Home > Supplier Zone > News
Main Menu
- Why Blakemore?
- Our Business
- Working in Partnership
- Local Marketing Partners
- Partnerships in Practice
- Become a Supplier
- Meet the Trading Team
- News
Supplier Zone Menu 
Supplier Zone News
SPAR Retail Show Looks Ahead to New Opportunities
November 04, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show explores the new opportunities presented to SPAR retailers this year and how they can continue to react to the needs of local communities and customers
Buy One, Get One for a Penny Campaign Drives Store Footfall
October 20, 2020
Stores across the retail estate offered customers the chance to purchase a SPAR brand product and get another one for a penny
SPAR Takes Top Prize for Luxury Mince Pies
October 15, 2020
The UK’s best mince pies are officially only available at SPAR
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 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
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 PANTS Day Raises £31,453
September 11, 2020
Blakemore Retail PANTS Weekend raises an incredible £31,453
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
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
A.F. Blakemore Acquires Online Vegan Store
August 13, 2020
A.F. Blakemore has purchased online wholesaler and retailer Vegan Store
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
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
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
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
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
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
A.F. Blakemore Colleagues Donate Over £25,000 During Coronavirus Crisis
April 21, 2020
Colleagues from across A.F. Blakemore donate more than £25,000 to local communities during the coronavirus crisis
A.F. Blakemore Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 15, 2020
A.F. Blakemore partners with the Royal Voluntary Service to help vulnerable people and NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis
SPAR Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 08, 2020
SPAR stores in England are to be the first convenience retailer to partner with Royal Voluntary Service on its NHS Volunteer Responders programme
SPAR Meets Surge in Supply Demand
March 20, 2020
Thousands of SPAR stores around the UK are meeting exceptional customer demand by maintaining a high level of stock availability and service throughout the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic
Colleagues Praised for Outstanding Service in Coronavirus Crisis
March 19, 2020
Customers and SPAR retailers thank AFB colleagues for their commitment to outstanding customer service during the coronavirus outbreak
Blakemore SPARs Shortlisted for Four Convenience Awards
March 12, 2020
Four independent and company-owned SPAR stores make the shortlist for the 2020 Convenience Awards
A.F. Blakemore Celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week
March 04, 2020
A.F. Blakemore celebrates its first Random Acts of Kindness Week with colleagues across the business
Blakemore Retail Launches Standalone Greggs and Subway
March 04, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches its first standalone Greggs and Subway store as part of its strategy to expand retail spaces across the business
James Russell Cycles Cambodia for Charity
March 02, 2020
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution Managing Director James Russell cycles more than 500km through Cambodia for charity
A.F. Blakemore Welcomes Welsh Businesses on Study Tour
March 02, 2020
A.F. Blakemore welcomes 20 Welsh businesses on a depot tour of Willenhall to introduce them to the company
A.F. Blakemore Supplier Event Attracts Record Number of Attendees
February 24, 2020
A.F. Blakemore welcomes more than 300 attendees to its annual Supplier Conference
A.F. Blakemore Partners with Disability Sport Wales
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore becomes the National Community Partner of Disability Sport Wales
2020 Starts with a Bang for SPAR UK
January 30, 2020
2020 starts with a bang for SPAR UK, with like-for-like Christmas retail sales up by 2.6% over the four weeks to 29 December 2019
A.F. Blakemore Trials Food Waste Fighting App
January 24, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is the latest convenience store retailer to trial the food waste fighting app Too Good to Go
New Year, New Company Values
January 09, 2020
A.F. Blakemore is re-launching its company values: The Blakemore Way
Blakemore Trade Partners Pledges £100,000 Investment to Ruskington Retailer
January 09, 2020
Blakemore Trade Partners pledges a £100,000 investment to SPAR retailer Paul Baxter to enable him to carry out a transformational store development
Blakemore Foodservice Announces Contract with SOHO Coffee Co.
January 08, 2020
Blakemore Foodservice announces a three-year contract to supply SOHO Coffee Co.
SPAR International Presents A.F. Blakemore with Special Recognition Award
December 04, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has been presented with a Special Recognition award by SPAR International for the contribution it has made to the community through its Branching Out education programme
A.F. Blakemore Signs Up to Refill Campaign
December 04, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has become the first convenience retailer to join the Refill campaign to help reduce plastic waste
SPAR London Road Bakery Wins Two IAA Awards
December 04, 2019
SPAR London Road Bakery picks up two titles at the Independent Achievers Academy awards
Charity Challenges Raise Hundreds for NSPCC
December 02, 2019
Blakemore Retail colleagues take part in challenges to fundraise for the NPSPCC
Blakemore Retail Colleagues Mark Purple Tuesday 2019
November 27, 2019
Blakemore Retail colleagues host purple-themed activities in-store to celebrate Purple Tuesday
Blakemore Logistics Steps Up for Safer Streets
November 27, 2019
More than 700 pupils from across the West Midlands are educated on the rules of the road as part of Blakemore Logistics’ annual Road Safety campaign
SPAR Retail Show Makes Generous Donation to Local Food Banks
October 28, 2019
A total of 467kg of food, drink, toiletry and household goods were donated to local food banks following Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show at the International Centre in Telford in October
Blakemore Retail Commits to Disability Training in Support of Purple Tuesday
October 21, 2019
Blakemore Retail SPAR employees will undertake online disability awareness training in support of Purple Tuesday
Bristol Philpotts Store Relaunches with New Branding
October 03, 2019
A.F. Blakemore’s Bristol Philpotts store at Temple Quay has relaunched with a fresh look and new branding
Blakemore Trade Partners Launches New Retail Strategy at SRS19
October 02, 2019
Blakemore Trade Partners announces a brand-new Store Cluster Strategy at its 2019 SPAR Retail Show, aimed at helping retailers differentiate their stores for different locations and markets
Blakemore Foodservice Becomes Main Supplier to Philpotts
October 02, 2019
Blakemore Foodservice becomes the main food and drink supplier to A.F. Blakemore’s 21 Philpotts stores
Blakemore Retail Raises a Dino-mite £34,000 for NSPCC
October 02, 2019
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales have been on a fundraising drive for the NSPCC while raising awareness about keeping children safe from sexual abuse
Blakemore SPARs Celebrate Industry Award Success
October 01, 2019
SPAR stores across the Meridian & Welsh Guild win five titles at this year’s Forecourt Trader and Retail Industry Awards
A.F. Blakemore Relaunches First Company-owned SPAR as Flagship Store
September 09, 2019
A.F. Blakemore relocates its inaugural company-owned SPAR store to a forecourt site in Willenhall
Blakemore SPARs Recognised on Forecourt Trader Awards Shortlist
September 03, 2019
Eight SPAR stores across the Meridian & Welsh Guild have made the Forecourt Trader Awards shortlist for 2019
Blakemore Retail Celebrates Top NSPCC Fundraisers
August 30, 2019
Blakemore Retail recognises its top fundraising stores after announcing a record-breaking year of fundraising that generated more than £450,000 for the NSPCC
A.F. Blakemore Set for Success After Year of Investment
August 28, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is “energised and ready for the year ahead” after a year of significant investment and reorganisation
Blakemore Retail Launches New SPAR at Burntwood
August 05, 2019
Blakemore Retail opens a brand new SPAR convenience store in Burntwood, Staffordshire
Blakemore Retail Colleagues Raise Record-breaking Total for NSPCC
July 31, 2019
Blakemore Retail colleagues celebrate a record-breaking year of fundraising after generating more than £450,000 for the NSPCC
Blakemore Foodservice Cooks Up Storm at Catering Exhibition
July 26, 2019
Colleagues from Blakemore Foodservice and the Country Range Group serve up culinary delights at the Lead Association for CAtering in Education’s (LACA) Main Event
Retail Industry Awards 2019 Shortlist Announced
July 15, 2019
Three independent SPAR retailers across the Meridian & Welsh Guild have made the Retail Industry Awards shortlist
A.F. Blakemore Crowned National Winner at Business in the Community Awards
July 10, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is celebrating after being crowned a national winner at the prestigious Responsible Business Awards 2019, run by Business in the Community
Peter Blakemore Outlines Vision for One Company with One Goal
July 04, 2019
Peter Blakemore reinforces his vision of one company with one goal for A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd at the company’s 2019 Management Communication Day
Blakemore Foodservice Joins Country Range Group
June 14, 2019
Blakemore Foodservice joins the Country Range Group network of independent wholesalers
A.F. Blakemore Flagship Store Programme Wins Grocer Gold
June 12, 2019
A.F. Blakemore’s Flagship Store Programme has been crowned Business Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards
Blakemore Logistics Invests in Hybrid Refrigeration
June 10, 2019
Blakemore Logistics introduces hybrid refrigeration units to 13 of its trailers to significantly reduce its vehicle emissions
Blakemore Retail Achieves Investors in People Gold Accreditation
June 06, 2019
Blakemore Retail’s commitment to developing colleagues is recognised with the highly prestigious Investors in People Gold accolade
SPAR UK Appoints Louise Hoste as New Managing Director
May 16, 2019
SPAR UK Ltd announces the appointment of Louise Hoste as its new Managing Director
Blakemore Logistics Purchases New Econic Vehicles
May 07, 2019
Blakemore Logistics has demonstrated its commitment to road safety with the purchase of two Mercedes-Benz Econic vehicles
Flagship Store Programme Shortlisted for Grocer Gold Award
May 01, 2019
A.F. Blakemore’s Flagship Store Programme is shortlisted for Business Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards
A.F. Blakemore Announced as Finalist for Responsible Business Awards
April 29, 2019
A.F. Blakemore is named as a finalist for Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards 2019
Caoire Blakemore Joins Black Country Women in Business Steering Group
April 17, 2019
A.F. Blakemore Group Board Director Caoire Blakemore has joined the steering group of the Black Country Women in Business forum
Blakemore Retail Ball Fundraises £32,000 for NSPCC
April 16, 2019
Blakemore Retail raises £32,000 for the NSPCC at its third Charity Ball
Blakemore Foodservice Strengthens Ties with Suppliers
April 16, 2019
Blakemore Foodservice has called upon its supplier base to work more collaboratively with the business as it seeks to maximise exciting new opportunities across the sector
Ranald Forbes Announced as Supply Chain Director
April 03, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has announced the appointment of a new Supply Chain Director for its group of companies
Nikki Rogers Appointed Food Solutions Director
April 03, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has announced the appointment of a new Food Solutions Director for its group of companies
Double Success at Convenience Retail Awards
April 01, 2019
Eat 17 SPAR Hammersmith scoops Best New Store and Blakemore Retail’s Lyndsay Howden-Smith walks away with the Community Hero award
A.F. Blakemore Launches Education Programme for Secondary Schools
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has launched a brand new education programme for secondary school children to help them develop the attitudes and behaviours for success
A.F. Blakemore Acquires Philpotts Store Chain
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has acquired the Philpotts chain of prepared-food stores, adding an additional 22 stores to the company’s retail estate
New Community Engagement Report Published
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has produced a publication showcasing the great work that took place as part of the company’s community engagement programme during 2018
2016 Apprentice Winner Launches Cake Range at SPAR Pwllheli
February 26, 2019
The winner of 2016’s The Apprentice launches a delicious cake range at independent retailer Conrad Davies’ SPAR Pwllheli
Blakemore Retail Colleagues in a Spin to Raise Over £1,500 for NSPCC
February 15, 2019
Blakemore Retail colleagues take on the gruelling challenge of a spinathon to raise more than £1,500 for the NSPCC
A.F. Blakemore Centenary Publication Now Out
January 29, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has published a 100th anniversary commemorative publication showcasing the company’s history through photos, memories and newspaper cuttings
SPAR UK Raises £1 Million for Marie Curie
January 29, 2019
SPAR UK’s fundraising efforts for terminal illness charity Marie Curie pass the £1 million mark
Blakemore Retail Colleagues’ Daring Deeds Raise Over £200k for NSPCC
January 28, 2019
Colleagues from Blakemore Retail SPAR stores went above and beyond during the latter half of 2018 to raise more than £200k for the children’s charity
SPAR Brayford Wharf Relaunches with New Food-to-go Range
January 23, 2019
SPAR Brayford Wharf has undergone a significant transformation to introduce Blakemore Retail’s latest food-to-go offer
SPAR Wrexham Relaunches with New Juice Bar
January 22, 2019
Blakemore Retail’s Wrexham SPAR store has re-launched with a new juice bar and upgraded Costa Coffee machine
Eat 17 Shortlisted for Four Convenience Retail Awards
January 22, 2019
Fine food and restaurant chain Eat 17 has been shortlisted for four titles at the 2019 Convenience Retail Awards
Coming Soon: New AFB Invoicing Portal
January 15, 2019
A.F. Blakemore partners with TrueCommerce to deliver a bespoke supplier invoicing portal
Blakemore Retail Praised for Disability Awareness Training
December 04, 2018
Blakemore Retail is recognised with an award for its innovative disability e-learning training by the charity Purple
SPAR Droitwich Relaunched at Brand New Site
December 03, 2018
Blakemore Retail’s Droitwich SPAR store relaunches with new Daily Deli food to go at a brand new location
Blakemore Logistics Delivers Road Safety Message to Schools
November 28, 2018
More than 800 pupils from across the West Midlands are educated on the rules of the road as part of Blakemore Logistics’ annual road safety campaign
SPAR Greater Leys Relaunches with New Greggs Department
November 23, 2018
Blakemore Retail’s Greater Leys SPAR store in Oxford reveals a new look after a considerable transformation
Drivers Celebrate Warehouse to Wheels Success
October 29, 2018
A.F. Blakemore employees celebrate successfully qualifying as LGV drivers on the company’s Warehouse to Wheels programme
White’s Calver Crowned Baldwin Trophy Winners at SRS 2018
October 08, 2018
White’s Calver is crowned the best SPAR retailer across the Meridian & Welsh Guild
SPAR Crowned Symbol Group of the Year at Retail Industry Awards
October 02, 2018
SPAR is crowned Symbol/Fascia Group of the Year at the 2018 Retail Industry Awards
SPAR Retail Show Inspires with Food for Thought
September 06, 2018
More than 1,200 colleagues, suppliers and retailers attend Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show, themed ‘Food for Thought’
Blakemore Retail Raises Child Safety Awareness and a Roarsome £52,000 for the NSPCC
September 04, 2018
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales have been on a bank holiday fundraising drive for the NSPCC while at the same time raising awareness about how parents can keep their children safe from sexual abuse
New Eat 17 Hammersmith Store Reinvents the Market Hall
August 14, 2018
Multi-award-winning fine food store and restaurant chain Eat 17 opens a new store in Hammersmith, complete with an indoor street food market and yoga classes
Blakemore SPARs Shortlisted for Forecourt Trader Awards
August 13, 2018
SPAR retailers across the Meridian & Welsh Guild have once again received notable recognition on this year’s Forecourt Trader Awards shortlist
Blakemore Foodservice Inspires at LACA’s Main Event
July 25, 2018
Blakemore Foodservice teams up with supplier Pan’Artisan for the LACA’s education catering exhibition
Blakemore Retail Colleagues Honoured for NSPCC Fundraising
July 23, 2018
Blakemore Retail employees are honoured for going the extra mile to help raise more than £3 million for the NSPCC
Blakemore Foodservice Crowned Favourite Delivered Wholesaler at HIM Wholesale Awards
July 03, 2018
Blakemore Foodservice scoops the title of Independent Foodservice Operator’s Favourite Delivered Wholesaler at the HIM Wholesale Awards
Supplier Zone News
November 04, 2020
SPAR Retail Show Looks Ahead to New Opportunities
October 20, 2020
Buy One, Get One for a Penny Campaign Drives Store Footfall
October 15, 2020
SPAR Takes Top Prize for Luxury Mince Pies
View all Stories