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RBP Newsletter May 2023

RBP Newsletter May 2023

Introducing to you our Responsible Business Programme Champions!

Our Champions help to make a positive change with engagement across the business. They are key allies who help to support ideas on proposed events and how to bring them to life across all areas of A.F. Blakemore.

See below for current focus areas and workstreams:

AFB Current Focus Areas & Workstreams Chart

Please reach out to our champions if you have any thoughts on how we can bring our events to life or if you would like to be more involved and want to find out more information about becoming a Champion, please contact RBP@afblakemore.co.uk

What is your name?

My name is Dhiren Thakker.

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I work in the Foodservice Division as a Commercial Data Analyst. My role involves producing business reports, in Excel Spreadsheet format, using a facility called Business Objects to extract data from the Foodservice system. Business Objects reports are built according to the specifications determined by the recipients of the reports; Business Objects reports are exported to Excel and processed using a variety of Excel functions, as required, to produce final reports upon which business decisions are made. That could mean, for example, to find out how sales can be increased or how any low margins can be remedied.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I am related to actor Nitin Ganatra (who portrayed the character Masood Ahmed in Eastenders).

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I chose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions to further contribute to the success of our business. I wanted to utilise my skills and experience to make constructive contributions and suggestions in meetings to help the business achieve its objectives.

What is your name?

Tom Cumiskey

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am a Proposition Controller and work predominantly on the Food for Later shopper mission. It is my roll to set up the strategy in this area and work with the wider teams to deliver the best proposition to the consumer and retail partners.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I am addicted to endurance sports and have raced ultramarathons up to 102 miles long and IronMan triathlons up to 140.6 miles long.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I was firstly inspired by an AFB online conference and when the call for volunteers came out after that I signed up straightaway. I am passionate about inclusion in sport out of work and love the opportunity to champion inclusion in the workplace for those who identify as having disabilities. I also admire the way in which AFB are fully behind this programme and how it’s placed at the heart of the business and not the periphery.

What is your name?

Manprite Patel (Mani)

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

Work in sales team as telesales advisor covering food service, wholesale and BTP.

Fun fact about yourself?

I am also an independent travel agent.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I love being involved in different parts of the business, networking and learning new things.  I thrive on making a difference by helping others whenever I can.

What is your name?

Chris Caddick

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I’m a transport Shift manager in Willenhall, I help oversee our amazing team of class 1 and 2 drivers to ensure they get as much support on the road as possible.

Fun fact about yourself?

I was once an avid Skateboarder in my youth (although you wouldn’t think looking at me now!)

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I wanted to help make a difference within AFB! It’s such a good company to work for and if we as a group can help make it even better, I’m all in! The company has made such great movements recently with the recent Race at Work workshop, Mental health first aid as well as policies in relation to childcare and absence.

What is your name?

Caroline Wills

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am Operations Support Manager for Blakemore Retail.  My job role is extremely varied with no day the same, however it includes being a point of contact between our stores, field team and the rest of the business, managing the NSPCC charity partnership and several service providers as well as co-ordinating meetings and events.

Fun fact about yourself?

I have appeared on TV three times in the last year!

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

As someone based in Head Office but who also has an understanding of our store needs, I wanted to be involved to share thoughts and ideas for how the programme could develop and evolve to suit all of the different people and environments.

What is your name?

Lisa Ruskin

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

Sourcing Manager – Vegan / Plant Based Products. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting products in the plant based world, it’s about trend spotting, developing relationships with brands (both independent and the larger multinationals) and making sure we’re offering our customers the options to make their range successful or their dinner delicious.

Fun fact about yourself?

I’m on my fifth career change and in one of those past careers supplied Joaquin Phoenix with some shoes for the Oscars.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

There are many measures of success and financial success which is important, but doesn’t have to come at the expense of causing damage in any way. The smallest tweaks can often make the biggest impact and it’s always interesting to be part of the discussion.

What is your name?

Matthew Bell

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am a Commercial group Data Analyst; I analyse the commercial data and create reports for the commercial team.

Fun fact about yourself?

I am currently obsessed with growing Tropical and Exotic plants, the tougher the better.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I wanted to join the programme as seeing for myself the range of people that are willing to invest time, and effort to make or spread positivity throughout AFB. That was a huge selling point for me (for lack of a better word) but also being able to contribute knowing the business is attentively listening and you can see the proof of that from many mediums.

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18th Birthday Celebrations!

Blakemore Retail have recently celebrated the 18th year of partnership with the NSPCC on April 28th – May 1st, 2023.

Colleagues across England and Wales took part in hosting a series of big birthday parties, in support of the children’s charity. The celebratory events Blakemore Retail stores hosted included a range of activities from bake sales, tombola’s, dress up days, raffles, hampers, and much more.

Together Blakemore Retail have raised more than £23k for the NSPCC, with more monies still being collected. Monies raised will go towards Blakemore Retail’s goal of raising £5 million by June 2024. We would like to thank all the Blakemore Retail team for their hard work and dedication for the charity partnership over the last 18 years!

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Jurassic Coast Executive Challenge!

Last weekend, Blakemore Retail Jurassic Coast Executive Challenge took place to raise vital funds for the NSPCC!

Managing Director - Matt Teague, Store Operations Director - Chris Bacon and Area Managers Jamie Parkman and Deborah Smith took on the mammoth 100km trek along the majestic Jurassic Coastline. The team tested their endurance over the two-day trek travelling across challenging terrain from coastal paths and steep hills to rocky beaches. Luckily the weather seemed to be kind to them!

Our Corporate Partnership Manager, Lizzie Whelehan said “Thank you so much to Matt, Chris, Jamie and Deborah for undertaking such a gruelling challenge. We are so incredibly grateful to have your support, thank you all so much for going above and beyond for the NSPCC and inspiring everyone in the process”.

There is still time to donate. If you’d like to give your support and congratulations to the team, please click the link to find out more and donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/br-jurassic23

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Staff Survey Coming Soon

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Payroll Giving – Sign Up Now

Payroll giving is a simple, tax-effective way to give to any UK-based charity from your pay.

Once authorised, A.F. Blakemore's Payroll department deducts regular charitable donations from your pay. Your donation is then sent to Charities Trust, which is approved by HM Revenue and Customs as a charity agency. The agency then distributes the money to the charity or charities of your choice.

Not only is payroll giving super simple, but it’s also super tax effective because your donation gets deducted before you pay the taxman. For instance, if you donate £5, only £4 comes out of your salary and the taxman pays the rest.

You donate £5.00 £7.50 £10.00
Cost to you as a 20% taxpayer £4.00 £6.00 £8.00
Cost to you as a 40% taxpayer £3.00 £4.50 £6.00

Donations can be made to any national/local charity or recognised good cause such as places of worship, schools, and scout groups.

You can nominate more than one charity to benefit from your donations – and you can easily change the amount or nominated charities at any time. 

A.F. Blakemore has set up an online platform for payroll giving to make it as easy as possible for employees to donate.

For more information or to start giving please go to:

www.afblakemore.givingonline.org.uk

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Coming Soon - Environmental Week

We will be celebrating World Environmental Day on the 5th of June which will continue for the rest of the week. Look out for activities and information about how to make a positive environmental change in and outside of A.F. Blakemore!