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ISSUE 5 Winter 2015/16
IT’S YOUR NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR BLAKEMORE RETAIL EMPLOYEES
Blakemore Retail Celebrates
Awards Success at Managers
Conference 2015
Blakemore Retail Conference John Kelly and John Dyson’s Fairfield Forecourt Celebrates
‘2020 Vision - Attain Excellence’ Fundraising Tops £40,000 Success
Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
I n t ro d u c t i o n C o n fe re n c e
2020 Vision - Attain Excellence
Introduction
As I look back on 2015 it has
Contents
Introduction - Geoff Hallam......................2
Blakemore Retail Hosts 2015 Managers Conference
been a very challenging year, ‘2020 Vision – Attain Excellence’ was the key theme of Blakemore Retail’s 2015 Managers
Managers Conference .........................3-10
but overall I think our Conference in the summer.
business has performed very Your Development Programme..............11
well, and we have made
Stores in Focus.....................................12-13
significant progress, especially
when you consider that Food Service on the Up.....................14-15
companies the size of Tesco
and Morrisons have had Convenience Retail Awards ....................16
major difficulties. Post Office Network Transformation.......17
We have continued with our programme
of opening Subways, the latest being in John Kelly and John Dyson Fundraising......19
Brunswick Road, which opened in
December. This brings the number of Construction work has commenced at NSPCC ChildLine Fundraising .........20-21
Subways that we operate to a total of 41. the new PFS site, Laceby, on the outskirts
Matt, John and the team have done a of Grimsby, which will not only include
fantastic job opening so many outlets in Blakemore Foundation Charitable Giving...22-23
Subway and Greggs but also our first
such a short space of time and we have seated coffee offer with the “Insomnia”
received recognition from Subway, having Community Volunteering...................24-27
brand. The launch date for this new and
been awarded Franchisee Developer of exciting PFS is early June 2016.
the Year 2015 and Best Corporate (Non- A.F. Blakemore Community Awards......28-29
Staying with the subject of new stores, we
traditional) Owner 2015. Well done to increased our store numbers by adding Conference attendees enjoy live entertainment More than 600 delegates gather at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole for Blakemore Retail’s two-day conference
the whole team! Auckley, Pinchbeck, Inkersall, Fernhill Blakemore Retail Awards ..................30-31 following the ‘Best of British’ gala dinner
Staying with the food service element of Heath, Catshill and Drakes Cross during
our business, we believe the future for 2015, and in 2016/17 there are already 12 Leading the Blakemore Way Update.......32 More than 600 store managers, field staff, financial results show that the business is importance of the SPAR brand.
our own sub-brands such as Daily Deli new stores planned. A.F. Blakemore colleagues and suppliers very much moving in the right direction. Also during the event, Geoff presented
(the replacement for our rather tired Finally, I offer my congratulations to Area Alton Towers Fun Day..............................33 attended the conference and gala dinner “Last year Blakemore Retail carried out Blakemore Retail’s annual Sales Assistant
looking “To Go” brand) has already got Manager Donna Cooper and Fresh Food at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 42 store refits, 30 Post Office refits and of the Year Awards and a series of long
off to a good start. The stores we have Coach Julie Pepper on the birth of their Blakemore Retail Takes to Social Media.....34 June 18th and 19th. five new store openings, and with our service awards to colleagues, including
converted so far, such as Wombourne, daughters in November. Blakemore Retail’s management team ongoing commitment to further A.F. Blakemore Group Managing Director
Battlefield and Wrexham, are showing Best wishes, Incentives.....................................................35 took to the stage alongside investment we can be confident that Peter Blakemore, who celebrated fifty
some very encouraging sales increases.
representatives from SPAR UK, the we’ve got a lot more great stores to years with the company in July.
Moving on to our newest sub brand,
In the Spotlight ....................................36-37 NSPCC and Camelot to present on the come.” The guest speaker was Team GB
Bargain Bites, we have now implemented
this in nine stores, all of which have seen
Geoff company’s key achievements from the last Geoff was followed by fellow speakers wheelchair racer Melissa Nicholls, who
Customer Care Awards...........................38 financial year and development plans for who presented on store format competed in the 2012 London Paralympic
sales increases for the new department
the future. innovation, the growth of food service, Games.
that have been nothing short of
Long Service Awards..........................39-49 In his opening address, Blakemore Retail future trends in the retail marketplace,
Bargain £valu1e Bites
spectacular. Whilst this obviously has a At the end of the first day delegates
much reduced margin due to the £1 price Managing Director Geoff Hallam SPAR’s Selling Plan, the importance of participated in an interactive Leading the
point, it does give the right stores a real Attendance Awards ............................50-51 reflected on recent accomplishments and customer service, promotion excellence, Blakemore Way session led by Training &
point of difference and attracts new highlighted the continuous improvement Blakemore Retail’s Store of Excellence Development Manager Kerry Hunt
customers into each store. Celebrations.........................................52-53 and investment in the business. Awards, community engagement and the before sitting down to a ‘Best of British’
We have just passed the anniversary of He said: “Blakemore Retail has seen some latest National Lottery initiatives. Gala Dinner followed by live
the opening of our Fairfield petrol filling Staff Lottery Winners.........................54-55 absolutely fantastic results from its latest Underpinning all of the above was a entertainment and a raffle in aid of the
station, which exceeded all of our new store openings and renovations that presentation from SPAR UK Managing NSPCC.
expectations. The combined sales for our Competition Corner ................................55 we can be really proud of, and our Director Debbie Robinson on the
food service, which include Subway,
Greggs and Costa, are over 40% of the
total store sales.
Send Us Your Stories
It’s Your News is written by A.F. Blakemore’s
Corporate Affairs department.
If you have any stories or photos that you
would like to see featured in the next edition,
please contact:
Rachel Adams Communications Officer
radams@afblakemore.com
0121 568 2908
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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o n fe re n c e C o n fe re n c e
Business Review
Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam opened the
Delivering Store Formats
Deputy Managing Director Stuart Adkin presented on the role of store formats within SPAR’s
conference with a review of the business and insight into Excellence strategy.
current trends in the convenience sector. Store Operations Director Stuart explained the current trends shopping missions saw its Tonight’s Tea
influencing store formats in the branded section enjoy a chilled sales
2020 Vision - Attain Excellence Chris Bacon spoke about
the significance of excellent
convenience sector, including growing
emphasis on food service, local and
increase of 20%.
Referring to the future development of
specialist ranges, mission-based
Recent trends also showed shoppers customer service. merchandising and theatre around fresh
SPAR store formats, Stuart talked about
placing growing value on good customer the potential for Blakemore Retail to
service and moving away from traditional foods. He also pointed out the growing introduce SPAR branded fuel forecourts
food to go and towards food service. popularity of smaller formats and the to its estate, a concept already currently
Increases in online and little-and-often blurring of lines between convenience being trialled by SPAR independents
grocery shopping are spurring on a stores and social meeting places. across the UK with some positive results.
growth in planned top-up shopping. Stuart then moved on to the key Stuart ended by thanking delegates for
Geoff said: “Don’t underestimate the ambitions of SPAR UK’s Formats Group: their contribution to the business. He
importance of customer service as well to refit or refresh all stores by 2019 and said:
as good product availability. Research has increase sales by £5 per sq ft in five years.
shown that 39% of people are choosing He said: “It is vital that we keep our store “Improving customer
to shop at Blakemore Retail stores formats up to date in order to ensure loyalty, attracting new
because of our staff. Good product maximum sales. Blakemore Retail is on
availability is also essential, with 22% of track to refit or refresh all of its stores by
customers, maximising sales
formats to store location, customer
Blakemore Retail shoppers buying items 2019, but we need a significant increase in needs, the affluence of their local area and and profit, and enhancing
on promotion.” sales to achieve the sales target.” the competition they face. the SPAR brand allows us
Chris told delegates that the number-one
Geoff also reported on the ongoing Stuart stressed to delegates the Stuart then introduced some of the
investment in the business, highlighting
reason that customers shop with to invest in you, new sites
Blakemore Retail is its friendly and helpful importance of understanding stores’ format trials currently taking place across
the 42 store refits and 30 Post Office trading areas and the work that Blakemore Retail. A refit at Pelsall which
and modernising our
service.
refits that Blakemore Retail carried out Blakemore Retail is doing to tailor store saw space allocated according to stores.”
In his financial review, Geoff reported that He said:
during 2014/15, as well as its five new
sales for Blakemore Retail reached
store openings and 16 wash and brush
£441m for the 2014/15 year, falling just
ups.
“Thirty-nine per cent of
short of the £441.7m budget.
Meanwhile, net profit for the 2014/15
year hit £3.36m, showing a significant
22.2% increase on the £2.75m achieved in
Looking forwards Geoff showcased 12
new sites in the pipeline for 2015/16 and
beyond as well as relocation plans for
four stores. Upcoming store openings
our customers cite friendly
and helpful staff as their
first reason for shopping
Future Trends
2013/14. with us. This is more than Blakemore Fine Foods Commercial Director Caoire Blakemore took to the stage to present on
include a new-build site in Spalding and a
Geoff said, “Our financial results show new-build petrol forecourt site in Laceby. twice as important as any the role that innovation has to play in keeping Blakemore Retail ahead of its competitors.
that the business is very much moving in
Geoff concluded: other reason so we Caoire called on delegates to look where businesses share their resources
the right direction. One of the key
contributors to Blakemore Retail’s solid beyond today’s marketplace to the with each other to reduce costs, and the
shouldn’t underestimate the
performance last year was our Subway technology and creative new ideas that growing popularity of online ordering and
“Blakemore Retail has power of our staff. will revolutionise it in the future. click-and-collect services.
and Greggs franchises, which have really
helped strengthen our gross margin. seen some absolutely “Customer service is worth She said: “Over the years Blakemore’s has Caoire said:
“Further investment in our food service fantastic results from its led the way in the retail, wholesale and
offering will be one of the key areas £500 million to the business distribution sectors with its innovation, “Innovation isn’t always
expected to drive profits again this latest new sites and store and we should be doing all from my great grandparents’ first venture about invention, but
financial year.” into wholesaling with the sale of paper
renovations that we can we can to excel in this bags to the key role the business played looking at what other
In his review of the wider retail
be really proud of, and area.” in the launch of SPAR’s pioneering ‘Eight
marketplace, Geoff pointed out several
’til Late’ concept. It is this kind of
businesses are doing and
indicators that the economy is improving, with our commitment to Chris then cited examples of good
but stressed that there will still be customer service, including: innovation that is going to take us into what we can do better.
challenges for the business. further investment we can • Good communication
the future.”
It’s vital that we innovate
Caoire highlighted how technology is
Looking at changing shopper trends, he be confident that we’ve • Treating customers as individuals
constantly changing the marketplace and in order to future-proof
explained that, in addition to value for
money, customers are increasingly got a lot more great • Being fast and effective people’s shopping habits, with 60% of our business. We must be
considering product quality, brands and • Being approachable and helpful shoppers now using a smartphone or
stores to come.” tablet when out shopping to inform their aware of what our next
ease of shopping when deciding where to He stressed the role that everyone as an
shop. He said, “The key message for us is purchasing choices.
individual has to play in delivering generation of consumer
that price, own-label brands and small excellent customer service. She also remarked on the growth of
shops all matter.” social networking and sharing economies, and employee needs.”
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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o n fe re n c e C o n fe re n c e
Food Service – What’s Now and Beyond The Importance of SPAR Brand
Fresh Food Development Manager Matt Teague presented on the growing importance SPAR UK Managing Director Debbie Robinson took to the stage to present on the importance
of food service to Blakemore Retail. of SPAR Brand.
Matt began by stating the significant role Greggs franchises across the estate over Debbie explained the significant role that To sum up SPAR’s recent success, Debbie
that food service has to play within the five years.
SPAR branded products have to play in ended by reminding delegates that for the
business, stressing its strong profit margin He also reminded delegates of the the business and the strong profit first time ever SPAR UK currently holds
and potential to set SPAR apart from its continued success of Costa Express, with margins that they can generate. two symbol retailer of the year titles:
competitors. the coffee brand now on offer in more
Illustrating their recent success, Debbie Retail Industry Awards Symbol/Fascia
He explained that the company has than 100 stores and on course to
informed delegates that SPAR Brand Group of the Year and Grocer Gold
recently witnessed an intense period of generate sales of £2.85m for the business
products picked up more than 100 Symbol Retailer of the Year.
development with Subway, opening one this financial year.
new franchise every five weeks. awards last year alone. SPAR Brand fresh She said:
One of Matt’s key messages was the
Matt said: pizza sales have increased by 422% since
importance of maintaining the high quality “We are in a unique
2011 and evening meal solutions by 133%
“At the end of 2013/14 standards demanded by Blakemore
over the same period of time. position; SPAR is a global
Retail’s franchise partners, with him
Blakemore Retail had nine announcing a new audit process to help Debbie also showcased the latest brand, operating more than
Subway stores worth £1.6m the business achieve them. developments within SPAR, including new
additions to the SPAR Brand range and 12,000 stores in 40
in sales to the business, but Also reported on was the success of
Bargain Bites, an eye-catching ‘£1 value’ Apple Pay, which was introduced to SPAR countries, but delivered
by the end of 2015/16 we food-to-go range introduced to stores to customers across the UK in July to
locally with passion and
expect to have 48 Subway promote SPAR’s value message. Fresh for enable contactless payments via iPhones.
2015 was Daily Deli, a new food service Following this, Debbie highlighted the
integrity. Sales are
stores worth £8 million.” opportunities ahead for SPAR as a result growing, profit is increasing
brand for SPAR which will bring all food
Moving on to the company’s recent trial service and snacking ranges under one of new business partnerships. In July, and we are stable long-term
with Greggs, Matt explained that the brand. SPAR UK commenced a two-store trial
with motorway service station operator partners.”
business had seen some positive sales By the end of the 2015/16 financial year,
results and now has a development Blakemore Retail’s food service sales are Roadchef, with potential for a further 20
programme in place committing to 10 projected to reach £30m. sites nationwide if successful.
The Selling Plan Promotion Excellence
Regional Managers John Brooks and Mark Podmore challenged conference delegates to achieve
A.F. Blakemore Head of Marketing Sarah Ellis presented an
update on SPAR UK’s Selling Plan. promotional excellence in order to drive in-store sales.
Sarah’s presentation focused on the sales The duo highlighted the fact that
opportunities associated with key “January has previously been a promotions provide Blakemore Retail
national events and festivities. tough trading time for us, but with a huge opportunity to increase sales,
These included the Rugby World Cup, currently equating to around £123.5m
we recorded some strong per year.
Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
Delegates were called upon to look at
figures last year with a great John and Mark pointed out that 143
how they can optimise sales in the lead post-Christmas marketing stores fall below the Blakemore Retail
up to these occasions by organising in- average compliance rate of 89% for
campaign, and this year we’ve promotions, but that with the correct
store theatre and events to engage
customers.
started the momentum early.” communication, planning, implementation
Sarah also stressed the importance of and compliance the business could
To complement the above, Sarah achieve an additional £6 million in
maintaining sales momentum throughout presented on SPAR UK’s new digital
the Christmas and New Year period, promotional sales.
strategy, which included the launch of a John said,
announcing SPAR’s new “12 Deals of new mobile-friendly website in
Christmas” initiative. November. “We know we can do better
She said: Also highlighted was the increased with this. There are huge
“Winter is a key period for the television airtime planned for SPAR UK’s
national media campaign this year, and the opportunities for additional
business and it’s vital that we
maintain the summer sales
phenomenal success of SPAR UK’s Shop sales if we ensure that we
& Win customer initiative, which saw 80%
momentum through Christmas follow the correct processes
of customers return to stores within two Regional Manager John Brooks Regional Manager Mark Podmore
and into the new year. days of entering the competition. and procedures.”
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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o n fe re n c e C o n fe re n c e
The National Lottery Community Engagement
Camelot Senior Customer Business Manager Yvonne Fennell thanked Blakemore Retail employees Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell took to the stage to celebrate all the ways in which Blakemore
for another winning year and announced some important changes to the National Lottery. Retail employees have made a significant, positive contribution to the community.
compelling brand with a clear purpose seek help sooner. Trained volunteers visit still unaware of their rights to be happy
and set of behaviours: primary schools to deliver assemblies and and safe, to be heard, know how to get
workshops. help and not be hurt. Being able to help
- Playful in a small way is by far the most
Since Mandy became a volunteer more
- Celebration than two years ago, she has visited in rewarding thing I have ever done, and for
excess of 45 schools and spoken to more that I am extremely grateful.”
- Decent
than 1,500 primary school children about If you are interested in volunteering for
- For everyone the service to drive awareness. the ChildLine Schools Service, here is the
In further changes, Lotto players will now Mandy said, “To anyone thinking about process:
have even more chances to win, with taking part in volunteering, I would urge 1. Speak to your line manager for
Camelot Senior Customer Business Manager odds increasing from 1 in 54 to 1 in 9.3. Great British Paralympian Melissa Nicholls you to take the plunge. The service is approval
Yvonne Fennell Players who match two numbers will win looking for new people all the time, and 2. Contact Liz Bell on 0121 568 2910
a free lucky dip, and the raffle jackpot will the positive impact it has had on me /lbell@afblakemore.com
In 2014/15 alone, Blakemore Retail be set at a guaranteed £1 million. Finally,Yvonne welcomed to the stage personally has been huge.
generated £58.2 million in National Great British Paralympian Melissa 3. Complete an online application form
Yvonne said: “I ask that all stores get “I am able to visit a school in the morning
Lottery sales, with a huge £224 million behind the new changes to Lotto. I ask Nicholls, who was the conference’s 4. Attend a face-to-face interview
and present to 200 children for 30
raised to support life-changing projects that you attain excellence by maximising inspirational guest speaker.
minutes and then be back in stores for 5. Participate in four hours of online
since the National Lottery was launched. sales through events, achieve a smooth Mel, who is a T34 wheelchair racer, the rest of the day with a spring in my training, two days of training at a local
Yvonne’s first announcement on changes changeover of new imagery and shared how she overcame a devastating Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell
step. NSPCC centre and 25 hours of
to the National Lottery involved new communicate the Lotto changes and third stroke in 2008, which left her in a
“The very sad truth is that children are assisted workshop delivery
brand imagery. She stated that the benefits to shoppers to achieve another wheelchair, to represent Great Britain in Liz explained that in the last five years
National Lottery aims to build a winning year!” the 2012 London Paralympics.
Blakemore Retail employees have
undertaken 149 community volunteering
projects involving 563 volunteers and
NSPCC Celebrates Top Fundraising Stores
Store of Excellence
The Store of Excellence 2015/16 Awards were officially launched by Regional Managers Owen
have donated £330,163 to good causes
via the Blakemore Foundation.
Liz then handed the reins over to Fresh
Following on from Liz and Mandy, NSPCC
Corporate Partnerships Managers
Maribeth Lloyds and Kirsty White took
to the stage to provide an update on
Blakemore Retail’s four regions were also
recognised on stage and awarded a
trophy. The top fundraisers were as
follows:
Food Coach and ChildLine Schools
NSPCC fundraising. East region: Barton – £2,670
Davies and Brian Cherry, with a trip to the 2016 SPAR Convention in San Diego up for grabs. Service volunteer Mandy Gasson, who
spoke passionately about the They announced that Blakemore Retail West region:Tenbury Wells – £5,770
A total of four store managers and one Owen and Brian explained how the “Are you the best store manager with opportunities available to Blakemore raised a fantastic £271,057 for the South West region: St Fagans – £4,715
Post Office manager will have the chance awards process is changing this year: consistent standards? If you are, you Retail colleagues to volunteer for the ChildLine Schools Service in 2014/15. South East region: Halesworth – £2,731
to attend the conference based on their could be in with a chance of winning the NSPCC’s ChildLine Schools Service. The top fundraising stores across each of Most improved store: Kinver – £4,332
• All stores will be judged on the
four best area manager store audit same criteria, aimed at driving up trip of a lifetime!” The ChildLine Schools Service has been
scores. standards: established to give primary school
- Customer impressions and children the awareness they need to
service recognise different forms of abuse and
- Food service
- Fresh foods
- Store standards, grocery offer
and operations
• Each store will be visited for an
audit a minimum of four times
per year
• Action plans will be generated for
each audit visit, with shorter
follow-up times for
underperforming stores
The pair emphasised that the business is
changing and that stores need to put
customers first, with exceptional store Representatives from Blakemore Retail’s top fundraising stores collect their trophies
standards as the foundation. L-R: Joanne Hands, Kinver; NSPCC Corporate Partnerships Manager Maribeth Lloyds; Allen Collett, St Fagans;
Karen Whitewell, Barton; Dave Powell, Tenbury Wells; Paul Norris, Halesworth; and NSPCC Corporate
Regional Manager Brian Cherry Owen closed by challenging store Regional Manager Owen Davies Fresh Foods Coach and ChildLine Schools
Partnerships Manager Kirsty White
Service volunteer Mandy Gasson
managers to be the best:
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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o n fe re n c e N ew s
Leading the Blakemore Way Your Development Programme Trains
Training & Development Manager Kerry Hunt led an interactive Leading the Blakemore Way training session. Up More Future Leaders
Blakemore Retail’s Your Development Programme helped to develop 26 more future
leaders for the business in 2014/15.
Your Development Programme is an panel of senior managers and a than two years. In autumn 2015 the
eight-month management development graduation day. business began operating a quarterly
course aimed at new or newly promoted Since the launch of Your Development intake for the course. Recently the
store managers. It covers key business Programme in July 2012, more than 60 programme has also introduced an
areas including operations, customer Blakemore Retail employees have increased focus on food service and fresh
service, managing legalities, HR, loss graduated and gone on to management food training.
prevention, fresh food and IT. positions within the company. Here are a few photos of recent
The course concludes with candidates Your Development Programme has been graduates of the Your Development
delivering a business presentation to a running in its current format for more Programme:
Kerry introduced the session by
highlighting the 660 days that Blakemore
Retail committed to leadership
development training over the course of
last year.
She then announced Phase 2 of the
company’s Leading the Blakemore Way steps that they can take to support believe that the techniques
programme rollout, which will train circa colleagues who undergo the training in
400 assistant managers and food service future. taught on the programme
managers across the business. Kerry said: will help your development.
Following this, delegates participated in a “We’ve seen Leading the Your trainers are here to Adam McCluskey, Gresford Adam Vines, Baschurch Andrew Brickel, Ross-on-Wye
task to reinforce their Leading the
Blakemore Way tools and techniques and Blakemore Way deliver a lot support you, so please feel
encourage them to consider the practical of benefits and we really do confident to approach us.”
Blakemore Retail Celebrates Brayford Wharf
Best of British Crowned
Following the first day of the conference
delegates enjoyed a Best of British-
Selfie Champions Aron Screen, Bayston Hill Hannah Dudley, Chipping Sodbury Jordan Mason, Ecclesall Road
themed gala dinner and after-party.
This year’s Managers Conference ran a
Here is a selection of photos from the
competition challenging stores to submit
evening’s celebrations:
their best selfie photos.
Congratulations to Brayford Wharf, who
were awarded a staff night out after being
crowned winners.
Here’s their winning snap:
Katie Avison, Clasketgate Laura Lucas, Monkmoor Leo Rutter, Newtown
Paula Thomas, Chirk Shaun Francombe, Bulwark Stuart McCunnell, Chirk
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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
S t o re s i n Fo c u s S t o re s i n Fo c u s
Fairfield Forecourt Celebrates Success Wollaston Welcomes New and Improved Store
Blakemore Retail’s purpose-built Fairfield forecourt store in Lincolnshire has The village of Wollaston
gone from strength to strength since opening in November 2014. in the West Midlands has
The store, situated on the Fairfield welcomed a new and
Industrial Estate in Louth, is the first of
Blakemore Retail’s sites to combine a improved SPAR after
SPAR convenience offer with both Greggs
and Subway franchises, providing
Blakemore Retail
motorists and local residents with a one- relocated its store 60
stop fuel, convenience, restaurant and
takeaway solution. metres down the road.
Ideally positioned as Louth’s first 24-hour
forecourt, the site has proved a popular
lunchtime destination for workers based
on the industrial estate as well as daily
commuters.
Blakemore Retail Managing Director
Geoff Hallam commented: “This new
development is part of an ongoing
programme of investment in our stores
estate.
“The Greggs and Subway concessions,
with their well-known and trusted The new and improved Wollaston store on Bridgnorth Road, Stourbridge
brands, have helped drive sales and
footfall as well as ensure that the store After almost doubling in size from 1,400 customers, develop our ranges and also Owen added:
appeals to a wide demographic, including sq ft to 2,600 sq ft, the store now offer customer parking, which is a huge
commuters and the local The new store and forecourt on the Fairfield Industrial Estate, Louth presents a much improved customer asset. “Everybody is very
neighbourhood.” experience and completely new offer. “Our old store was overtrading for its
As well as food-to-go solutions from Retail’s best-performing Subway and Fairfield is a brilliant A new Subway concession and hot and size, and due to limited space we could complimentary about
SPAR, Subway and Greggs, the store also Greggs franchises, which generate average cold food-to-go departments have been never stock the range we knew we could the new store. With
offers Costa Coffee, fresh bread baked in- sales of £8,600 and £7,500 per week advertisement for our introduced, as well as a new coffee offer sell if we had a bigger store. We were
store and a wide range of ready meals, respectively. business and the quality with a Costa coffee machine. This is on also getting more and more competition more space it is a far
providing the complete convenience Regional Manager John Brooks top of all the other services that were opening up against us, including Aldi and
package. commented:
that we can deliver.” already provided by the store, including Sainsbury’s Local stores, which were nicer store to shop in,
The site’s contemporary exterior is National Lottery, PayPoint and Collect taking our trade.” and the addition of the
Plus.
complemented by modern imagery on “We’ve received plenty As a result of the store’s relocation,
Subway department has
the inside to promote Blakemore Retail’s Wider aisles, lower shelving, extra room average weekly sales have increased by
company values and heritage. of good feedback on the for stands and more spacious checkouts circa 39%, from an average of £23,000 per
gone down very well
Approximately thirty parking spaces are store and have lots of have all contributed to a brighter week to £29,000 per week.
available for visitors to the site.
customers enjoying their
atmosphere. Meanwhile, customer numbers have with the younger
One year on since opening, Fairfield is Regional Manager Owen Davies said: increased by around 500 a week, and
achieving average sales of £51,000 per shopping experience. “The relocation of the store has given us average customer spend has grown from
customers.”
week. The store also operates Blakemore the ability to increase our offer to £4.37 last year to £5.50 this year.
New Stores In addition to Fairfield and Wollaston, since the last magazine Blakemore Retail
has welcomed the following new stores to its estate:
Ramsgate, Kent Glemsford, Suffolk Auckley, Doncaster Fernhill Heath, Worcestershire Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan
Opened: 2014 Opened: February 2015 Opened: April 2015 Opened: September 2015 Opened: September 2015 Opened: November 2015
Average weekly sales: £22,000 Average weekly sales: £19,000 Average weekly sales: £33,000 Average weekly sales: £16,000 Average weekly sales: £30,000 Average weekly sales: £16,000
12 13
Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
N ew s N ew s
Food Service on the Up
In July 2014 Blakemore
Retail opened its first
Greggs franchise at Brumby
Corner in Scunthorpe as
part of a three-store trial.
With food service playing Greggs Update
Blakemore Retail now has
four Greggs franchises, at
an increasingly important Following on from the success of its Brumby Corner,
franchise partnership with Subway, Leegomery, Fairfield and
role in the convenience Blakemore Retail is also expanding its Newbold.
sector, Blakemore Retail partnership with iconic high street brand The target is to open a
Greggs. further site at Laceby
is on a mission to Greggs Sales Evolution
Lodge in 2016. Collectively
establish its stores as the five sites are expected to generate £1 a product range typical of a modern
million in sales per annum for Blakemore Greggs store but on a smaller scale,
leading destinations for Retail. Longer term the business has consisting of sandwiches, a cake counter,
food to go. committed to 10 Greggs franchises over hot savouries, coffee and a small fresh
the next five years. bread offer.
The business has announced an ambitious Fresh Food Development Manager Matt Like Subway, Greggs franchises are
strategy to expand the number of Subway Teague commented: “The company’s managed by Blakemore Retail employees
and Greggs franchises across its estate as franchise partnership with Subway has as departments within SPAR stores. Prior
well as improve its SPAR food service shown us that the SPAR brand can benefit to the opening of a franchise, staff
offering. from trading with other strong brands. undertake an extensive four-week training
By the end of the 2015/16 financial year “Greggs gives customers a further reason programme with the Greggs franchise
food service sales are predicted to be to shop in SPAR stores and, like Subway, team, where they spend time at local
worth £30m per annum to Blakemore the franchises will help to drive footfall in Greggs stores gaining an understanding of
Retail, with Subway franchises generating stores and generate additional income for the methods of operation used by the
27% of sales, Costa Express 9% and the business.” bakery chain.
Greggs franchises 3%. Blakemore Retail’s Greggs franchises offer
SPAR UK Managing Director Debbie success in our store. We’ve seen a big
Robinson said: “Daily Deli is SPAR’s increase in customer flow and availability
answer to widening our presence in food of products, and the range has increased
service. Food service is an area of quite dramatically. Sales have increased
increased focus within the convenience and so has customer satisfaction.”
Subway Update Daily Deli Update channel, as the two sectors continue to Moving forwards Daily Deli will be
Following the recent success of across other store departments, merge. This year we are adapting to make introduced to all of Blakemore Retail’s
Blakemore Retail’s dual-branded Subway- with the extra footfall generated Meanwhile, Blakemore Retail the most of the trend for ‘foodvenience’.” food-to-go stores and new SPAR stores
SPAR stores, the business has plans to by the franchises leading to has begun the rollout of SPAR Bentley Store Manager Gareth Bowdler across the UK.
develop this model across a larger shoppers making additional commented: “Daily Deli has been a
impulse buys in addition to their
UK’s innovative new food
number of stores.
Blakemore Retail currently operates 41 planned purchases. service concept, Daily Deli.
Subway franchises, but the strategy is to Blakemore Retail Managing Daily Deli is a new brand unique to SPAR
increase this to 48 by the end of the Director Geoff Hallam added: Subway Sales Evolution that brings all SPAR food service and
2015/16 financial year, as a result of which “This is an exciting development snacking ranges under one name. So far
sales are projected to reach £8m per for Blakemore Retail and Daily Deli has been introduced to 12
annum. illustrates our commitment to Blakemore Retail stores.
Blakemore Retail Fresh Food developing the business and
The Daily Deli range, which is available all
Development Manager Matt Teague tackling the trading pressures
day, includes fresh salad products,
commented: “The company has recently that are arising from the
sandwiches, baguettes and
witnessed an intense period of advancement of
accompaniments, and at certain stores
development with Subway, with one new competitors.”
also includes a serving counter.
Subway franchise opening every five
weeks. There are six different Daily Deli
“We have found Subway to be a perfect opportunities available to stores, ranging
food service partner for the business, from an entry-level offer comprising a
providing a made-to-order alternative to self-service counter selling sandwiches,
our ready-made SPAR convenience offer. baguettes, chilled snacks and coffee, to a
Everyone recognises the Subway brand complete Daily Deli offer including a
and knows the product.” served counter selling hot meals, as well
The popularity of Blakemore Retail’s as a self-service option on the shop floor
Subway counters has also had a positive with sandwiches, baguettes, wraps,
knock-on effect on customer spending croissants and more.
14 15
Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
N ew s Po s t O f f i c e
Leegomery Scoops Sleaford’s Julie Post Office Network
Convenience Retail Award Sutton Wins
Transformation Continues
Blakemore Retail’s Leegomery store picked up the Zero Tolerance National Retail
Award for Crime Prevention at the Convenience Retail Awards 2015.
The Convenience Retail Awards took
Award Blakemore Retail’s
place in London in March to celebrate Julie Sutton from Blakemore
the hard work and achievements of the Retail’s Sleaford store in
Post Office network
very best retailers in the convenience
sector.
Lincolnshire has been crowned transformation
Leegomery Store Manager Stacey Aitken- the UK’s Best Multiple Symbol programme has now
Best picked up the Crime Prevention Sales Assistant.
award on behalf of her team in
recognition of their commitment to
entered its third year.
reducing store crime and making a Since 2013 the business has converted 17
difference to their local community. of its existing branches into the Locals
Leegomery has recently introduced format and 25 into the Mains format. The
several initiatives to help reduce crime at remaining 11 Post Office sites across
their store, including cutting back on Blakemore Retail will be converted to the
ranges most targeted by thieves, reducing Mains format by the end of April 2016.
the height of shelves to improve visibility As mentioned in the last issue of the
and improving staff presence on the shop Leegomery Store Manager Stacey Aitken-Best picks magazine, many new opportunities have
floor. up the Zero Tolerance Award for Crime Prevention materialised, with a further 16 new Locals
Also praised by the judges was the store’s from ACS Chief Executive James Lowman
and seven new Mains branches now
use of technology to record and report integrated into stores across the estate.
crime to the local authorities. Stacey has Blakemore Retail Managing Director Over the last two years, a total of 60
improved the store’s use of EPOS and Geoff Hallam said: “Congratulations to Winning Sales Assistant Julie Sutton, who scooped new-style branches have been opened,
CCTV to track at-risk lines, which are the teams at both Leegomery and Chirk, £500 in prize money at the awards with investment exceeding well over
now checked daily. who have worked tirelessly to ensure £1m.
All of this work is supported by the team that excellent customer service is Julie picked up the title at the Sales The Main Post Office format at Winthorpe Avenue
Blakemore Retail still has the remainder
meeting with a police community support delivered at all times. Assistant of the Year Awards 2015, the
of its existing branches to convert to the
officer on a weekly basis to report any national competition organised by
Mains format, together with an additional (SIMO) proposition, based on one simple New Horizon Computers
incidents. “Our staff always go the extra Convenience Store magazine. The awards
28 new opportunities to consider. “pay as you go” tariff. It is being trialled
Further success at this year’s mile for our customers so to took place in November at The The Post Office will be upgrading
Dorchester in London. Post Office Controller Stewert Waldron with EE, the UK’s biggest network. If Horizon computers in the near future.
Convenience Retail Awards was enjoyed be recognised like this is a
Julie’s responsibilities at Sleaford include said: “I believe it will take around 18 successful, this may be another new Hardware replacement is due to start in
by Blakemore Retail’s Chirk store, which great achievement, one that looking after the store’s news category, months for existing branches and new service for Post Office customers. August 2016, with software installed from
was listed as a finalist in the Best Multiple
Convenience Store category.
we can all be proud of.” training new starters, stocktaking and opportunities to be integrated into our
Government Services March 2017 – this will modernise the
banking, but it's her cherished local stores. This will bring the total number of front office operation for the 21st
Post Offices to approximately 100 – The HM Passport Office is developing an
customers for whom she really gets out century. Blakemore Retail will be trialling
Battlefield Crowned Best of bed in the morning.
She regularly carries out home deliveries
for elderly people in her own time when
virtually one third of our estate.”
New Post Office Developments
exemplar online application service for
simple adult passport renewals.
Customers will be able to obtain their
the new computers from April 2017 at
Broseley and Bassingbourn.
Post Office Current Account own digital photo and upload it as part of
Soft Drinks Outlet their health or the weather is bad.
The community also gets a fair share of
Julie’s caring personality. She recently
There will be two types of current
accounts: a ‘Standard Account’ that will
their online application, which includes
making payment. This will still require
Blakemore Retail’s Battlefield store was crowned Best Soft Drinks donned her gardening gloves to help build
offer free everyday banking with no them to send back their existing passport
hidden charges and a ‘Control Account’ to HMPO.
Outlet at the 2015 Forecourt Trader Awards. a vegetable plot for local disadvantaged that will work like the standard account, Travel Money Click and Collect
The Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards, youths and helped to organise, set up and
but for a fee of £5 per month it protects Service
which took place in September at the run a variety of stalls at her store's
the account holder from unexpected
London Hilton Hotel, showcased the best Halloween fair, which raised funds for the This new service will provide customers
bank charges and unauthorised overdraft
retailers in the petrol retailing industry. NSPCC. with an option to select Same Day
limits.
Regional Manager Owen Davies Convenience Store’s editor, David Rees, Delivery as a Collection or Delivery
This is currently available in 250 Post
commented: commented: choice for internet orders placed on
Office branches across the UK but will
postoffice.co.uk. Once the order is
“I am really pleased for Marcus “With her long list of not be rolled out to the rest of the
placed, a background check of branch
responsibilities and caring network until the Post Office has
and the team at Battlefield for stocks will commence and then the
personality it’s little wonder resolved any issues.
achieving more success at this The Forecourt Trader award winners celebrate customer will be offered the list of
their success that Julie is such a cherished Post Office Mobile branches most convenient for them to
fantastic store. Well done
fixture in her store.” This is currently being trialled in 200 pick up from. Ten Blakemore Retail The Local Post Office format
again.”
branches in the North West as a sim-only branches will be involved in the trial.
16 17
Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
N ew s C o m mu n i t y
Blakemore Retail Raises Crewe Two Johns’ Five Years of
£14,173 for Nepal Celebrates Fundraising Tops £40,000
Earthquake Survivors Customer’s For the fifth and final consecutive year Blakemore Retail Area
Managers John Kelly and John Dyson took to the saddle for
The Disasters Emergency Committee has thanked
Blakemore Retail for raising £14,173 for its Nepal
Centenary the NSPCC’s ChildLine.
Since 2011 the two Johns have pedaled a sad that it’s all over. The support we have had Edinburgh
total of 1,500 miles each on bike over the five years of our bike rides has been
Earthquake Appeal. Crewe helped a loyal fundraisers, raising more than an brilliant, and it all started with a little bet in the
customer mark their one- incredible £40,000 for the good cause. bar at one of the Blakemore conferences!”
Blakemore Retail stores spent four weeks Their 2015 challenge consisted of a 500-
fundraising for the good cause via in-store hundredth birthday with a mile cycle starting in Edinburgh, Scotland,
John Dyson added: “We would like to thank you
all massively for your help over the last few years,
checkout collection tins. trio of gifts. and finishing in Dover, Kent. Completed from all of the stores with their sponsorship and
Blakemore Retail Managing Director in just under five full days, the pair pushed fundraising efforts to the area managers and field
Geoff Hallam presented the funds to the their fitness levels to the maximum, staff who have supported and met us along the
DEC at Blakemore Retail’s Managers having to encounter extreme weather way.
Conference in June. and mountain terrain. The cycle raised “Most importantly, the money goes to a fantastic Dover
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: close to £11,000, which is the highest charity to help the children who need it most.”
“Our latest Nepal earthquake appeal total yet.
simply couldn’t have happened without NSPCC Fundraising Manager Kirsty
the incredible support from people such White said, “We are extremely grateful to
as yourselves. the two Johns for their efforts to raise
vital funds for the NSPCC’s ChildLine
“The money donated will Schools Service. Without this kind of
support we wouldn’t be able to continue
go a long way in supporting our work to protect local children.”
those affected by the Nepal Blakemore Retail Regional Manager
disaster and will help to Owen Davies commented: “Well done to
both Johns on this fantastic achievement.
enable them to rebuild their Just preparing for these massive
Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam Sales Assistant June Norris (left) and Post Office
shattered communities.” (left) hands over the funds raised by Blakemore Supervisor Marie Whittingham (right) present challenges has been a challenge in itself.
Retail to DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed Olwyn Wood with flowers to celebrate her
centenary “The lads spend many hours building up
their strength and stamina for these
Sales Assistant June Norris and Post distances. Starting training soon after
Blakemore Retail Shoppers Office Supervisor Marie Whittingham
presented Olwyn Wood with a bouquet
of flowers, chocolates and £30 to spend
Christmas, they can be on the roads in all
weathers.”
John Kelly commented: “It’s been a
John Kelly (right) and
John Dyson (left)
arrive at their final
Scoop Shop & Win Prizes in-store to commemorate her birthday in
June. Olwyn has shopped at the store
fantastic adventure each year and we are
destination in Dover
since it began trading 21 years ago.
A number of Blakemore Retail shoppers have picked up top prizes
in SPAR UK’s national Shop & Win customer competition.
Store Manager Shaun Procter
commented: "Getting involved in Blakemore Retail Helps to Combat Ebola Crisis
The first phase of Shop & Win kicked celebrating the century milestone of one
off for six weeks in August 2014, of our oldest customers didn't require a Blakemore Retail donated £11,626 to Oxfam’s Ebola Crisis Appeal in March after a month of
followed by a second phase in January second thought. The community spirit fundraising via in-store checkout collection tins.
2015. that this store is built on is strong and we
continue to show this in the sincerest Oxfam Business Development Manager Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff
With a combined prize giveaway value
possible manner where we can." Peter Hall said: “SPAR’s support has been Hallam added: “It is fantastic that
of over £250,000, the campaign was
tremendous, especially against the Blakemore Retail raised such a large
the largest ever mobile voucher Olwyn said:
challenging economic backdrop. It is amount in such a short space of time for
promotion run by a convenience
"I've been shopping here for testament to the dedication and hard those urgently in need. Our staff put an
retailer. A total of 300,000 customer
many years now and everyone work of all SPAR store employees and incredible amount of effort into supporting
entries were received, and over
their customers. such an important appeal.”
40,000 mobile vouchers were has always been so lovely. This “The money donated will go a long way in
redeemed in-store. was a wonderful surprise and I Blakemore Retail Managing Director
maintaining measures to protect against
Shop & Win returned in September thank everyone for the effort
Geoff Hallam (right) presents a cheque
Ebola, whilst rebuilding countries most for £11,626 to Oxfam Business
with more than 100,000 prizes worth
over £150,000 up for grabs, including a Competition winner Jas Dhillon they went to.” affected.” Development Manager Peter Hall
picks up £500 from Coseley
brand new Vauxhall VIVA.
18 19Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o m mu n i t y C o m mu n i t y
NSPCC Fundraising
Thanks to the longstanding dedication and tremendous fundraising efforts of colleagues,
Surpasses £2 Million
Blakemore Retail has officially donated more than £2.2 million to the NSPCC since SPAR
UK’s partnership with the charity began in 2007.
Without Blakemore Retail’s remarkable
contribution of £271,057 to the NSPCC’s
ChildLine Schools Service at the end of the
2014/15 year, this milestone wouldn’t have been
possible.
NSPCC Corporate Partnerships Manager Kirsty
White commented: “Each year, Blakemore Retail Gresford raised £165 with a tombola The Leegomery team raised more Much Wenlock organised a charity
does a fantastic job of fundraising for the stall at the Gresford Festival. than £300 by climbing Mount Snowdon. weekend that raised £165.
NSPCC, and we continue to be blown away by
stores’ enthusiasm!
“In the last year alone, we have had gifts
donated to our Birmingham Service Centre for
the children that we help there, 50 – 500 mile
bike rides, skydiving and plenty of cake sales!
Thank you to everyone who has raised money
for us since 2007 – for every penny donation,
you are helping us in our fight for every
childhood.”
Here is a snapshot of just some of
the fundraising activities that have Sleaford raised more than £700 by Bassaleg Road held a charity fancy Wordsley Post Office held an eight-
Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell and Blakemore Retail Managing Director taking part in a onesie walk. dress day and raised over £1,000. hour bikeathon, tombola and cake sale
Geoff Hallam present
taken place across the estate over the £271,057 raised during 2014/15 to the NSPCC at Blakemore Retail’s
Managers Conference which raised £246.
the course of the last year:
Emily Smith from South Woodham Tracy Wilson from Market Crewe held a charity raffle and raised Ricky and Tom from Llangefni cycled Grove Road held a ‘Best of British’ Head office organised a staff spring
Ferrers completed the Brentwood Harborough took on a skydive and £205. 50 miles around the SPAR stores in themed fun day and raised £103. raffle that raised circa £3,000.
Half Marathon and raised £925. raised £866. Anglesey and raised over £600.
Chipping Sodbury held a charity fun Bromsgrove raised £450 with an in- Llangollen raised over £300 with Eighteen staff members from Donna Caernarfon set up a scrumptious Rhuddlan employee Michelle Dean
day at their store and raised £195. store bikeathon. their sponsored walk. Cooper and John Dyson’s areas took cake stall and raised £214. braved a bean bath to raise £260.
part in a 12-mile walk and raised
£4,021.
16
20 17
21Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16
C o m mu n i t y C o m mu n i t y
Charitable Giving Breaks
Records for Fifth Year Running
Blakemore Retail broke records for charitable giving yet again in 2014/15, with employees
awarding donations worth £107,636 to 2,130 local good causes via the Blakemore Foundation.
Amount Donated by the In recent years charitable giving across matched by the Blakemore Foundation up Wyberton donated refreshments to Wordsley and Cotteridge Post Office Dolgellau Post Office donated
Blakemore Retail has soared. Of the to the value of £200. (Please note that participants in the Wyberton Street Manager Toni Worker raised more than mouthcare kits for patients at Dolgellau
Blakemore Foundation 5,732 donations that colleagues awarded this does not include fundraising for Smart event. £400 by taking on a 13-mile trek for the Community Hospital.
to good causes between the start of ChildLine or the Retail Trust.) National Kidney Federation.
2014/15 2010/11 and the end of 2014/15, 2,130 In Kind Donations: These are awarded
were awarded in 2014/15. That’s more to support local community events in the
than 37% of all donations since records form of goods e.g. food, drink or
began. equipment for use as raffle prizes or
The Blakemore Foundation offers three refreshments.
types of donations to support local For more information contact:
charities and organisations across Blakemore Foundation
£107,636 Blakemore Retail’s trading estate. These
via Unit 401, Axcess 10 Business Park
include: Bentley Road South, Darlaston
2010/11 2,130
Donations Standard Donations: These are WS10 8LQ
awarded to local good causes, charities Tel: 0121 568 2910
£21,268 and projects located within the company’s Email: ksenter@afblakemore.com
via Beddau donated funds to Bryn Celynnog Llangollen donated funds to the Area Manger Paul Wiltshire raised an
trading area up to the value of £200. Comprehensive School’s car building Llangollen Male Voice Choir. incredible £8,864 for Breakthrough
178 Match Fund Donations: The Take a look at just some of the great
Donations project, helping them to compete in the Breast Cancer by running the London
fundraising efforts of all employees can be causes recently supported: Penarth Downhill Derby. Marathon with his daughter, Laura.
Wells raised £360 with a charity fun day New Road donated funds to Bluebells Hannah Samuel from Pontycymmer Newtown donated goods for a charity Tracy Gillman from Merthyr Tydfil took Tickhill Post Office donated funds to the
in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Football Club. took part in a Rainbow Run and raised hamper to raise money for Newtown Air part in the Merthyr Half Marathon and Hayley Patrick School of Theatre Dance
Ambulance. £453 for palliative care charity Ty Hafan. Cadets. raised over £350 for Cancer Research UK for gymnastics mats.
and the British Heart Foundation.
Caroline Stafford from Felixstowe Post Crowland donated raffle prizes to the Elton donated goods to Elton Primary Phil Bundy from Cefn Fforest raised Wrexham donated funds to Rhosddu Blakemore Retail Operations Support
Office took on the London Marathon and Crowland Social Group for the Blind. School’s Easter event. more than £600 by taking part in a 50 km Primary School’s Splash Party sports day. Assistant Hayley Parsons ran Race for Life
raised £2,750 for Meningitis Now. cycle in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. and raised more than £1,000 for Cancer
Research UK.
22 23You can also read
