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PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 1
ISSUE 7 Winter 2017/18
IT’S YOUR NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR BLAKEMORE RETAIL EMPLOYEES
Blakemore Retail Conference Blakemore Retail’s Charity Birthday New SPAR Store Launches in
2017: Shaping Our Future Parties Raise over £76,000 for NSPCC Aldridge
PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 2
Winter 2017/18
I n t ro d u c t i o n
Introduction Contents
Introduction - Stuart Adkin ................................2
Welcome to the latest
Blakemore Retail Conference .....................3-12
issue of the ‘It’s Your
News’ Magazine. I hope, Charity Ball ..........................................................13
like me, you will enjoy New Store............................................................14
the chance to look back Future Leaders Programme..............................15
at what has been Kirsty Rhodes Sales Assistant of the Year .....16
achieved over the last Deliveroo..............................................................17
year. Stores in Focus.............................................18-19
From the growth of foodservice in our
Post Office Multiple Retailer of the Year.......20
stores, with Greggs, Subway, Bargain Bites
and dailyDeli all continuing to evolve and Post Office Update ............................................21
develop, all the way through to work on a
new I.T. system, there is a lot of change Blakemore Retail Excellence Awards ......22-23
and progression occurring within the
business. Charity Birthday Parties.............................24-29
This year we brought five more stores
into our group, Haddenham, Queensferry, Blakemore Foundation ...............................30-31
really sets Blakemore Retail apart is the
Carlton, Blacon and Vicars Cross, all of support and enthusiasm that you all give Blakemore in the Community...................32-33
which were already busy successful SPAR to your communities and charities, and
stores. These stores, along with a new nowhere was this emphasised more than DIY SOS Project.................................................34
build at Aldridge, a store re-location for on the 100 Years of A.F. Blakemore &
Warboys and our investment in Son’s NSPCC fundraising day on 1st Blakemore Bake Off...........................................35
numerous other refits have all added to September, where a colossal figure of
our group of great-looking and modern over £76,000 was raised. With six Shop & Win..........................................................36
convenience stores. months still to go until our next
At the ‘Shaping our Future’ Managers Managers Conference in 2018, who Colleague Award Winners................................37
Conference in June, we highlighted many knows what overall figure we could
achieve! Foodservice Update....................................38-39
areas within our business that we are
working on, areas that are changing and I’d also like to personally thank all the Lottery Relaunch................................................40
developing, areas that will need your full award winners and long serving staff
commitment and hard work wherever featured, with a special mention to John Bradley Lowery Foundation.............................41
you work, and to adlib on a competitor’s Dyson and Brian Cherry, who both
phrase …every little really does help! So retired this year after many years of Worcestershire Homeless Appeal..................42
please take time to read about the support and commitment to Blakemore
business in this year’s magazine, and feel Retail and SPAR. Llanharry Supports Local Appeals ..................43
free to contact any of the senior So finally, thank you all for your hard
management team if you would like more Litter Picks ....................................................44-45
work and commitment in helping to make
information. Blakemore Retail a success. NSPCC Fundraising.....................................46-47
As expected, this is turning out to be
quite a tough year for the industry, Your Development Programme .......................48
ourselves included. It is at times like this Blakemore Retail Managing Director,
where we need to rely on and support Stuart Adkin Industry Awards..................................................49
each other much more - it is great to
know that we have one of the best teams In the Spotlight .............................................50-51
in the business. One area that I believe
Customer Care Awards....................................52
Long Service..................................................53-59
Send Us Your Stories
It’s Your News is written by next edition, please contact:
Staff Lottery Winners........................................60
Retirements .........................................................61
A.F. Blakemore’s Corporate Affairs Graduate Communications Officer
department. Natalie Watkins Celebrations ........................................................62
If you have any stories or photos that nwatkins@afblakemore.co.uk
you would like to see featured in the 0121 568 2908 Competition Corner .........................................63
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C o n fe re n c e
Shaping Our Future
Blakemore Retail Conference 2017: Shaping Our Future
‘Shaping Our Future’ was
the key theme of
Blakemore Retail’s 2017
Managers Conference this
summer.
More than 500 store managers, field staff,
A.F. Blakemore colleagues and suppliers
attended the conference and gala dinner
at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on
14th and 15th June.
Blakemore Retail’s management team
took to the stage alongside colleagues
from A.F. Blakemore and representatives
from the NSPCC and Deliveroo to
present on the company’s key
achievements from the last financial year
and development plans for the future.
Blakemore Retail Managing Director
Stuart Adkin opened the conference by More than 500 delegates gather at the Birmingham Metropole for Blakemore Retail’s two-day conference
thanking all stores and individuals from
across Blakemore Retail for their support
over the past year. This focus on innovation was further keynote speaker Jim Lawless, who
Stuart introduced the central theme of emphasised by Finance Director Derek introduced the Ten Rules for Taming
the conference, ‘Shaping our Future’, and Clifton, who presented on Blakemore Tigers – practical and proven principles
stressed the important role that Retail’s constant commitment to investing to define, own and create powerful
everyone can play in helping Blakemore in acquisitions and store renovations in changes in your life.
Retail achieve its 2020 strategic goals that order to secure future profits. At the end of the first day delegates
seek to grow the store estate, drive sales, Fellow speakers presented on a new enjoyed a gala dinner followed by
increase profitability and reduce costs. commercial IT system, developments in entertainment from live karaoke act
Stuart highlighted how small foodservice, new marketing initiatives, Rockaoke.
improvements made at every store will innovation and efficiency, updated store
help achieve the step change required in formats, community engagement and
the face of a wide range of external selling plans.
challenges, whether they be from Also introduced was the independent
competition, Government legislation or company Deliveroo, which partners with
the economic uncertainty of Brexit. convenience stores and restaurants
Group Board Director Caoire Blakemore across the country to deliver fast, fresh
and Group Board Director Tom and hassle-free food and drink.
Blakemore took to the stage to share the During the event, Stuart presented the
successes of A.F. Blakemore over the past Blakemore Retail Store of Excellence
100 years and identified how the Awards, Blakemore Retail’s annual Sales
company can continue its evolution Assistant of the Year Awards and a series
through continuous change and of long service awards to colleagues. Live karaoke act Rockaoke entertained delegates
on the evening of the first day
innovation. The guest speaker was international
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C o n fe re n c e
From Small Financial
Review
Beginnings… Finance Director Derek
Clifton presented on
Blakemore Retail’s continued
Group Board Directors Caoire Blakemore and Tom commitment to investing in
Blakemore took to the stage to share the successes of acquisitions and store
A.F. Blakemore over the last 100 years and to consider renovations in order to
how the company can continue its evolution. secure future profits.
Last year £9m was invested in 66
projects, including 11 new stores, store
refits and foodservice developments.
Over £6m was further devoted to
innovation and improving efficiency.
Derek explained that innovations, such as
LED lighting, air conditioning controllers
Tom explained how the innovation of the Caoire provided an overview of the A.F. and a new commercial system have
services provided by A.F. Blakemore Blakemore 100 year celebrations, which
reduced energy costs and freed up funds
transformed the company from its small included three focus weeks on the
to invest in more worthwhile areas.
beginnings and pushed the business environment, equality, inclusion and
forward into the future. diversity and education as well as the Derek said:
From the start of the wholesale charity birthday parties that were to take “It is important that we
adventure in 1920, when Arthur place throughout the country on Friday
Blakemore began purchasing paper bags 1st September 2017 continue to innovate by
and selling them on to retailers, to A.F. She also informed delegates that the challenging all we see and
Blakemore’s becoming one of the first company will be producing a centenary do, to ensure that costs in
businesses in the UK to open a cash & newspaper supplement, which will contain
carry in 1960, the company has continued 100 prizes for 100 years as well as an all parts of the business are
to change and adapt to suit the annual to celebrate A.F. Blakemore appropriate for the
consumers’ needs. through the years.
company’s needs.
Tom said: Caoire said:
“With your continued
“To survive you have to “We’re safeguarding the
commitment, energy and
continually change and business for generations hard work we will ensure
innovate. You will be the of colleagues and teams that Blakemore Retail
people that push us like you. Thank you for remains a major player in
forward and continue to getting us to 100 – here’s the convenience market.”
drive innovation.” to the next 100 years!”
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C o n fe re n c e
Post Office Update
Post Office Controller Stewert Waldron gave an update on the Post Office network.
He reported that the 100th Post Office The Travel Money Card is a prepaid cash
had opened in June at Manchester card that stores 13 different currencies
Airport and that the franchise now offers and can be used abroad with no fees.
over 150 products over the counter. Stewert challenged colleagues to sell
Stewert said: more Travel Money Cards and explained
that a series of Travel Workshops are
“Every year over 5million currently underway to equip Post Office
customers walk into our Locals with the skills needed to make the
most of selling.
stores just to use the Post In conjunction with the card, customers
Office – we need to take can also use the mobile top-up app to
add money to their cards whilst abroad.
full advantage of this.”
Stewert concluded by explaining how the
He also introduced the Post Office’s new card and mobile top-up app would both
focus on travel by highlighting that there massively play a part in future proofing
are over 50,000 currency transactions Travel Money sales by offering customers
per annum across Blakemore Retail. simple, safe, holiday money.
An average customer currency Further benefits included: the commission
transaction generates around £268, In March, the Post Office launched its to be earned when customers top-up
whereas the average spend per head brand new Travel Money Card with the online or via the app; the chance to
abroad is £643, leaving the company with aim of securing part of customers’ attract the next generation of customers
an opportunity to capture that extra additional spend once they have left the and the ability to significantly grow
spend. branch. turnover.
New Commercial System
Chief Information Officer Robert Geere presented on the company’s plans to consolidate data
across the Blakemore Group with new developments in IT platforms.
Robert began by introducing the Strategy and will prevent future errors in ordering
Vision plan for the company to become and price listings.
innovation leaders through developing Robert also revealed the future prospect
integrated solutions that will place the of a B2E (Business to Employee) system
relevant information at the fingertips of which will combine payroll, ESS, HR,
managers and staff. Access Control and Time & Attendance
The systems that are being developed onto one database and provide a mobile
and have already been approved include: solution for employee communications.
• CRM (Customer Relationship Robert said:
Management)
• B2B (Business to Business) “We need to embrace the
Digital
digital world and benefit
• One Logistics
• Commercial
from new technology in
The new commercial system, which is order to ensure that we
currently in pilot, aims to improve the become leading
sharing of data by creating one system
from trading floor to retail floor. innovators again.”
Robert explained that the system will
improve in-store and warehouse stock
availability by centralising store ordering
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C o n fe re n c e
The Fresh Way
Fresh & Foodservice Development Director Matt Teague, Fresh & Foodservice Operations Manager
John Mason and Senior Fresh Food Coach Mandy Gasson together gave insight into new developments
in fresh food, sharing Blakemore Retail’s revitalised focus on customer shopping missions.
Fresh & Foodservice Development Fresh & Foodservice Operations Senior Fresh Food Coach Mandy
Director Matt Teague shared plans Manager John Mason continued Gasson talked to delegates about
to improve fresh participation the foodservice update by how happy, motivated and
across the Blakemore Retail estate. introducing new plans to evolve engaging colleagues will help the
Matt expressed the need to fulfil SPAR’s ‘food for now’ offering. business drive fresh food sales.
shoppers’ needs by providing quick and John discussed developments in the six Mandy continued the focus on fresh food
easy shopping solutions for both ‘food for key areas of environment, meals, by discussing ways that store colleagues
now’ and ‘food for later’ to ensure that customisation, indulgence, health and can engage with their customers, by
customers choose SPAR first for fresh. technology, highlighting the introduction Solving, Evolving and
Concentrating on ‘food for later’, Matt of new products and better packaging. Revolutionising.
explained that in order to make SPAR In period 13, in-store bakery sales
competitive the business needs to Solve: Help customers to solve tough
increased significantly by 30.21% on meal dilemmas with inspiring ‘food for
establish a solid footing by using data to period 12. John explained that with new
profile stores, as well as considering the now’ and ‘food for later’ offerings.
and enhanced products in the hot food
needs of predominant shoppers. range, ‘food for now’ sales would further Evolve: Evolve quickly to keep up with
Matt said: “We need to secure a point of improve. changes in the business. Provide updated
difference and inspire our customers with In the future, new store builds will feature offerings on over-the-counter fresh food.
value-added products such as fresh meat dailyDeli over-the-counter customisation Revolution: Without our people
and vegetables. This will be a key part of for sandwiches, breakfasts and Sunday bringing their passion to the business
engaging our customers and developing roasts, adding that personal touch to none of this will be possible.
confidence in our fresh food offering.” customers’ food choices.
As a starting point, Matt explained plans Mandy explained that all staff need to
to target stores with the best potential love what they do and show it.
for fresh foods and then concentrate on “Customers like to order Maximising staff potential will encourage
investing in store design, selling space and their food how they like it. positivity and create a more progressive
layout. work environment, leading to more
Providing customisable fruitful interactions with customers.
Matt concluded his presentation by
imparting plans to improve fresh
food choices ensures that
participation by £50 per day across we are targeting and “Making daily tasks fun
Blakemore Retail until 2020, whereby understanding predominant allows colleagues to realise
fresh should be generating 27% of
shoppers.”
business. their potential and increase
their possibilities.”
Counter displays have been revitalised
“It will be challenging, so with new digital menu boards to entice
customers with fresh offerings of scotch “People who work with
all involved need to be morning rolls, katsu curry and ‘Big Eat’
committed and passionate pasties. passion build strong,
about what we do, but get it Other developments in providing passionate teams and
healthier choices will help to capture the businesses.”
right and it will help us market of health-conscious shoppers.
grow into the future.”
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C o n fe re n c e
Social Media: The Blakemore Maximising
Retail Story so Far… Selling
Operations Support & Marketing Manager Sarah Deakin Opportunities
provided an update on how social media has continued to be A.F. Blakemore Marketing
used to promote the business with great success. Director Sarah Ellis discussed
plans for local, targeted marketing
Over the past year, Blakemore Retail has
used Facebook to promote new facilities
to make the most of selling
and services available at SPAR stores, opportunities throughout the year.
earning the business beneficial coverage.
Sarah stated that she and her team had
reached over 7,000 people this year with
just one click when reporting SPAR
Treherbert’s refurbishment.
Other activities proving popular on social
media include store charity and
community events, local events and staff
recognition.
By gathering data from previous posts,
Sarah explained how customers could be
targeted by taking into account their age,
gender, interests and location.
Sarah also shared the triumphs of Sarah focused on the ‘Deliciously Easy
“Social media is only going recruitment posts on social media and Meals’ marketing campaign launched in
to get bigger and continue described how they were free to May to grab the ‘Tonight’s Tea’ shopper.
advertise.
to shape our future. We The meals have been developed to take
She reported that the recruitment drive advantage of holidays and events
need to take advantage of for the new Aldridge store reached nearly throughout the year, as well as to provide
the services available and 20,000 Facebook users with one post. simple meal solutions for different people
reach as many members of Sarah said: “The most important thing is eating at different times and eating
the local community as to keep pages current and active and to different meals.
possible.” communicate a consistent SPAR message
across all social media channels.” “To satisfy the ‘Meal for
Tonight’ shopper,
An Introduction to Deliveroo availability is key. If we fail
to deliver everything they
Deliveroo UK Sales Lead Harry Tyndall introduced delegates to the need, the customer will not
independent company’s new approach to food and drink delivery
buy any items and instead
options.
go to competitors.”
Harry explained that Deliveroo has one to look into offering these services with
simple mission, to bring food from the company owned SPAR stores. The ‘Deliciously Easy Meals’ campaign will
best restaurants, fast, fresh and hassle also be supported by Facebook adverts
free, straight to the consumer’s door. that will offer wine recommendations and
Deliveroo’s niche is that it delivers food directions to the nearest SPAR store.
from restaurants that do not have a take- A big campaign for this summer was
away offering, capturing the guilty foodie SPAR’s 60th anniversary, which was
who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of supported online and on the radio with
their home to experience delicious food. weekly deals as well as in store with the
Harry explained that Deliveroo’s newest Shop & Win campaign.
venture is to partner up with local In line with the ‘what I want, where I
convenience store chains to help want it and when I want it’ consumer
generate revenue by offering a new trend, Facebook canvas advertising was
alcohol delivery service. Also available to again used to capture online users.
order will be a variety of snacks. “Facebook is the most influential
Over the coming months, Blakemore publisher in the world – it’s a key part of
Retail will be partnering with Deliveroo our marketing strategy this year.”
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C o n fe re n c e
Innovation and Efficiency
Store Operations Director Chris Bacon presented on how
Selling Plan
reviewing and improving efficiency in Blakemore Retail stores has Implementation
saved the business valuable time and money. A.F. Blakemore Promotions
Chris began by praising staff on Controller Tracey Simpson
generating £1.67m worth of savings last introduced a new promotions
year and emphasising that cost control process that is set to put the
would again be a priority this coming customer at its heart as well as
year. drive profit.
He commented: “In order to secure
continued savings we need to use all of
our skills, innovate our systems and
review and change our processes.”
Chris reported improvements in collating
customer feedback with a new survey
offering shoppers opportunities to win
£50 on trial, as well the development of
the Area Manager Planner, which analyses
and prioritises to improve the quality of
store visits.
He also highlighted further beneficial
• Daily store walks Tracey began by explaining a new cyclical
changes that have been made in four key
process in regards to promotions, with
areas. These are: • In-store cleaning
analysis and insight being at the core.
• Till specific operators • Ambient date codes
Tracey said:
• Weekly department ILSC counts • Upskilling & training
“Data-driven analysis of Blakemore Retail
• Ordering process • Planogram changes EPOS sales has given us an insight into
• Output to payroll • Fresh foods focus clear trends and sales dips throughout
the year. This will be key in informing
In total, these changes within store will summer sales and will help us take
free up 17 hours each week in every “Let’s shape our future to
advantage of the January dip by driving
store that can be utilised in six key areas: be the very best it can be!” sales through promotions.”
Tracey further described how in January
Store Formats the seasonal space in stores had been
used for SPAR 3 for 2 offers:
A.F. Blakemore Head of Formats John Murray informed delegates of
Blakemore Retail’s continued focus on store formats. “We achieved more than
John explained the importance of
expected – it was a big tick
different store formats for catering to the all round. We now plan to
varied needs of shoppers. similarly utilise the dip in
John said: September and drive extra
“One size does not fit all. We should do
things differently because our customers sales with more meal deal
are different.” offerings.”
He also reported that a recent survey
Tracey also informed delegates of the
had found that shoppers ranked freshly
success of the new front-of-store unit
baked goods and fresh foods as their
which has generated significant value and
main reasons for entering a convenience
margin.
store, therefore foodservice and inspiring
shoppers will be key ingredients in Used to display premium offers as well as
transforming store formats. “This is a brilliant those linked to seasonal events, the unit
John expressed that the challenge will aims to entice shoppers into purchasing
business without a indulgence lines that carry higher margin
now be to capture the data on what
drives shoppers, in order to optimise
shadow of a doubt, and than the usual promotion lines.
sales and profit through range, space and we have 100 years of Tracey concluded that all promotion
pricing strategies. proof. It’s a brilliant plans are now to be created based on
The SPAR store of the future will aim to shopping missions and compiled data and
business because you’re in that all seasonal events are to be fully
revolutionise the convenience store
format in order to satisfy an increasingly it – let’s keep embracing optimised for their sales potential.
more diverse market. change!”
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C o n fe re n c e
New Stores and Relocations Update
Regional Manager Gareth James provided an update on Blakemore Retail
Coedpoeth’s successful relocation.
Gareth began his presentation by Sarah commented:
highlighting the limitations with
Coedpoeth’s original site, stating that the “We can now offer our
store was small and dated; it contained customers a new range with
old equipment and was unable to offer excellent deals and prices,
the same ranges as other stores.
with the same dedicated
In 2011, Blakemore Retail purchased a
new 3,000 sq ft site in Coedpoeth, customer service within the
previously a bakery, and in 2016 a 16 heart of the community. We
-week building process commenced. really are excited for the
Store Manager Sarah Edwards and staff future!”
regularly visited the site and provided
Facebook updates to keep the local Gareth concluded:
community involved. “Staff at Coedpoeth did a
The new store finally launched in 2017 fantastic job to keep
providing a renewed fresh food offering
to customers, as well as an extended motivation going within the
alcohol and drinks choice. team and get what we
Gareth reported that at the new deserved. We now have a
location, Coedpoeth is now making 10 sustainable new store; it has
times the profit previously made, with
just under a £40k increase in sales in
been a wonderful
period 13 16/17 vs. period 13 15/16. achievement for all
involved.”
Regional Manager Ruth Mutton informed delegates of the continued success
of last year’s flagship new-build store, Laceby Lodge.
Built on a site that had been abandoned Ruth concluded:
for 16 years, Ruth explained the
transformation the area has undergone as “Every customer comment
a result of the service station’s launch in is a positive one and they
2016. can’t believe how beautiful
Generating 40 jobs, Laceby Lodge was the the site is for a service
first of Blakemore Retail’s SPAR stores to
feature an Insomnia coffee shop as well as station. Within the store we
a Subway and Greggs offering. have an established team of
Ruth reported that sales for the store’s multi-skillers, able to assist
“Feed Me Now” selection were at 50% in customers with all their
comparison to the 18.6% Blakemore
Retail average.
needs. Laceby Lodge is a
fantastic site with a fantastic
team that will continue
shaping our future.”
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C o n fe re n c e
Community Engagement
Community Affairs Officer Liz Blakemore took to the stage to praise colleagues’ commitment to
community engagement and encourage further involvement.
Liz reported on the growth of the Connecting Branching Out with the
Blakemore Foundation over the past eight Blakemore Apprenticeships scheme, Liz from families who
years and Blakemore Retail’s role in explained her mission to encourage staff
transforming the charitable trust’s 47 to inspire children to enter the world of
historically do not work.
donations worth £3,142 in 2009 to a work and join the A.F. Blakemore Our job is to inspire them
whopping 3,675 donations worth workforce through offering a range of
£237,220 in 2017. career support programmes, including
into the world of work
Liz also talked about changes to reading partnerships, workplace insights, and hopefully inspire
Blakemore Foundation processes, employability workshops and work them to want to work for
explaining that all requests are now to be experience.
submitted through the A.F. Blakemore our business. Please get
website, to reduce the time taken to “We want to supply a involved and allow your
apply and to also reduce postage costs working role model to staff to get involved.”
and email traffic.
young people who come
NSPCC Celebrates Top Fundraising Stores
Following on from Liz, NSPCC 1st Place: Winthorpe Avenue - £5,098
Partnerships Manager Tianna Cowen 2nd Place: Bentley - £4,701
took to the stage to provide an update
on NSPCC fundraising. 3rd Place: St Fagans Road - £4,066
She announced that Blakemore Retail The award for Most Improved Store:
raised an amazing £301,268 during the Catshill - £2,951
2016/17 financial year, which has resulted Tianna said:
in a total of £2.7 million being fundraised
during the 11 years that the charitable “The Speak out. Stay Safe.
partnership has been in place. Scheme reached 85,000 children
In recognition of employee’s hard work, in 450 schools last year, all
Blakemore Retail rewarded the top three thanks to the incredible support
fundraising stores and most improved and hard work of Blakemore
store each with a trophy. Retail employees.”
Another important change reported was
the Blakemore Foundation’s new policy
to only consider In-Kind donation
requests submitted at least two weeks
prior to events. This change will make the
process much smoother and will make
sure the Foundation can meet increasing
demand.
Liz also informed delegates of the
impressive growth in community
volunteering across Blakemore Retail,
stating that in eight years the number of
volunteers involved annually has
increased from 14 to 563, subsequently
increasing the number of hours
volunteered from 141 to 4,001.
Liz introduced A.F. Blakemore’s new
education programme, Branching Out,
which seeks to equip young people with
greater employability skills and a greater Top fundraisers with Liz Blakemore, Tianna Cowen and Stuart Adkin
awareness of opportunities across the
food and drink sector.
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C o n fe re n c e
Apprenticeships
Training & Development Manager Kerry Hunt presented on the company’s response to
the government’s new Apprenticeship Levy.
Kerry expressed that we should see the Kerry explained: Blakemore Retail aims to recruit 60
Apprenticeship Levy as an opportunity to apprentices on the Retail Management
develop new talent in the business and “The apprenticeship Level 3 apprenticeship by the end of the
not a challenge. year, with opportunities being offered to
scheme will compliment those already working within the
Unlike previous apprenticeship schemes,
the new scheme allows for more A.F. Blakemore’s existing business.
flexibility and the opportunity to develop development initiatives by
the content and make it more relevant to
offering formal
learners. To be nominated by your
qualifications in retail and area manager for the
will ultimately bridge Retail Management
skills gaps, support Level 3 Scheme, you
succession plans and must:
create career paths.”
- Be store based
Kerry announced that the new
Blakemore Apprenticeships scheme, - Be working at a
which was launched in June 2017, will aim supervisory level
to recruit 130 apprentices across four
divisions. - Have a good record of
Working in partnership with training time-keeping & attendance
provider Performance Through People,
the schemes available will include Retail - Be interested in career
Management, Diploma in Management & progression
Leadership and Customer Service.
Retail Excellence
Retail Excellence Manager Dave Hammond provided an update on developments in Retail
Excellence that will continue driving the very best standards across Blakemore Retail.
Dave began his presentation by provide area and regional managers with
highlighting the goals of Retail Excellence, a tablet-based platform to promote,
which include sharing best practice across manage and audit more effectively during
independent retailers and company store visits.
owned stores, as well as the successful Looking to the future, Dave said:
implementation and execution of selling
plans.
“It’s important that we
In summer a Retail Excellence Basket
Builder project was introduced, which continue to innovate. The
included a 10 store trial to drive basket next steps will be to
spend by price matching the Co-Op.
The marketing campaign was scheduled
develop a Retail
to run for three months, and Dave Excellence Digital Hub,
reported that colleagues involved had
thrown themselves into the project with
which will potentially
passion and enthusiasm. replace SharePoint and
Another development within Retail paper printing.”
Excellence this year was the introduction
of the new dashboard, which aims to
11PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 12
Winter 2017/18
C o n fe re n c e
Blakemore Retail Rocks Out at
Gala Dinner
Following the first day of the
conference delegates enjoyed a fancy
dress themed gala dinner and
‘Rockaoke’, a live karaoke experience.
Delegates were also given the chance
to decorate cakes to celebrate
100 years of
A.F. Blakemore.
Here is a selection
of photos from the
evening:
Post Office Team Crowned Best
Fancy Dress Winners
The Post Office team were the winners of this
year’s Managers Conference fancy dress
competition with their ‘Dead Famous People’ Property & BDS
theme.
The runners up were Ian Bailes’ Area
and staff from Property & BDS.
Winners -
The Post Office
Team
Ian Bailes’ Area
12PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 13
Winter 2017/18
N ew s
Blakemore
Retail’s Glittering
Charity Ball
Raises £32,000 for
the NSPCC
Guests were greeted with a drinks
reception and then enjoyed an evening of
fundraising and entertainment from the
Harborne Academy Choir, the
Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society
and energetic party band Phat Beats.
Fundraisers included a chocolate bar
raffle, live raffle plus silent and live
auctions. The event saw guests bid on
some incredible prizes, including a five-
night stay for two at one of the Small
Luxury Hotels of the World, dinner for
four at the Oblix, London, and a signed
Manchester United shirt from the
2013/14 first team.
NSPCC Director of National Services
Guest speaker celebrity TV chef Marcus Bean
Peter Watt said: “The Blakemore Retail
Ball was the perfect way for us to come
together to celebrate a fantastic
Blakemore Retail partnership that in 11 years has raised
more than two million pounds for the
“Our Charity Ball has
really helped us to
raised £32,000 for NSPCC.”
celebrate this
“The unfaltering support of Blakemore
the NSPCC in Retail employees over the last decade has
helped us to safeguard many children
achievement and give
special thanks to those
April at its second from abuse and neglect across the UK, in
particular through our Speak Out. Stay that have made it
Charity Ball. Safe. programme which we are now
aiming to deliver to every primary school possible! Thank you to
in the country.” everyone involved.”
A.F. Blakemore Joint Managing Director
The event was held at Birmingham’s Town Geoff Hallam commented: “Since our
Hall on 28th April to celebrate the inaugural event last year we have
fantastic fundraising that takes place continued to raise a fantastic amount of
across the Blakemore Retail estate each money for this wonderful charity.
year. “Our colleagues continue to astound me
More than 200 guests including suppliers with their innovative ideas for fundraising
and staff attended the event, which was and I am immensely proud of their
hosted by TV chef, author and presenter efforts.
Marcus Bean.
13PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 14
Winter 2017/18
N ew s
New Store Launches in Aldridge
Blakemore Retail has
opened a brand new
SPAR convenience store
in Aldridge, Walsall.
Situated on Northgate Road, the 2,580 sq
ft store opened its doors on Friday 30th
June on the site of a former pub.
Featuring a state-of-the-art dailyDeli
foodservice counter, the SPAR sells food
for all occasions throughout the day.
In the morning this includes full English
breakfasts, hot triple-decker sandwiches
and toasties.
At lunchtime customers can choose from
a range of freshly prepared sandwiches,
subs, flatbreads, salads, toasties, flame- The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Marco Longhi (centre left), and A.F. Blakemore Chairman Peter Blakemore
(centre right) officially open the store
grilled burgers and jacket potatoes. Hot
meals including chilli con carne, chicken
curry, cottage pie, lasagne, steak and ale As part of its commitment to serving the The SPAR was officially launched by the
pie, and even roast dinners are also local community, Blakemore Retail has Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Marco
available. installed a lifesaving defibrillator outside Longhi, who cut the ribbon on the
The Aldridge store is one of the first the new store, ready for any future local opening day. The store also celebrated by
across Blakemore Retail to feature digital emergency. giving out free food samples and goodie
menu boards and also one of the first to bags to its first 200 customers.
feature a dailyDeli fresh cakes and
pastries counter.
Regional Manager Gareth James
commented: “This is a fantastic new store
designed especially to optimise
customers’ shopping missions for ‘food
for now’ and ‘food for later’.
“Situated on a busy main road within a
residential and industrial area, our
convenience and dailyDeli food-to-go
offer is perfectly placed to attract nearby
residents, local workers and commuters.”
Aldridge’s extensive food-to-go offering is
also complemented by a self-service
Costa Coffee machine with an ultra-
modern digital touch screen.
14PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 15
Winter 2017/18
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Blakemore Retail Future Leaders
Programme
The first Future Leaders Programme has concluded after two years of success.
The Future Leaders programme was
originally established in 2015, with the
two year course aiming to equip
delegates with improved operational and
behavioural skills and capabilities as well
as a wider knowledge of Blakemore
Retail.
The group of Future Leaders was formed
in March 2015 after a robust recruitment
process. At that time, the five members
were all area managers.
The two year programme concluded in
March this year with the group spending
time at SPAR Central Office in Harrow,
London, where they delivered
presentations to their peers and
colleagues including SPAR UK’s Managing
Director Debbie Robinson.
During the programme, two members of
the group, Ruth Mutton and Gareth
The Future Leaders group, second left to right: Paul Wiltshire, Mark Paddison, Gareth James, Ruth Mutton and
James, were promoted to regional Carolyne Barker, pictured with Chris Bacon, Stuart Adkin, Debbie Robinson and Kerry Hunt
manager. Since the programme’s close,
group member Paul Wiltshire has also been the introduction of a new customer outcome of the group, has really shown
been promoted to regional manager. feedback process that has provided an Blakemore Retail at its best.
The programme has involved regular efficient, highly cost effective way to gain “I would like to thank all who helped
meetings with mentors Blakemore Retail valuable customer insight. make the programme a success and I look
Managing Director Stuart Adkin, Store Stuart commented: “I was really forward to rolling out the next stage.”
Operations Director Chris Bacon and impressed by the commitment and hard Kerry added: “Applications have now
Training & Development Manager Kerry work of the people on the group. been processed for the second Future
Hunt, as well as work on key projects
“I believe that thinking outside the box Leaders Programme which commenced
both individually and in groups.
and identifying the need for a programme earlier this year.”
One of the key outputs of the group has of this type, as well as the successful
New Retail Apprenticeship Programme
June saw the launch of the first ever Blakemore Retail
Apprenticeship Programme.
The Retail Management Apprenticeship throughout the year with the aim of “The day proved to be very successful
Level 3 Programme is aimed at those recruiting 60 Level 3 apprentices by and we look forward to the new
already working in store-based roles at a November 2017. partnership with PTP and to developing
supervisory level and is set to develop store managers of the future.”
Training Manger Anita Goodwin, who
store managers for the future.
coordinated the first recruitment day Training & Development Manager Kerry
Apprentices are being recruited and along with Karen Bowman from PTP, Hunt added: “Once we have the Level 3
managed jointly between Blakemore commented: “Feedback from the day programme up and running, we intend to
Retail Training and the training provider suggests that all who attended enjoyed develop a Team Leader Level 2
Performance Through People (PTP). The the experience. Programme to be introduced in the
first apprenticeship recruitment day took spring of 2018.
“Through group and individual exercises
place in the east region and resulted in 10
we were able to identify behaviours and “This will be aimed at those currently
successful apprentices being selected for
qualities that make a leader as well as working as customer service assistants
the programme.
observe how people interacted with each who have aspirations of getting into
Blakemore Retail Training is running more other. management.”
recruitment days across the company
15PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:26 Page 16
Winter 2017/18
N ew s
Kirsty from St Dials
Scoops National Award
Store Supervisor Kirsty Rhodes from St Dials in Cwmbran, Wales, has won a
national award for her commitment to her work.
Kirsty was awarded the prestigious title “On top of this, she also undertakes a
of overall Sales Assistant of the Year 2017 prodigious amount of charity fundraising
at the glamourous awards ceremony activity for the benefit of local and
hosted by Convenience Store magazine. national causes.”
The awards, which took place on 7th St Dials Store Manager James Bishop
November at the Dorchester Hotel on commented on Kirsty’s service to the
Park Lane, London, reward sales business:
assistants who go above and beyond for “Kirsty is directly responsible for our
their stores, customers and communities. store’s strong sales and minimal wastage
In October, Kirsty was named the winner statistics.
of the multiple store category and invited “Her steadfast approach ensures that
to the ceremony to receive her award store and company procedures are
and a £500 cash prize. reliably followed, presenting an organised
At the event Kirsty was in addition and pleasurable shopping experience to
crowned overall Sales Assistant of the our customers.
Year and picked up a further £500. “She recognises that presentation is at
The judges commended Kirsty for the core of our business, and under her
demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of supervision the store is always pristinely
how the business works and a genuine Store Supervisor Kirsty Rhodes from clean and bright.
passion for building the store’s profit, as St Dials picked up the award for
“Her fair and firm approach enables her
well as an extensive list of charity work overall Sales Assistant of the Year 2017
to promote upselling initiatives and sales
including a marathon and sky-dive. promotions. Kirsty has made numerous
On winning the award, Kirsty said: “It drive incremental sales and across the innovative sales promotion suggestions,
hasn’t quite sunk in yet, I still feel like it’s Blakemore Retail store estate as a whole. which have all been implemented.”
due to go to someone else!
“I filled out the application form, then had
the judging visit, then I stayed in the
Grosvenor Hotel and had lunch at The
Blakemore Retail Invests in Life-saving
Dorchester! It’s fantastic and certainly Defibrillators
something I don’t usually get to
Blakemore Retail is helping to 250 people die from sudden cardiac
experience in my normal life.”
save lives by installing arrest in the UK each day; that is about
Convenience Store Magazine Editor 90,000 per year. Survival rates as high as
automated external
David Rees said: 75% have been achieved when a
defibrillators (AEDs) at stores
defibrillator is nearby and promptly
across its estate.
deployed.
Five automated external defibrillators
“All of our four category have so far been installed at Warboys,
Blakemore Retail has a further five units
to donate to the local communities it
winners were outstanding Aldridge, Upton, Lawnswood and South
serves and a number of stores are
Woodham Ferrers, with another recently
in their own right, but donated to Thorngumbald.
currently in the process of fundraising to
have one installed.
Kirsty is a very worthy An automated external defibrillator
all-round champion. (AED) is a portable device that checks
heart rhythm and can send a high-energy
electric shock to the heart to try to
restore the normal rhythm of someone
“As well as maintaining impeccable store who is in cardiac arrest.
standards and a friendly demeanour at all At each of the five sites, the defibrillators
times, she also demonstrates a great are located on the store wall in lockable
understanding of business and retail boxes. In the case of an emergency, the
operations, with a number of her original code for the box can be retrieved by
ideas being adopted both in the store to calling 999.
16PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:37 Page 17
Winter 2017/18
N ew s
Blakemore Retail Pigeon
Auction Raises
Trials Deliveroo over £3,200 for
NSPCC
Darren Hunt from Wordsley
held an online pigeon
auction in aid of the NSPCC
and raised £3,215.
Blakemore Retail has partnered up with delivery company
Deliveroo to convey products, hassle free, straight to the
consumer’s doorstep.
The service has been trialling at the “We’re very excited to be Darren and his dad Ray raised £3,215
stores Brindley Place, Coleham, Olton, for the NSPCC
Upton, Welland Road and Westbridge
working with Deliveroo on
since July. this project. Online Darren, a keen pigeon flyer, encouraged
Consumers order online through ordering is becoming his friends and dad Ray Hunt to donate
Deliveroo and the driver collects the commonplace for many pigeons for an online auction on
product from the store then delivers it consumers, who are Facebook.
straight to the customer. The auction ran over seven days and
prepared to pay a premium
Available through the service is a range of included 43 lots from 41 different pigeon
for the service. fanciers, with the highest lot raising £400.
off-licence products, including wine,
beers, spirits and soft drinks, along with a “The process is quite Darren explained further: “Pigeon flying is
selection of snacks and confectionery. a big passion of mine and I’ve been
straightforward from an
Deliveroo has proved most popular so far involved with it for seven years now. A
operations point of view few of us meet from different clubs on
at Brindley Place, where the store is
processing up to 25 orders per week. and we believe that various occasions, and I saw an
partnering with Deliveroo opportunity for us to raise a good
From next year, Blakemore Retail plans to amount of money for the NSPCC.
roll out Deliveroo to another 16 stores. during the early stages has
“It’s a family tradition so it was great to
Operations Support & Marketing given us a competitive be involved in something like this with my
Manager Sarah Deakin commented: advantage.” dad. The auction was a huge success and
we raised a remarkable £3,215 for the
NSPCC. I definitely have plans to do it
again next year!”
Area Manager Mark Bostock commented:
“I am so proud of Darren
and thankful to all involved
in raising such a fantastic
amount of money for such
a wonderful charity.”
Products available for delivery through Deliveroo
17PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:37 Page 18
Winter 2017/18
S t o re s i n Fo c u s
Stores in Focus
Blakemore Retail Invests in SPAR Estate
Throughout 2017, Blakemore Retail welcomed six new stores to its SPAR
Estate, including the brand new build at Aldridge, and invested in current store
developments across the country.
Blacon, Chester Carlton, Chester Vicars Cross, Chester
Opened: August 2017 Opened: August 2017 Opened: August 2017
NEW STORE NEW STORE NEW STORE
Queensferry, Deeside Haddenham, Cambridgeshire Warboys, Cambridgeshire
Opened: August 2017 Opened: August 2017 Relocated and relaunched: June 2017
New features: Bigger and better range and
NEW STORE NEW STORE the addition of a post office
Several stores across
Blakemore Retail were
also given refits to update
store formats and
reinvigorate daily
offerings:
Elton, Chester Upton, Chester
Relaunched: April 2017 Relaunched: July 2017
New features: Greggs New features: Greggs
18PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:37 Page 19
Winter 2017/18
S t o re s i n Fo c u s
Lydd, Lydd Clifton Green, York Reepham, Norfolk
Relaunched: July 2017 Relaunched: August 2017 Relaunched: August 2017
New features: Enhanced chilled range New features: Bargain Bites New features: Increased chilled range
Kings Langley, Hertfordshire Lawnswood, Stourbridge Glascote Heath, Tamworth
Relaunched: September 2017 Relaunched: October 2017 Relaunched: October 2017
New features: Increased chilled range New features: Extended fresh range and New features: dailyDeli
‘gourmade’ ready meals
South Woodham Ferrers, Essex Worthing, Sussex Docking, Norfolk
Relaunched: October 2017 Relaunched: November 2017 Relaunched: November 2017
New features: Greggs New features: Full range of chilled wine and New features: Enhanced chilled range, fresh
beers and extended dairy range produce unit and bakery stand
The following stores also
received wash and brush ups
to improve the look of the
stores: Chirk, Brewood,
Penistone, Kings Lynn,
Llangollen and St Neots.
Raunds, Northamptonshire Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire
Relaunched: November 2017 Relaunched: December 2017
New features: Greggs and enhanced chilled New features: dailyDeli, increased chilled
range range, local butcher section
19PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:37 Page 20
Winter 2017/18
N ew s
Brumby Corner Wins Post BHSF Voucher
Office Multiple Retailer of Giveaway
the Year Award The company’s current
health plan provider, BHSF,
Blakemore Retail’s Brumby Corner Post Office has won carried out a prize draw
earlier in the year for all
the Retail Sales Awards’ new category award for Multiple health cash plan members.
Post Office Retailer of the Year. Up for grabs were 1st, 2nd
The annual Post Office Retail Sales “Additionally, our customers now have and 3rd place prizes of £100,
Awards recognise the achievements of the convenience of using the Post Office £50 and £20 high street
Post Office retailers across the franchise service to fit in with their busy lifestyles
and this year brought together 170 of the given that the combi-till is open outside
vouchers.
business’ top performers to celebrate of traditional Post Office opening times.” Congratulations to the
their successes. Post Office Controller Stewert Waldron winners:
Brumby Corner picked up the award at commented: “I’m thrilled that staff at
the Retail Sales Awards ceremony on Brumby Corner Post Office have been
10th June. Nine other branches were recognised for their hard work and
shortlisted for the title and all were passion.
visited by judges to determine the final
six.
The award, which for the first time "Post Office Manager
recognised retailers whose store includes Jane and Store Manager
a Post Office outlet, celebrates retailers
who are able to leverage the strengths of Joan Padley have worked
both store and post office to make a closely together to raise
success of the overall business.
Brumby Corner is a Mains Post Office standards and exceed
comprising a two-position dedicated customers’ expectations
counter and an open-plan combi-till
located at the retail counter. to provide the best of
Post Office Manager Jane Hewson convenience and Post
explained the branch’s success: “All staff
at the office have an excellent rapport
Office services to satisfy
with customers, many of which use the the needs of busy 2nd place: Laura Reagan – Hoo -£50
Brumby Corner store rather than ones
closer to them because of the service
shoppers.”
they receive.
3rd place: Josephine Johnson – Fairfield - £20
Left to right: Post Office Manager Jane Hewson, Post Office Controller Stewert Waldron and Post Office
Supervisor Ziggy Hudson collecting the award for Post Office of the Year
20PR4203 B_Retail Magazine It’s Your News 2017 V2017.qxp_A4 13/12/2017 13:37 Page 21
Winter 2017/18
Po s t O f f i c e
Post Office Network
Transformation Reaches Completion
However, the services available vary with
Blakemore Retail’s each bank and this makes it difficult for
Post Office Post Office Limited to market the service
and ultimately confuses customers.
network Although the framework was set to
establish a single set of consistent
transformation services right across the UK to
streamline processes, remove manual
programme comes transactions and paper and allow Post
to an end. The Mains Post Office format at Brumby Corner
Office Limited to market it properly,
there is still some way to go before it is
Blakemore Retail’s estate of post offices is fully achieved.
now fully trading in either a Mains or
As the number of bank closures
Local format. Porthcawl, staff are now able to arrange
continues to grow, Blakemore Retail has
At the end of the 2016/17 financial year appointments for mortgages whereby
already seen an increase in the number of
Blakemore Retail’s post office estate customers can see a specialist advisor
companies wanting to do business as well
totalled 98 branches – 44 Mains and 54 from Post Office Limited – this has
as growth in the number of personal cash
Locals. During this year Blakemore Retail massive cross selling opportunities too
withdrawals.
opened a further 16 Locals and two and could take financial service sales to a
Mains branches. new level.
Given the success to date, Blakemore
The start of the new financial year saw
the addition of a new Mains branch at Retail has nominated another five Mains Key Post Office
Warboys and a new Local at Manchester branches to be enrolled onto the
Airport in Terminal 1. This opening programme. Statistics
created a new milestone for Blakemore Post Office – Key Areas of Focus
Retail as it took the total number of in- During the summer, Blakemore Retail’s
A recent report showed how
store post offices to 99! focus was on travel money and in consumers use and value post
Although there will be no further particular the sales of the new Post offices and their services
government funding, Post Office Limited Office Multi Currency Card (MCC). This today:
will be looking to offer Blakemore Retail is a particularly important area as it looks
further ‘whitespace’ opportunities where to ‘lock in’ customers to the Blakemore
• Half of consumers (49%)
they feel there is inadequate coverage for Retail brand and future sales. say that a Post Office
post office services. Decisions on branch is one of the most
whether to pursue these branches will be important services in their
made on a case by case basis. local community.
What plans do we have for financial • 1 in 5 people use Post
services?
Office for their banking
In 2016/17, financial services continued to
grow slowly across a wide range of
services (1 in 4 in rural
products. areas).
The Post Office launched the new card in
Blakemore Retail placed four members of March 2017 and sold over 100,000 cards
• 93% of small businesses use
staff from four Mains branches on the in three months – their nearest the Post Office – most
Post Office’s Customer Relationship competitor took a year to sell 70,000! visiting us once a month or
programme to equip them with the skills
to drive financial service sales to the next What is the Banking Framework more.
level. It is therefore no surprise that these and how can it help Blakemore • Almost 9 in 10 consumers
branches are leading the way on sales Retail? say they expect to be using
within the business. The four Mains Post Office Limited continues to enjoy a Post Offices just as much
branches were issued with a tablet earlier very successful relationship with UK
in the year, which they can use when
or even more in two years’
banks to enable their customers to
dealing with customers applying online complete a range of transaction services time – that goes for 16-30
for Post Office products. This is a much in branches. Because of this 99% of UK year olds as well as older
more professional and efficient way of personal current account holders can generations.
doing business. At one of the branches, access services in branches.
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