In this edition - AF Blakemore
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2016/17
In this
edition
Blakemore Retail Opens
New Flagship Store
Page 3
Blakemore Wholesale
Launches New
Bmorelocal Fascia
Page 4
Future Sports Stars Battle
It Out at Blakemore
Logistics Junior Football
Competition
Page 35
The Magazine for Employees of
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd
Page 1
..... it’s your news
Foreword Blakemore Retail Opens
New Flagship Store
Blakemore Retail has opened a brand “The store represents an exciting new The site offers seating for up to 114
new flagship petrol forecourt store in partnership with Irish coffee brand customers, with a mix of internal coffee-
Laceby, North East Lincolnshire. Insomnia, which, together with the shop-style seating and picnic benches to
Greggs and Subway should help drive the front and rear of the forecourt. It is
The 5,000 sq ft store combines a sales and footfall as well as ensure that estimated that 20,000 vehicles pass the
SPAR convenience offer with Greggs the store appeals to both commuters and forecourt on a weekly basis.
and Subway franchises as well as the the local neighbourhood.”
business’s very first Insomnia coffee café, Blakemore Retail Store Operations
providing motorists and local residents The deputy mayor of North East Director Chris Bacon commented: “We
with a one-stop fuel, convenience, Lincolnshire officially opened the Laceby are delighted to bring our latest SPAR
You will have heard in the monthly been a major factor in steadying our These attributes together with restaurant and takeaway solution. site in August. The store organised a fun convenience offer to Laceby, creating
e-newsletter that the company made results in times of strong headwinds – our family ownership and financial day for members of the local community full- and part-time employment for 40
good steady progress during the market conditions, the National Living strengths will continue to serve us well Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff involving a range of competitions and free members of the local community.
2015/16 financial year. Our sales Wage and increased competition. in uncertain times. Hallam said: “The new site has involved food giveaways.
increased by 2.5% and our profits are more than 12 months of planning and “The launch day was a resounding success
expected to be very similar to the We have started many new projects in There has been a great erosion of trust is part of an ongoing programme of In addition to a wide range of and we hope that the station will prove
previous year. the last 12 months that are changing across society with politicians (Brexit) investment across our stores. everyday essentials, the SPAR offers a popular with both residents and visitors
the business for the better, and you and companies (BHS) acting in such ways comprehensive hot and cold food-to-go to North East Lincolnshire.”
This result is subject to the final audit will be reading about many of them in to damage confidence across many parts range and fresh self-serve Costa Coffee.
that will be agreed in the next few this magazine. The benefits of these of society.
weeks. initiatives will flow through to our
bottom line in the next few years. There We are ideally placed to take advantage
I think it is a splendid result when is a massive amount of change going on of all these uncertainties and I’d like to
many of our competitors have really across the whole company. thank you all for your contribution to
been suffering at both wholesale and such a steady performance.
retail level. The biggest change that I am seeing is the
amount of cross-divisional co-operation Well done everybody and thank you.
We have made a good start to our and exchange of ideas across all parts
current financial year, with both sales of the business, and we have several Peter Blakemore
and profits increasing on last year. A important projects that we shall be A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Chairman
decent summer has helped the company starting over the next few months. September 2016
across all parts.
Our culture and position in the
Our 2020 plan to improve our results marketplace has never been so Thank you all for
over the next few years is still valid,
although progress has been slower than
important. The company and you
continue to make a big positive impact in your contribution
we hoped. We have made great progress
with our Profit Improvement Plans
the communities where we trade through
our volunteering schemes, donations to such a steady
together with new initiatives for Process
Improvement and Project Management.
from the Blakemore Foundation and
fundraising for many charities, of which
performance.
I think that these new initiatives have the NSPCC has been the biggest recipient.
Page 2 Page 3
..... it’s your news
Blakemore Wholesale Launches A.F. Blakemore Invests £1
New Bmorelocal Fascia Million in Penrith Depot
Serving both the food service and Blakemore Foodservice Sales & Marketing
retail industry, the site has been dual Director Jim Dudley said: “Our long-term
branded with Blakemore Wholesale and strategy is to grow our current customer
Blakemore Foodservice signage and will base of retailers and caterers in addition
target hotels, bed & breakfasts, caterers to targeting the hospitality and tourism
and local businesses. market in the area.
The depot currently employs 15 members “We undertook a large sales drive
of staff, with a view to growing this in February where we met with
number to 50 warehouse, transport and guesthouses, hotels, bed & breakfasts,
The newly refurbished Penrith depot sales staff in the future. restaurants and takeaways to promote
our full food service offering.
A.F. Blakemore has invested £1 million in Customers will be able to take full
re-launching its Penrith depot as it looks advantage of a brand new butchery that “Throughout the whole process the
to significantly expand its customer base supplies locally sourced products, a new team at Penrith have remained loyal to
across Cumbria. fresh fruit and vegetable offering, and Blakemore’s, and they are now immensely
enhanced chilled and frozen ranges. proud of their improved facility.
The depot, which was purchased
from Lowries Wholesale in 2013, is In addition, the business has invested in a “This will be a fantastic opportunity for
now set to target the hospitality and 300-pallet-capacity freezer, specifically to caterers and retailers across the Lake
tourism industry in the Lake District serve its food service customer base, and District and wider Cumbria region.”
and surrounding region following a full a fleet of multi-temperature vehicles.
refurbishment and rebranding.
Blakemore Wholesale’s new premium fascia to attract retailers with the highest store standards
Blakemore Wholesale has unveiled a Blakemore Wholesale Stores Director Retailer Pardeep Sakaria, who
brand new fascia to the independent Nick Rose commented: “The Bmorelocal launched the store in Grimsby, added:
retail market called Bmorelocal. fascia has been developed in response “Bmorelocal was the best choice for me.
to increasing demand from retail The standard of finish and attention to
Blakemore Foodservice Exhibits
Bmorelocal is Blakemore Wholesale’s club members for a more premium detail is amazing and I am proud to tell
premium store format, attracting the best fascia option. my friends and family what my fascia
retailers with the highest store standards. is. I look forward to seeing other stores
“We are delighted with our first
at Lakes Hospitality Trade Show
opening in the near future.”
Retailers have access to a full symbol Bmorelocal store. The interest from
group package alongside electronic those that have either read the trade As part of Blakemore Wholesale’s
point of sale and a strong food-to-go press or have been to visit has been very commitment to making a significant,
proposition provided by Costa and impressive and we are in dialogue with positive contribution to the communities
Country Choice. numerous potential customers about it serves, the Blakemore Foundation has To help promote the business to caterers in Cumbria prior to the
developing their stores.” pledged to award each Bmorelocal store re-launch of the Penrith depot, Blakemore Foodservice exhibited at
The first Bmorelocal store launched in £200 to donate to a charity of
Grimsby, in June. the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show in February.
their choice.
Representatives from Blakemore Foodservice and Blakemore Fine
Foods put on a display of catering and Fine Foods products to
demonstrate the wide breadth of catering, retail and speciality lines
that the business has to offer.
Blakemore Foodservice Sales & Marketing Director Jim Dudley said:
“We wanted to show the Blakemore heritage and our product range as
well as educate our competitors on the scale of our business and our
Foodservice
intent to win new customers. Over the two-day event 150 new leads
were secured.”
From left to right: Rory Seager (Fine Foods), Rob Smith (Foodservice),
Supporting marketing material was provided by Blakemore Creative Print. Paul Swailes (Foodservice) and Helen Barker (Fine Foods)
Page 4 Page 5
..... it’s your news
Blakemore Retail Welcomes Blakemore Wholesale Distribution
Seven My Local Stores Opens New Retail Accounts
Blakemore Retail has expanded its estate “Thank you to all the teams involved for Blakemore Wholesale Distribution has “We are developing successful models Blakemore Wholesale Distribution
to 301 stores after acquiring seven My the fantastic support and hard work to opened a series of new accounts with that will help us win more business has ambitions to achieve a significant
Local sites across England and Wales. ensure that stores were operational just leading retailers including Halfords, supplying impulse categories to non-food expansion of its customer base across
48 hours after the acquisition.” Peacocks and Hobbycraft. retailers in the future. multiple channels, including retail,
The new SPAR stores, with sales areas catering, hospitality, wholesale, vending
ranging from 204 to 270 sq m, are located The sites have all been re-launched under The new trade partnerships, which have “This is just one of the areas that and export.
in Rugeley, Staffordshire; South Benfleet the SPAR fascia and merchandised in a all begun since April, involve the supply of Blakemore Wholesale Distribution is
and Witham, Essex; Lambeth, London; SPAR format. retail confectionery. looking to grow sales within, and we are
Chatham, Kent; Rhyl, North Wales and hopeful of securing similar accounts over
Cardiff, South Wales. So far in 2016/17 Blakemore Retail has Blakemore Wholesale Distribution now the course of the year.”
also acquired new sites at Yaxley, Conwy, supplies 430 Halfords sites, 230 Peacocks
Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Laceby Lodge and Hagley. sites and 81 Hobbycraft sites, all across These latest ventures will add to
Hallam commented: “I am confident that the UK and Ireland. Blakemore Wholesale Distribution’s
the seven new stores will prove to be a In 2015/16 Blakemore Retail opened seven growing portfolio of accounts with leading
fantastic addition to the business and I am new stores across England and Wales. Blakemore Wholesale Distribution Sales retailers, which include Primark, WH
delighted to welcome all My Local staff Director Raj Krishan commented: “These Smith, Staples and Wickes.
and management teams to the Blakemore new partnerships are significant because
Blakemore Retail’s new store in Rhyl, North Wales Retail family. the company is taking its business into Utilising the scale, infrastructure and
new channels. expertise of the wider Blakemore Group, Blakemore Wholesale Distribution already supplies
leading retailers Primark, WH Smith, Staples and Wickes
Blakemore Trade Partners Blakemore Retail Crowned
Achieves Record Recruitment Blakemore Trade Partners Development
Best Independent Retail Chain
Director Louis Drake commented: “The Blakemore Retail picked up “This is a great achievement for
strength of the proposition offered by the highly coveted title of ‘Best Blakemore Retail. Everyone in the
Blakemore Trade Partners is becoming Independent Retail Chain’ at the entire organisation has worked
increasingly attractive as retailers look for Grocer Gold Awards in June. very hard and is very deserving of
partners who can provide a strategic support this title.”
package designed to enable retailers to Since their launch in 2003, the
continue to compete in an increasingly Grocer Gold Awards have grown In May Blakemore Retail also
competitive market. to become the most prestigious scooped two titles at the
awards in the food and drink Him! Convenience Tracking
“When you add in the innovation in SPAR industry, recognising the very Programme Awards: Best
store formats, the strength of our award- best standards in grocery retail. Convenience Retailer for Fresh
winning SPAR brand range and a multichannel & Chilled and Best Convenience
marketing strategy you can see why so many The ‘Best Independent Retail Retailer for Promotions.
retailers are moving to us.” Chain’ award recognises the huge
success enjoyed by Blakemore The Him! CTP Awards celebrate
The 2015/16 year saw Blakemore Trade Retail over the course of the past the best of the convenience
Partners begin several significant national year. In 2015 the division opened sector and are judged by more
agreements with industry-leading multisite 16 Subway franchises and its than 20,000 convenience store
operators, including Euro Garages, Roadchef fourth Greggs franchise. shoppers and store staff. Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam picks up the award for
and Rontec. ‘Best Independent Retail Chain’ at the Grocer Gold Awards
The awards event took place at
The business welcomed 102 Euro Garages the historic Guildhall in London.
forecourts to its estate, making the forecourt
Also at the Grocer Gold Awards:
One of the stores opened by Blakemore Trade Partners in August, at Roadchef’s Clacket Lane Services
operator the division’s largest multiple Blakemore Retail Managing
Blakemore Trade Partners recorded its best eclipsing the 89 stores that were recruited in account customer. Director Geoff Hallam
ever set of recruitment figures in 2015/16, 2014/15. • Eat 17 was shortlisted for Fine Foods Retailer of the Year.
commented: “I am extremely
with net growth of 133 stores. Retailer recruitment for 2016/17 has already proud that Blakemore Retail • High Noon Stores were shortlisted for Independent
Blakemore Trade Partners currently serves got off to a strong start, with more than has been recognised as ‘Best Retail Chain of the Year.
Over the course of the year ending in April 800 independent stores across SPAR UK’s 30 stores opening across A.F. Blakemore’s Independent Retail Chain’ at the
2016 the business welcomed more than 200 Meridian & Welsh Guild. independent SPAR estate during the first four • SPAR UK was shortlisted for Symbol Retailer of the Year.
Grocer Gold Awards.
new stores to its independent SPAR estate, months of the financial year.
Page 6 Page 7
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Blakemore Retail Achieves A.F. Blakemore Welcomes New
Investors in People Silver Wholesale Trading Director
Blakemore Retail’s commitment Investors in People Practitioner “A very special thanks goes to all those A.F. Blakemore has appointed What are your first impressions of the
to developing colleagues has been Kathryn Shepherd commented: “Silver that are out there working hard week in,
recognised with the achievement of the accreditation is a fantastic outcome given week out, as this has resulted in making
Richard Jorden as the new Wholesale
Trading Director.
company? I believe that the
highly prestigious Investors in People
Silver accolade.
the size of the company and complexity
of the working environment.
the Silver accreditation possible.” First impressions count! I can say that, company has made
Richard joined the business in June and without exception, everybody I have met
Investors in People is a nationally “Many congratulations to everyone
will serve both Blakemore Wholesale and over the course of my induction has been the transition from
recognised quality standard that looks for their contribution to this success; it
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution. incredibly helpful and has made me feel
very welcome.
family business to
for continuous improvement in ways
that businesses communicate as well as
could only have been realised through
the participation of people at all levels
We caught up with Richard to find out
more about his career so far and his first Trade at the moment is incredibly tough
large corporate,
develop and prepare staff for the future. throughout Blakemore Retail.” impressions of A.F. Blakemore: throughout both retail and wholesale; but without losing
Less than three per cent of companies Blakemore Retail Training Tell us about your career and previous
as a business we have to evolve to meet
the demands of the marketplace. Change sight of traditional
that have been awarded the Investors
in People standard have achieved
Manager Kerry Hunt added:
“I would like to extend a big
work experience. is a good thing, and it is encouraging to
work within a business that recognises
family values and
Silver status. thank you to all those that took
part in or assisted with the
Having started my buying career with
Morrisons in 1988, I moved into the
it’s not “business as usual” – that is half principles.
Blakemore Retail has held Investors in the battle!
assessment. independent sector when I joined Batleys
People accreditation since 2002. The as the buyer for the Leeds depot in 1990. Do you have any initial plans or
Silver status comes just three years after objectives in relation to your new role
the business achieved Bronze in 2013. In 1995 I moved down to the Midlands to with us?
join a new family-run wholesale business
As part of the Investors in People in Stratford upon Avon called DCS. Lots, but my absolute number one
assessment process, more than 200 priority is to fix Wholesale availability –
colleagues from across all areas of the As the first non-family employee I there is no point doing anything if you
business were interviewed. was responsible for buying and selling haven’t got stock on shelves!
Blakemore Retail is one of less than three per cent of IIP-accredited companies that have achieved Silver status
toiletries both in the UK and abroad.
Tell us a little bit about yourself outside
A.F. Blakemore & Son Recognised
In 1999 we launched the distribution of work.
division that some of you will know as
DCS Central, with Makro and Landmark I live (next door to a pub!) in a small
being our first customers. village called Broom just outside
in Top Track 100 Over the course of the next 16 years I
covered most roles within the company,
including buying, sales and marketing.
Stratford upon Avon. My wife Sacha
and I have seven children, so home
and family play a huge part of our
lives!
A.F. Blakemore & Son has been named for the benefit of staff, customers and the uncertainty and This year the company will turn over in I have to say I am not massively
the 39th largest privately owned community. Last year we invested 98% of the inevitable excess of £200m. It currently employs sporty, but music is very
company in Britain in the Sunday Times profits back into improving the business.” challenges ahead. 320 people. important to me and I have been
HSBC Top Track 100. lucky enough to see all my favourite
A.F. Blakemore is one of 25 family-owned “These Why did you decide to join
Published in July, the annual Sunday companies featured in the league table businesses are A.F. Blakemore? bands play live at least once. I have
Times HSBC Top Track 100 league table and one of just five Midlands companies ambitious, agile been riding motorbikes since I was
ranks Britain’s 100 private companies to have appeared on the list every and passionate Having dealt with A.F. Blakemore for the 16 and currently own a Honda VTX
with the biggest sales. year since the first Top Track 100 was about what best part of 15 years, I have watched the 1800!
published in 2002. they do and growth and acquisition trail with interest.
In the financial year ending in April 2015 will play
A.F. Blakemore recorded sales of £1.276 The company has climbed four places in I believe that the company has made the
an important part in helping to
billion, up 7.1% on the previous year. the league table since last year, when it transition from “family business” to “large
drive the British economy forward,
ranked at number 43. corporate”, but without losing sight of
domestically and internationally.”
A.F. Blakemore Group Finance Director traditional family values and principles.
Scott Munro-Morris commented: “Being HSBC Head of UK Corporate Banking Since 2007 A.F. Blakemore has more than Having worked for family businesses for
recognised in The Sunday Times HSBC Dan Howlett commented: “At a time of doubled its turnover from £643 million nearly 30 years, this is very important
Top Track 100 shows that we are not unprecedented uncertainty, we can take to £1.3 billion. The company currently to me.
only a key player in the retail, wholesale real comfort from the dynamic private employs more than 8,000 people.
and distribution sectors, but in British companies across the UK as recognised by Also, I wanted to join a company where
business as a whole. the Top Track 100 league table. A.F. Blakemore appears on the league I can make a difference, not just in the
table alongside leading businesses from way that we trade, but also in the way
“A.F. Blakemore is a 100% family-owned “Firms such as these are fundamental in across Britain, including high-profile that we work. This role certainly gives
company that is committed to growing in helping to get Britain back to business national brands such as Clarks, Dyson, me the opportunity to impact many
ways that are profitable and sustainable during this post-Brexit period of Specsavers and Virgin Atlantic. areas of the business.
Page 8 Page 9
..... it’s your news
Blakemore Fresh Foods Achieves Blakemore Trade Partners Gets
another Year of Record Sales Set to Expand University Portfolio
extends beyond retail and shop fitting
services to complete wholesale and
catering solutions.”
The two new stores are run by the
University of Nottingham’s Students’
Union, with all profits generated by the
sites reinvested into the work of the
Students’ Union.
Shops Manager Kristian Bennett
commented: “We’re excited about the
new partnership with SPAR because it
allows us to offer really great value, while
also providing students with healthy
alternatives that won’t break the bank.
“Since opening in mid-April, both sites
have seen impressive sales growth –
particularly the shop in the Portland
The University of Nottingham’s new SPAR store in the Portland Building on the University Park Campus
Building on University Park, where
week-in-week-out sales growth has been
Blakemore Trade Partners has opened Blakemore Trade Partners Development double-digit like for like.
two new stores at the University of Director Louis Drake commented: “With “The relationship thus far between
Nottingham with a view to growing its SPAR being an international brand that ourselves and A.F. Blakemore has been
university-based estate. is popular across the UK and abroad, fantastic, and we’re looking forward to
we believe that the symbol group is the many years ahead in partnership together
The new stores offer students an perfect partner for universities and their
extensive convenience range that to bring a branded retail offer to the
high volume of overseas students. We will students of the University of Nottingham.”
comprises healthy choices alongside now look to expand to further universities
more conventional student products. within the UK. Blakemore Trade Partners currently
Blakemore Fresh Foods achieved record sales of £42.8m in 2015/16 and has ambitious plans to expand across a wider geographical area in 2016/17
This includes fresh produce, meal trades with three universities, with
deals and SPAR’s new Daily Deli food “The A.F. Blakemore Group is also in the further stores at the University of Essex
service concept. unique position of being able to provide and De Montfort University.
Blakemore Fresh Foods’ expansion contributions from all five of our trading Operations Director Bob Cash said that
universities with a proposition that
into new trading areas has been offices and we have certainly reaped the the company has invested in four new
identified as the key reason for the benefits from a first full year’s worth of EURO 6 vehicles in anticipation of another
company achieving a consecutive year trading out of the Bristol office. successful year for 2016/17, which will
Blakemore Retail
of record sales. increase the company’s distribution
“The team has done an excellent job since payload by 16 tonnes.
The fresh meat wholesaler and importer launching this new part of our operation
has achieved sales of £42.8m for the in January 2015 and we are positive Bob added: “We are now seeking to
Launches Dual-Brand
2015/16 financial year, which smashes that they will continue to increase our expand our operation further so that we
the previous year’s record of £38.9m. sales across the West Country, from can distribute to a wider geographical
Gloucestershire through to Cornwall in area, with an increasing focus upon the
In addition to the company’s £3.5m the months ahead. area to the east of the M40.
bespoke cutting, storage facility and head
offices, located at Hilton Cross, in South
Staffordshire, Blakemore Fresh Foods has
now expanded to four regional trading
“The South Wales office has also
improved its performance from 2014/15
and it is great to see how the team there
“In addition to the introduction of new
vehicles we are also seeking to invest in
a new integrated IT system across our
SPAR Forecourts Blakemore Retail’s Buckley forecourt
offices in London, Cardiff, Nottingham continues to exceed expectations.” operation to improve efficiencies and Blakemore Retail has announced a long- a convenience brand we’re already
and Bristol. the way that we trade and partner our term supply contract with fuel brand Jet, familiar with, and a new fuel supplier. a real credit to the Jet network. We’re
Richard pointed to the continuing growth customers and supplier base. which has seen the launch of two confident they would already score highly
Trading Director Richard Brownjohn of lamb and mutton sales across the dual-brand SPAR forecourts. “We want to determine the value of in our award-winning ‘Proud to be Jet’
said that the company’s most recent business, with further sales attributed to “While there are currently a number of the SPAR brand on the forecourt on services and standards programme.”
expansion across the West Country the slicing, dicing and other value added uncertainties across the marketplace we The two sites, based in Buckley, Flintshire, sites which are heavily convenience led,
has already proven a huge success and products provided through the Hilton are building solid foundations and are and Newark, Nottinghamshire, joined the but also have the backing of a trusted The UK’s first Jet and SPAR dual-branded
contributed to the overall sales boost. Cross facility, which is BRC Version 7 well placed to achieve another successful Jet network in April. fuel brand.” site opened last summer following
Grade A accredited. year in 2016/17.” the launch of the new convenience
Richard said: “There are many reasons Blakemore Retail Area Manager David Jet Group Dealer Manager Graham partnership in April 2015.
for our success but there have been solid Garside said: “We see this as a great Clout said: “Both of these sites are
opportunity to test the water with immaculately maintained and will be
Page 10 Page 11
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New Operations Director for Blakemore Logistics Experiences
Blakemore Wholesale Record Case Volumes
Blakemore Wholesale has appointed We invited Paul to tell us a bit more about What were the key reasons behind your Blakemore Logistics announced its The rise in demand required more than Logistics colleagues have done a
Paul Rabone as the division’s new himself, as he embarks on this latest phase return to the company? highest ever case volumes in the 170 additional delivery routes to be fantastic job.
Operations Director. of his career with the company: summer as warm weather helped boost scheduled over the course of the week,
The promotion to a director position retail sales across A.F. Blakemore’s and the number of cages distributed to “On behalf of myself, Logistics Manager
In his new role, Paul will oversee the Briefly outline your career prior to your within the operations side of the business SPAR estate. stores to increase by 5,000 year on year. Marc Deakin and the Trade Partners
running of Blakemore Wholesale’s 14 return to A.F. Blakemore: was obviously a big attraction but I am and Retail boards I would like to thank
cash & carry depots. also excited about returning to a family- Week 12 of the 2015/16 financial year Staff across the retail distribution everyone involved for their ongoing
I have joined Blakemore Wholesale run business, particularly one which I was a record week for the distribution centres worked extremely hard, with commitment and support.”
Paul joined A.F. Blakemore in February following 28 years’ service for the have always had a soft spot for. operation following a spell of sunshine many committing to additional hours.
from the Bestway Group, where he spent Bestway Group. I was originally employed in July. Colleagues from A.F. Blakemore’s In addition to the warm weather
28 years. He previously worked for A.F. by Batleys as Provisions Manager at the I previously had seven happy years at Wholesale and Foodservice depots also generating additional sales for retail
Blakemore for seven years between 1980 company’s new West Bromwich depot Blakemore, where I have many fond Case volumes throughout the network lent a helping hand. customers, the record volumes can be
and 1987. and was later promoted to management memories from the past. I actually met increased significantly year on year. attributed to the significant growth
roles at the company’s Coventry and my wife at the Walsall depot some 36 Ambient volumes were up by 30%, chilled Group Logistics Director Andy Grinsell of A.F. Blakemore’s independent and
Nottingham depots, before being invited years ago. volumes by 10% and frozen volumes by a commented: “While it has proven to be company-owned SPAR estates over the
to manage Batleys’ flagship cash & carry massive 61%. a tiring and demanding time, Blakemore course of the last year.
at Birmingham in 2004. Have you any initial thoughts about your
new role? Blakemore Logistics now distributes
I spent six incredibly successful years to more than 1,1,00 stores across the
there and won five major Bestway and Since joining the company I have been Meridian & Welsh Guild.
Batley Depot of the Year and Manager of spending time understanding where the
the Year awards. cash & carry depots are at, visiting all of
the 14 sites along with their management
I was then promoted to Trading Manager, and staff teams.
which included responsibility for the
central buying team, stockholding and We are now beginning to get some
sales development. depot plans in place and build upon the
depots’ successes. Blakemore Logistics’ main depot in
My final role for the Willenhall, West Midlands
company began in 2013, The key to all of this is communication,
as Group Catering and I look forward to finding out more
Controller, which about what suggestions people have to
included the launch of drive the company forward.
the Bestway/Batleys
food service operation. Tell us about yourself outside of work:
I am aged 52 and will have been married
Warehouse
What was your
previous experience to my wife Karen for 29 years this year.
with Blakemore’s? We have three children, Ashley (27),
Daniel (23) and daughter Sophie (14 going
to Wheels Success
I started on 32).
work with
Blakemore’s I am a huge Liverpool supporter (I know!),
when I was 17 I enjoy cooking and eating Indian curry
years old back in and I am also a massive Bruce Springsteen
fan, having seen him 26 times in the past Twenty colleagues from A.F. tailored to the needs of the business
1980 as a Frozen Blakemore’s Logistics, Wholesale, and staff members on the course.
Foods Assistant eight years.
Foodservice and Fine Foods divisions
at the Walsall have been given the opportunity to Since the start of 2016/17, 12
depot. develop a career in driving thanks to delegates have completed the
programme. Eight colleagues are
In my seven years I am excited about an internal development programme.
currently on the scheme.
with the company, I
worked on most sections,
returning to a A.F. Blakemore’s Warehouse to
Wheels driver training programme Group Logistics Manager Andy
which included butchery, family-run business, was launched in 2008 to provide Grinsell commented: “Warehouse
provisions, catering, beers, warehouse employees with the to Wheels is a fantastic opportunity
wines and spirits, and particularly one which opportunity to train as LGV drivers. for colleagues that want to develop a
grocery. I also worked as
Depot Buyer in my final year
I have always had a All training is carried out in-house by
career in driving and a great example
of the investment that the company is
before I moved to Batleys. soft spot for. the company’s qualified LGV trainers, putting into its in-house development
which enables the scheme to be programmes.” A.F. Blakemore’s most recent Warehouse to Wheels graduate,
Gurjit Banga, based at Axcess 10
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Blakemore Colleagues
Donate 11,000 Hours to
Community Volunteering Stores from across Blakemore Retail’s
West region spent a day transforming a local
outdoor activity centre.
Blakemore Logistics hosted a five-a-side children’s
football competition at Tipton Sports Academy for
eight local primary schools.
Staff from SPAR Newtown spent a day at Newtown
Rugby Club giving the outdoor facilitates a fresh lick
of paint.
Community volunteering once again surpassed all In total this support reached out to 56,489 community members.
expectations in 2015/16, with A.F. Blakemore employees
donating 11,414 hours of work time to activities supporting For more information on community volunteering, please
their local communities. contact Community Affairs Officer
Liz Bell on 0121 568 2910 or email lbell@afblakemore.co.uk.
Over the 12-month period, 1,058 colleagues got involved
in regeneration projects, student work placements, reading
partnerships, practice interviews, study tours, enterprise events
and student mentoring.
Here is a snapshot of the volunteering that took place in 2015/16: Trading team members from Blakemore Trade
Partners transformed King’s Hill Primary School in
SPAR Pinchbeck celebrated its store re-launch by
inviting children from Pinchbeck Primary School in for
Colleagues from Blakemore Foodservice’s James
Bridge depot spent a week at Salisbury Primary
Walsall by painting its corridors. a tour and providing them with a free packed lunch. School painting the corridors.
Colleagues from SPAR Bannerbrook carried out a A team of volunteers from Wholesale Trading spent Three staff from Gateshead Cash & Carry partnered Staff from SPAR Newport spent a day at a local Sales and Recruitment teams in Blakemore Trade Partners A team of volunteers from Accounts brought a new
litter pick in their local community. the day at Sifa Fireside, a Birmingham-based homeless with a local primary school and completed one-to- primary school giving their garden area and joined forces for a day at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre lease of life to a garden in Wolverhampton that is
charity, supporting its service users. one reading with their pupils. walkways a spruce up. in Oxfordshire to carry out forestry and painting projects. used by women affected by domestic violence.
11,414
employee volunteering hours
donated to good causes in 2015/16
Staff from the Blakemore Logistics Ambient team Students from Thomas Telford School in Shropshire Tickhill SPAR and Post Office spent a day taking Volunteers from Valley SPAR and Subway spent a A team of staff from Accounts designed and built a
spent a week building an outdoor covered seating
area for the residents of Action on Hearing Loss.
spent a morning touring Wolverhampton Cash & Carry
and purchasing goods to donate to a local food bank.
part in a clear up of their local area. day in two primary schools in North Wales educating
children on the healthy options at Subway.
new rockery for Caldmore Gardens in Walsall.
service centre56,489
SPAR Warndon collected gifts for the NSPCC’s local
members of the community
Two members of Blakemore supported by employee
the Recruitment and Foodservice’s volunteering in 2015/16
Development team Wakefield depot
from Blakemore Trade completed a painting
Partners transformed and gardening
the offices of a local project with a local
community group community centre
in Tipton. that offers day
activities for the
elderly and a food
bank for local people.
1,058
A.F. Blakemore employees involved
in volunteering in 2015/16
Blakemore Logistics spent a week visiting 10 Blakemore Foodservice and Blakemore Logistics Volunteers from Accounts spent a day helping
primary schools across Walsall and Wolverhampton collaborated for a week to paint the corridors of with food parcels at The Well food bank in SPAR Warndon collected gifts for the NSPCC’s local
to educate them on the dangers of the road. Salisbury Primary School. Wolverhampton. service centre
Page 14 Page 15
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Project Leadership Blakemore Wholesale Distribution
Training Update
A.F. Blakemore’s focus upon internal project leadership course, facilitated project
Unveils New Sales Director
project leadership capability has continued planning sessions or part of the ILM Level 3 Blakemore Wholesale Distribution has James said: “Raj will be a great asset my dog, watching football (I am a keen
throughout 2016 to support the delivery of Certificate in Leadership & Management. appointed Raj Krishan as the division’s to our business and has the breadth Liverpool supporter), watching F1 and
the Profit Improvement Plans (PIPs) that new Sales Director. of industry knowledge and experience using the gym as best as I can. I am also a
form part of the Group 2020 Strategy. A full evaluation of the progress of the
project leadership programme took place required to help us meet our ambitious bit of a movie buff!
Raj originally began his career with plans for the future.
The A.F. Blakemore Project Leadership in the summer, with recommendations A.F. Blakemore in 1988 and undertook A recent passion of mine is cycling, which
toolkit was developed in 2015 and is built for next steps presented and discussed a number of senior roles across the “While I would like to thank Tony I took up about four years ago; before
around the four key stages of delivering at the Process Improvement and Project company’s Retail and Wholesale divisions. Bromwich for the role that he has played then I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was
successful projects – namely definition, Leadership Steering Group. in establishing Wholesale Distribution 16. After deciding to return to cycling, I
planning, implementation and review. His new role within Blakemore Wholesale over the past two years, I am confident have completed a series of fundraising
As a result, a number of improvements Distribution commenced in July following
Since February 2015 a total of 150 delegates to the toolkit, training programme and that Raj will be able to build upon these challenges, which have included a 100km
Tony Bromwich’s decision to leave the foundations and will play a key role in night ride around Paris and a series of
have received some form of project ongoing support to those embarking business in the summer.
leadership training, whether it be via a one- on projects will be introduced over the taking this business to the next level.” bike rides across South East Asia, taking in
day project sponsor session, the full two-day coming months. Delegates participating in the July 2016 two-day Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Sri Lanka,
Since departing from A.F. Blakemore, Raj We invited Raj to tell us about his with a number of industry friends and
project leadership course
has built a solid reputation as a leading decision to re-join A.F. Blakemore and his colleagues that have raised money for
Process Improvement
player across the wholesale and retail life outside of work: the Mines Action Group, which seeks to
sectors with a series of high profile roles remove the ongoing threat of landmines.
within Landmark Wholesale, the Today’s Why did you decide to re-join A.F.
Takes Next Step
Group, Nisa and more recently the My Blakemore after 12 years away?
Local Convenience Group, as Format &
Development Director. In many ways I grew up with Blakemore’s
and have always held affection for the
A wide range of process improvement activity upon the process improvement activity Raj said that he was delighted to be business, as I have watched it grow
has taken place in 2016 with the purpose of that has taken place across the depot returning to A.F. Blakemore and has a over the past decade or so from afar.
reducing waste and enhancing the customer since July 2015. clear ambition to build upon Wholesale It certainly wasn’t a difficult decision
experience across the operation. Distribution’s reputation as one of the to re-join the company. It is a winning
The purpose of the project is to establish Apex
UK’s leading delivered wholesalers. family business with a great reputation
A total of 29 delegates from across Finance, II as a Centre of Excellence that will serve as a
– why wouldn’t I want to be part of the
IT, HR and Wholesale Distribution have shining example of process management and Stephen Marklew, Scott Middleton, Keely Peace and He added: “This move is certainly a good
Eleni Kavalieros alongside the departmental visual success story once again and play my
participated in Managing Everyday Excellence improvement in action. fit for me as the company’s culture fits
management board part in developing it further?
(MEDE) courses run by consultants PMI, with with my own outlook. It is also a great
further courses planned for Logistics and The initiative will also provide a learning
opportunity for me to work with a great What are the immediate differences
Creative Print before the end of the year. opportunity to enable best practice to be
team and develop this new and exciting that you have noticed between A.F.
shared across the wider group and help
part of the Blakemore business.” Blakemore past and present?
The MEDE course focuses upon the everyday embed a culture of process management and
work that needs to be done in order to meet improvement as a way of life. Raj went on to explain how his The obvious difference is in the size and
customer expectations. The programme is experiences since leaving the company scale of the business. All parts of A.F.
based around the principles of standardisation, Visual Management
in 2004 can support the company in Blakemore have grown exponentially
maintenance and improvement to help meeting its future objectives. over the past decade, with new depots
process managers consistently achieve The Blakemore Retail Management
Accounts team has taken the next step and acquisitions forming a key part of
excellent business results. He said: “I have expanded my knowledge this growth. Symbolically the company
in the company’s process improvement
and experience in the last 12-and-a-half has also grown and is now regarded as
A further 42 delegates have participated in journey by trailblazing a new method of
years working in buying groups, retail, a “big beast” in the marketplace; it is
Process Operator courses to support in the visual management. Paul Moorcroft, Lee Parker, Martin Taylor and Sarah wholesale, development roles and start- important that we build upon this
delivery of the MEDE programme. Riaz map out the processes as part of the Apex II
up retailers and have learnt a great deal
Blakemore Retail Management Accountant Centre of Excellence initiative position of strength in
Stephen Marklew has developed and piloted through the different businesses, jobs and the future.
High-level “System Maps” have also been there was very much a culture of getting our
a new visual display board that showcases people that I have been involved with.
finalised across Blakemore Trade Partners, heads down to get the figures out,” he said.
the people, process, plan, performance Tell us a bit
HR, Finance and IT to identify core processes “I now want to bring this experience back
and actions required to achieve continuous “We now have a much clearer purpose about yourself:
and enable a clearer understanding of both to A.F. Blakemore by building stronger
customers and suppliers. improvement across the department. as a team and more insight into what we partnerships with our existing customer I was born in
need to do to improve our performance base and by expanding the reach of the Liverpool but
Centre of Excellence Stephen said that daily huddles, involving all against this purpose.
members of the team, are delivered around business across the variety of channels grew up in
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution’s Apex II the visual management board from 8.15am “As this activity is also taking place in that we serve and deliver greater value.” Walsall and now
depot is working towards becoming a Process to 8.30am every morning as part of the other areas of the Finance department we live in Gnosall,
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution which is a small
Improvement Centre of Excellence as part of accounting process, and that the board is are also gaining greater insight into the Managing Director James Russell village outside
the company’s commitment to sustainable also referred to on an ad-hoc basis during the interdependencies across Finance and how welcomed Raj back to A.F. Blakemore and Stafford. I
long-term growth. course of a typical working day. the work that we do impacts and is linked looked ahead to the contribution that he like to spend
to that of other teams.” will make to the company in the future.
The joint initiative between A.F. Blakemore Stephen explained the benefits that the board time walking
and PMI officially began in March and builds has provided: “Previously during busy periods
Page 16 Page 17
..... it’s your news
NSPCC Fundraising Coaching Programme
Surpasses £2.3 Million Pilot Update
A pilot learning & development “Applying what I have learned will across the business to help leaders
programme aimed at increasing the benefit not only me but my team and improve in this area.”
Thanks to the longstanding dedication of colleagues, Blakemore Retail has donated more than effectiveness of leaders across A.F. the business.”
Bookings are now being taken for the
Blakemore has been launched.
£2.3 million to the NSPCC since SPAR UK’s partnership with the charity began in 2006. A.F. Blakemore Learning & Development second pilot course.
The course is aimed at managers Officer Nick Hursthouse, who developed
In 2015/16 alone, Blakemore Retail made The event took place at the Banking from all levels across the business the programme, said that he was pleased For further information in relation
a £314,316 contribution to the good cause, Hall in Central London to celebrate the who would like to increase their with the commitment and feedback to the coaching programme or other
helping SPAR UK’s fundraising total for the commitment made to the NSPCC’s fight for effectiveness through the coaching from those who had participated in the learning & development opportunities
year to surpass £0.5 million. every childhood. of others and consists of a one-day initial course and that he now intends to please contact Learning & Development
facilitated workshop, preceded by a develop this further. Administration Manager
NSPCC Partnership Manager Kirsty White Blakemore Retail Operations Support self-assessment. Julie Knowles on 0121 568 2906
commented: “This money has been raised & Marketing Manager Sarah Deakin He added: “A coaching culture is a vital or email jknowles@afblakemore.com.
through the hard work and determination commented: “I was delighted and In addition to making direct links with element of any successful business and
of store and office-based employees via honoured to accept the award on behalf of coaching and tools and techniques this course is the first stage of a wider
activities such as dress-down days, cake Blakemore Retail. from Leading the Blakemore Way, programme that we intend to roll out
sales and even a 500-mile bike ride. delegates will also be invited to set
“Our staff and customers are passionate themselves a clear Coaching Contract,
“The funds help the NSPCC to reach about fundraising for the NSPCC and where they will outline key objectives
thousands of primary school children aged the fantastic service they deliver to our related to self, others and business
4 to 11 through the Speak Out Stay Safe primary schools.” that they would like to achieve through
programme, giving a generation of children the coaching of others.
the knowledge and understanding they In addition to fundraising for the good
need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.” cause, nine A.F. Blakemore employees Colleagues from across Retail,
have also volunteered during work time Logistics, Wholesale Distribution and
In recognition of the business’s to help the NSPCC deliver their Speak Out Human Resources participated in the
outstanding fundraising achievement, Stay Safe programme in schools across pilot workshop and their feedback
Sarah Deakin (left) and A.F. Blakemore Community Blakemore Retail was crowned West the UK. is now being used to improve the
Affairs Officer Liz Bell (right) collect the West Midlands Corporate Partner of the Year at programme in advance of a wider
Midlands Corporate Partner of the Year award on the NSPCC Childhood Champion Awards rollout across the company.
behalf of Blakemore Retail
in July.
The workshop received some strong
feedback from delegates, which
included:
Charity Ball Raises “I have improved my ability to ask
searching questions, share purpose,
use playback effectively and support
£32,000 for NSPCC
others through coaching.”
Blakemore Retail’s Steve Holcombe gets to grips with the coaching workshop
To celebrate raising more than £2 million Paul Farthing commented: “Each
Blakemore Fine Foods Publishes New
Best of British Alcohol Catalogue
for the NSPCC, Blakemore Retail held its and every employee involved
very first Charity Ball for the children’s has shown great enthusiasm in
charity in March. fundraising for the NSPCC and Blakemore Retail’s inaugural charity ball
ChildLine, and reaching the £2 at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire Blakemore Fine Foods has launched a Patrice commented: “We are doing
The event, which took place at Coombe million milestone is testament to
Abbey in Warwickshire, raised £32,000. new edition of its ‘Best of British’ alcohol what nobody else is currently doing
this dedication.” who give spare change to our collection
catalogue showcasing the best of British in the marketplace by bringing such a
tins to those who back our stores’ wild and
More than 200 guests, including suppliers Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff ales, ciders, wines and spirits. comprehensive range of quality British
courageous fundraising events, they are
and staff, attended the ball, which was Hallam said: “I’d like to give recognition alcohol together, with customers able to
all incredibly generous and without their Fine Foods Commercial Manager Patrice
hosted by Blakemore Retail Managing to all Blakemore Retail employees who order bulk, gift packs or single-pick bottles.”
support reaching our milestone of Garrigues said that the Fine Foods team has
Director Geoff Hallam and NSPCC Director have lived and breathed fundraising for £2 million wouldn’t have been possible.
of Fundraising Paul Farthing. been working hard to refine the range on The catalogue has been distributed to 1,500
the NSPCC over the past 10 years. Your offer since the first edition of the catalogue retailers, independent pubs and farm shops,
continued support is unbelievable. “Our charity ball has really helped us
Guests enjoyed a drinks reception, a was issued in 2015. and lines will also be sold into Blakemore
to celebrate this achievement and give
four-course meal and an evening of “We are so grateful to the people who Wholesale’s cash & carry estate.
special thanks to those that have made it The latest brochure features in excess of
fundraising, staff recognition and have assisted our staff’s fundraising possible! Thank you to everyone involved.”
entertainment from Take That cover 470 products from more than 75 different Blakemore Fine Foods now supplies 3,450
throughout our partnership. From those distilleries, cider mills and breweries from ‘Best of British’ product lines from more
band Rule the World.
across the UK. than 260 producers across Britain.
Page 18 Page 19..... it’s your news
Sarah Ellis Appointed Peter Blakemore Calls for
Blakemore Trade Partners Greater Supplier Collaboration
Marketing Director A.F. Blakemore & Son Chairman Peter
Blakemore has called for greater
collaboration with the company’s
“I believe that recent investment
and innovation across all areas of the
company and a group-wide 2020 Strategy
growth plans and the role that they will
play in the context of the group-wide
2020 Strategy.
Blakemore Trade Partners has We caught up with Sarah to find out more What are your ambitions for the future?
supplier base to help drive mutual mean that we now have the diversity,
appointed Sarah Ellis to the position of about her career so far:
I have seen first-hand the impact that success. scale and ambition to achieve long-term
Marketing Director.
Can you tell us about your career path successful marketing can have on a sustainable growth across the retail and
This message was delivered at wholesale sectors.
Sarah Ellis joined Blakemore Trade so far? business – I’d like to create the same
A.F. Blakemore’s inaugural IGD
Partners as Head of Marketing in March kind of impact here at Blakemore’s,
Since leaving university I’ve always Supplier Seminar, attended by senior “Since 2007 A.F. Blakemore has more
2014 and over the past two years working closely with colleagues in other
worked in marketing agencies, which is a representatives from the company’s than doubled its turnover from £643m
has been responsible for delivering a departments to deliver a marketing
great grounding for not only experiencing major suppliers. to £1.3bn. Working in partnership with
marketing strategy to help drive footfall strategy that has audience insight at
lots of different areas of marketing but A.F. Blakemore can achieve sustainable
and basket spend for retailers across the heart. The sold-out event, which took place in
also how this can be applied across growth for all.”
SPAR UK’s Meridian & Welsh Guild. February at The Belfry Hotel in the West
different client groups – I’ve worked What do you like about working for A.F.
Midlands, provided a unique chance for The event was compered by the IGD’s
Alongside the development of a new on everything from Railway Supplies to Blakemore and your role in marketing?
suppliers to get up to date with the latest Head of Retail Insight, Steve Jones, who
business-to-business multichannel House of Fraser.
I like the diversity of working at developments across the A.F. Blakemore also provided an update on the strength
marketing strategy and the launch of
Before I joined BTP two years ago, I’d Blakemore’s. On the agency side your Group and learn about opportunities to of the UK convenience market. The
a retailer marketing club, Sarah has
spent 14 years working for McCann role is focused entirely on the marketing develop their sales in partnership with convenience store sector will grow by
created a bespoke local area marketing
Manchester, with the last 10 years output, whereas when you’re client side the business. a further 11% to £41.9bn over the next
programme enabling retailers to work
focused on the Aldi marketing account. you need to take the whole operation five years to 2021, according to the latest
with the marketing team to develop, Addressing suppliers, Peter said: “I
of the business into consideration – forecasts from the IGD.
launch and manage campaigns that would like to invite you to develop a new
reflect the individual needs of their store What does your role as Marketing I’ve learnt so much as I now need to
Director entail? strategic partnership with the Blakemore Senior directors from across the
and the community that they serve. understand trading, logistics and store
Group as we embark upon the most A.F. Blakemore Group followed with
operations etc. Peter Blakemore calls for greater collaboration
As Marketing Director you’re always exciting period in the company’s history. presentations on the company’s divisional with the company’s suppliers
trying to bring the customer proposition I’m sure everyone says this but the
to the discussion – whether that’s one people here make a huge difference.
of our retail customers or at a wholesale
New Online
Blakemore’s has the most warm, friendly
level. The Marketing department will working environment – you work hard
also act as the brand guardian – every and colleagues genuinely support
time a customer sees our logo it forms each other and share in success – I’ve
a perception and it’s vital that all of our absolutely loved the last two years I’ve
Recruitment
communications relay the same message been here.
about our brand values.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
At the moment I’m looking at how we
can drive our additional basket spend – in I live with my partner Andrew and our
System
convenience we know that our customers 11-year-old son, William – I have no
have a significant amount of money that choice but to be a sports enthusiast as
they don’t currently spend with us, so my spare time is either spent on a cricket
how do we get them to put that one pitch, at a swimming pool or “watching”
extra item in their basket each time Sky Sports. I was born in Liverpool, so
they visit us? I’ve been a Liverpool supporter since I
was a child. In February A.F. Blakemore launched a A.F. Blakemore’s recruitment process forms will improve A.F. Blakemore’s
I’m also looking at how we can use
digital channels in the shopper I love to shop (I’m a sucker for a good new recruitment webpage and online by providing a much more efficient, employer brand and aid in the continued
journey – SMS notifications when marketing ploy) and continuously invest job application system to streamline the consistent and professional approach to hiring of quality employees.”
customers are near a store, digital in my ever-growing shoe collection…. recruitment process across the company. all stages.
All job applicants automatically receive
couponing when in-store and All job vacancies across the A.F. “From the job applicant’s perspective, an email confirming the receipt of their
then social media for sharing and Blakemore Group are now listed at the new online application system offers job application as well as an update on
reviews of experience.
I’m sure everyone afblakemore.ourvacancies.co.uk, where
job seekers can apply for opportunities
a secure and convenient way to apply
for advertised roles, with all application
the status of their application within one
week of vacancy closing dates.
Digital provides an opportunity
to create bespoke store-level says this but the via online application forms. forms and job vacancy listings easily
accessible on mobile and desktop devices. Job seekers can either visit
marketing that can be very
effectively targeted – people here make a HR Business Partner & Head of HR Shared
Services Pamela Watts commented: “Meanwhile, for the business, the more
afblakemore.ourvacancies.co.uk directly
or access the webpage via the Current
more so than can be achieved
with any other channel
huge difference. “This new online recruitment platform
has significantly improved the quality of
contemporary look of the new webpage
and consistent format of the application
Vacancies page in the Careers section of
the A.F. Blakemore website.
of communication.
Page 20 Page 21You can also read
