing apprenticeships at a graduation ceremony at Stafford County Showground

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Colleagues 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 event

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GroceryAid Week: Get Involved

August 26, 2022

Colleagues get set to celebrate GroceryAid Week from Monday 5th September to Sunday 11th September

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SPAR 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 Awards

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Bal 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 Awards

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NSPCC Launches New Virtual Volunteering Opportunity

August 02, 2022

Five Blakemore colleagues take part in a new virtual community volunteering opportunity with the NSPCC

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Bedford 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 charity

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Blakemore 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 success

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SPAR 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 scheme

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SPAR 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 Wales

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Blakemore 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 ball

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SPAR 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 year

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Blakemore 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 NSPCC

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A.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 business

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Can 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 help

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Blakemore 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 Jubilee

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A.F. Blakemore Launches Race at Work Strategy

May 18, 2022

​A.F. Blakemore launches a Race at Work Strategy

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SPAR Own Label Expands for Summer BBQs

May 09, 2022

SPAR launches a variety of own label products to maximise this summer’s great opportunity

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Blakemore 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, Lincolnshire

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Last 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!

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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 go

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Blakemore 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 Fundraising

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A.F. Blakemore Trials Electric HGV

April 06, 2022

A.F. Blakemore trials an electric truck at its Willenhall distribution centre

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A.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 stores

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Mentoring Programme Reopens for Applications

March 25, 2022

A.F. Blakemore opens its Mentoring Programme up again for a new intake of mentors and mentees

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Coming Soon: Environment Week

March 25, 2022

A.F. Blakemore is inviting all colleagues to get involved in Environment Week next month

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Blakemore Colleagues Pack Bags of Essentials for People in Need

March 25, 2022

Blakemore Foodservice and Wholesale Distribution colleagues volunteer 31 hours of work time to packing bags of essentials for people in need

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A.F. Blakemore Educates Schoolchildren on Rules of the Road

March 24, 2022

A.F. Blakemore relaunches its road safety awareness campaign to more than 450 students at two West Midlands schools

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Join Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection

March 18, 2022

A.F. Blakemore is inviting colleagues to join in with Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection

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Colleagues Go Above and Beyond for Ukraine Appeals

March 18, 2022

​A.F. Blakemore colleagues and retailers support numerous appeals to help Ukrainian people

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World Cancer Day Raises More Than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK

March 17, 2022

A.F. Blakemore takes part in World Cancer Day

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Look Out: New Colleague Survey Coming Soon

March 04, 2022

A.F. Blakemore will be inviting all colleagues to have their say on working at the business in a new company-wide survey later this March

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Blakemore Volunteers Support Wolverhampton Food Parcel Scheme

March 04, 2022

Seven Blakemore colleagues volunteer their work time to supporting a school half-term food parcel scheme in Wolverhampton

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Q&A with Environmental Sustainability Manager Darshika Patel

March 02, 2022

Find out more about new Environmental Sustainability Manager Darshika Patel

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A.F. Blakemore to Trial Electric HGV

March 02, 2022

A.F. Blakemore will be trialling an electric truck at its Willenhall distribution centre for a week in March

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Blakemore Retail Unveils New Concept Store at SPAR Aberystwyth

February 18, 2022

Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new concept store at SPAR Aberystwyth

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A.F. Blakemore Appoints New Group Commercial Director

February 16, 2022

A.F. Blakemore appoints David Cooke to the newly created role of Group Commercial Director

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SPAR Reports Buoyant Christmas and New Year Trading

February 07, 2022

SPAR announces market-leading sales for the four weeks to 2nd January 2022

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Vegan Store Launches Weekly Delivery Boxes for Veganuary

January 13, 2022

Vegan Store launches a new weekly delivery box for Veganuary

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A.F. Blakemore Invests in New Tractor Units

January 13, 2022

Ten new tractor units have been delivered into A.F. Blakemore’s food distribution fleet, each meeting Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating

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SPAR Launches New Brand Positioning

January 12, 2022

SPAR unveils new UK-wide brand positioning that celebrates the unique characteristics of SPAR convenience stores

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SPAR Becomes First Grocer in UK to Launch 100% Vegan Own-label Wine Range

January 06, 2022

​SPAR makes its full range of own-label wines suitable for vegans

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SPAR Offers Shoppers Chance to Win Shop for Free Throughout January

January 05, 2022

SPAR is launching a brand-new consumer campaign in participating stores around England, Scotland and Wales throughout January 2022

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More Colleagues Qualify as Mental Health First Aiders

December 17, 2021

More AFB colleagues have qualified as mental health first aiders

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