PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:42 Page 1

February 2012

Management pecial Conference S

The Newspaper for Employees of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd.

To grow a family business AFB Hosts Historic in ways that are profitable Integration and sustainable for the benefit of our staff, Leads to Further customers and community. Management Name Changes

Three divisions of the “Blakemore Retail Conference enlarged A.F. Blakemore combines two companies group of companies are to with a great heritage. We The ongoing integration process with Capper & Co and the role that this be rebranded as part of have an exciting future the integration process ahead of us and with our will play in generating sustainable growth were the key topics discussed with Capper & Co. first class management team and support staff we The Tates & Waynes at this year’s A.F. Blakemore Management Conference. make one great company. division of A.F. Blakemore The conference represented “We have a wonderful operation to create “best in Haigh, who presented his & Son Ltd has been "Our job for the future is an historic moment for A.F. opportunity with Capper & Co sector service”. vision for the future of retail rebranded as Blakemore to continue with the Retail following the integration to ensure that Blakemore with almost 300 and massive benefits are A.F. Blakemore’s support for development. merger of the two stores Blakemore Retail really is managers from across A.F. already being achieved as a small regional producers Peter Blakemore thanked his Blakemore and Capper & Co result of the merger.” groups in March 2011. the best of both through its Heart Distribution management team for their businesses.” joining together at the The benefits of integration operation was a focus of a hard work during a year of In addition Complete National Motorcycle Museum were seen most clearly in the presentation from Commercial massive change and Shopfitting Ltd has been Changes on November 24th. presentations from the Manager Caoire Blakemore concluded by highlighting the renamed Blakemore Managers were presented respective Retail and Trade and the company’s award strong values that underpin Design & Shopfitting, Geoff announced the with figures that showed that Partners Managing Directors, winning community the company’s success and the while the company’s changes for CSL and group turnover is anticipated Geoff Hallam and Dennis engagement programme was role that they will continue to property division, Glade Glade Garland at the A.F. to hit £1.175billion by the end Evans, who discussed the highlighted by Corporate play in developing the Garland, will now be Blakemore Management of the current financial year, strong performance of their Affairs Manager, Paul Cowley. company in the years ahead. known as Blakemore Conference. which reflects a near doubling divisions during the current There was also a debut Property Ltd. Geoff said: “Following an of sales since 2007. financial year. BELOW: conference appearance from The changes have also extensive review and Managers networking at this restructuring of Complete The sales growth is anticipated The ongoing investment in newly appointed Property year’s A.F. Blakemore seen Mark Titley named as to continue over the next four Blakemore’s Wholesale Development Director, Alastair Management Conference Property Director, with Shopfitting Limited and years and is predicted to Distribution, Food Service and Alastair Haigh appointed the Property increase company profits by Fresh Foods divisions was also Property Development Development Department 66% from the 2011 to 2015 highlighted by Wholesale Director. and Estates departments financial years. Managing Director, Sam of both Capper & Co and Retail Blakemore’s, I am very Growth Wilcox and held up as another example of the company’s pleased to announce The Blakemore Retail Group Managing Director, desire to build solid these changes. name was unveiled at an Peter Blakemore, provided a foundations for the future. inaugural conference held “The property division keynote address to delegates Integration was a central at the Hilton Birmingham Glade Garland Ltd is to be and explained that once the theme of a presentation from Metropole on November renamed Blakemore Capper integration process is A.F. Blakemore’s Company 30th, which saw managers Property Limited and will complete the company will be Secretary and Capper & Co from both the Tates and combine both the Estates in a strong position to grow Managing Director, Robert Waynes retail groups in and Acquisitions function sales, profitability and market Upton. attendance. of the current property share further. department. Values Peter said: “Two years ago we The unified group comprises 328 stores, 60 “Mark Titley has been were at full capacity across our Robert outlined the history of appointed Property Wholesale Distribution, Food the Capper family business post offices and 195 food- to-go departments and Director and Alastair Service and Fresh Foods and the shared values and Haigh has been appointed depots and were experiencing culture of the two expects to record a turnover in excess of Property Development slow growth across our stores organisations. Director, both reporting group. £460million during the Blakemore Logistics Managing current financial year. to myself. “However we now have no Director, Barry Davies, “Complete Shopfitting Tates was originally constraints on growth in any discussed the increased Limited will be renamed founded in 1898 in part of our business and have efficiencies and environmental Blakemore Design & Grimsby by J.H. Tate and the capacity to better service initiatives launched across the Shopfitting, with Alastair acquired by A.F. our customers and grow our division and looked ahead to Haigh taking over day-to- Blakemore from Kwik Save sales. integrating with the Capper day responsibility and Bill in 1986. Tomlinson remaining as The Waynes stores group Finance Director. was formed in 1963 when “I am sure you will join me Capper & Co acquired a in wishing Mark and large store owned by Alastair every success in retailers Fred Wayne and their new roles.” his brothers in Swansea. For all the news relating to Commenting on the the inaugural Blakemore rebranding of the two Retail Management divisions, Blakemore Retail Conference see the first ever Managing Director Geoff edition of the new Hallam said: Blakemore Retail staff magazine - coming soon! PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:42 Page 2 Peter Points to Future Success Peter Blakemore explained that despite the tough trading conditions, the company had invested for the future and said that there were now “no constraints on growth in any part of the business”.

The Group Managing Director Peter then went on to review “To address these issues we “This states that it is our plan opened and closed this year’s the past 18 months and have invested heavily across all to achieve sales of between £2 A.F. Blakemore Joint discussed the many difficulties parts of the company and now billion and £3 billion by 2020. Management Conference and faced by the company during have a wonderful opportunity We are already well on our began by presenting the key the tough trading for sales and profit growth.” way and are projected to activity to have taken place environment. Peter highlighted the fact that achieve sales of £1,175m in since July 2010, when the He said: “The economy and these investments had 2012. managers last met. trade hasn’t improved, there removed any constraints on “We are making great In 2010/11 the company have been spending cuts at a future growth and said that progress and our capacity for achieved a 6.7% growth in national level, competition has “there is now a great future growth will enable us to profits and Peter thanked and continued to increase and opportunity to increase our service our customers and congratulated everyone for customers have been careful group profits and experience grow our sales further.” achieving such a great result with their cash. massive benefits from the Peter then concluded by during a year of massive merger of the Blakemore and pointing to the four key areas change. “However we have had a good Capper operations.” that the company will need to The most important event to year despite the poor trading focus upon if it is to reach its have taken place across the conditions and the fixed costs During the afternoon session, full potential. company was the acquisition that have been incurred due to Peter went on to look ahead to and merger with Capper & Co the massive investment that the future and stressed the He said: “We need to and Peter welcomed the we have undertaken across the important role that the consolidate with Capper & Co, Capper management team to business. company values, verbalised in restore our profits in the new the enlarged group. “Two years ago we were at full the Blakemore Way, will play in wholesale depots and improve securing future success. He added: “This is now capacity within Wholesale our overall performance and without doubt the largest and Distribution, Food Service and Peter said: “Our strategic profitability. most powerful management Fresh Foods while our SPAR business plans were developed “If we can achieve these things team that we have gathered operation was experiencing in 2007, when the board of then we will generate the together at any point in the slow growth or in some places directors outlined the financial resources to grow company’s history.” a small sales decline. company’s 20:20 Vision. further in the future.” Robert Provides a Capper & Co Ltd - History Lesson A Potted History

Capper & Co Managing Director, Robert Upton, informed 1901: Company founded William James delegates of the rich history of the South Wales-based by William James Capper Capper company during his presentation. 1903: First depot opened at Corn Street A.F. Blakemore’s new Highlights included the SPAR “The A.F. Blakemore and 1919: First lorry acquired Company Secretary spoke of Brand Champions promotion, Capper merger is an excellent the strong values that have active selling and produce fit both culturally and 1937: William Capper dies The Corn Street depot underpinned the Capper workshops for stores, the commercially and the and John Capper takes success story and drew chilled co-investment scheme integration process is over as Managing Director parallels with the Blakemore and overseas conferences. proceeding according to plan. Way. 1955: New depot at Robert added that there were Robert gave a potted history Corporation Road opened points of difference between “This will be of the company from its Capper and AFB, particularly 1956: Capper form part of origins back in 1901, when the achieved in relation to the diversity of company was founded by a group of companies that the Blakemore Group, which through William James Capper. bring SPAR to the UK also includes wholesale and identifying and Robert described William food service operations. 1968: John Capper dies Capper as a man renowned for implementing suddenly and Bill Capper kindness to staff and someone However Robert ended his the ‘best of the becomes Managing with a justified reputation for presentation by pointing to honesty and integrity. the positive future that both best’ that our Director, aged 26 He then went on to stress the A.F. Blakemore and Capper & organisations 1977: Company moves to many innovations that Capper Co will share as a result of Talbot Green depot & Co has introduced adopting a “best of the best” have to offer,” John Capper throughout its history. approach to integration. he said. 1987: VG Franchise acquired 1993: Watson & Phillip acquired along with new distribution depot in Early store launch Hastings 2005: Robert Upton becomes new Managing Director 2008: Bill Capper awarded CBE 2011: Company acquired by A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd

Capper & Co facts at time of acquisition: Fred Wayne at his Turnover: £280 million family store in Uplands, Swansea Employees: 2,400 (more than 2,000 in own stores)

Customers: 416 (116 own The Hastings distribution depot, stores, 300 independents) East Sussex

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Blakemore’s Bids Farewell New to Two Familiar Faces Directors Employees from across Blakemore’s gathered at the farewell presentations of Dennis Evans and Lee Coleyshaw to thank them for their contribution to the company and wish them luck for the future. Appointed Following six successful years Group Finance and IT Director, as Blakemore Trade Partners Lee Coleyshaw, spent eleven The company has made two Managing Director, Dennis years working for Blakemore’s, Evans retired in December, having been promoted to his senior appointments within having overseen the most recent position in 2006. the Group Finance and I.T. development of A.F. He made a major contribution Blakemore’s SPAR independent to the growth of the business Departments following the business and the company’s during his time at the merger with Capper & Co. company, and in particular departure of Lee Coleyshaw. Dennis plans to spend his played a very active role in retirement helping to develop ensuring the smooth running the successful Costa Coffee of the recent acquisition of franchise that he and his wife Capper & Co. both own in Scotland. Lee said: “It’s been a privilege In his parting speech Dennis to work for Blakemore’s. I’m remarked: very grateful for the development opportunities “I’ve spent 40 years I’ve been given and also the support I’ve received from in retail and have Peter and my team. Dennis Evans at his retirement presentation with Peter Blakemore enjoyed every “I wish the company all the best. The merger with Capper minute of it. has certainly put the business in great stead.” “I’m very grateful Concluding the farewell speeches, Group Managing for my time at Roy Kidd Director, Peter Blakemore, Blakemore’s. I’ve addressed Dennis and Lee to thank them: Roy Kidd has been appointed Roy will be supported by met some fantastic Group I.T. Director, with Capper & Co I.T. Director, “On behalf of the company overall responsibility for all Simon Wiltshire, who will people and have thank you very much for aspects of I.T. throughout the have particular responsibility had such good fun everything you have done in organisation, while Scott for the integration and your time here. I wish you Munro-Morris has been development of the whilst I’ve been every success. promoted to the new Blakemore and Capper “Both of you have played an position of Chief Financial systems. here. Officer. enormous role in the Peter Blakemore said: acquisition of Capper and “Peter has been a have made a huge “There is a great opportunity and a big great boss and has contribution to the growth and development of the task to integrate and harmonise I.T. so taught me a lot.” company.” Peter Blakemore bids farewell to Lee that we operate one common system. Coleyshaw “I.T. is a vital area for the business and we expect the integrated management team to continue to operate from both Lee Goes Willenhall and Talbot Green. “We intend to continue developing I.T. Through the across the whole Group to give us competitive advantage by employing Numbers world class systems.” Delegates were given a financial overview of A.F. Blakemore’s acquisition of Capper & Co along with a four year profit forecast from Lee Coleyshaw. The Group Finance and IT Lee said that the Director gave details of the Capper acquisition and company was on explained how this was course to record a funded and the associated banking covenants. profit of £10.8 Lee said that the company is in million by the end of a solid financial position and is well placed to meet the the current financial demands of the two banks that have helped fund the year and predicated Scott Munro-Morris acquisition. that conservative He said: “The business is performing well and most estimates suggest Scott Munro-Morris has been Peter added: “Scott has six divisions are performing above that this will reach promoted from his role as years’ experience as Capper budget. Those that are not are Capper Financial Director to FD and has more than dealing with additional fixed £15.7 million by the be the new Chief Financial demonstrated he will be a costs that will ultimately great success managing the end of the 2014/15 Officer for the group, based support the future growth of wider group finance The historic signing of the A.F. Blakemore in Willenhall. the whole group.” financial year. acquisition of Capper & Co. function.” 3 PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:43 Page 4 Introducing Dennis Jerry Marwood Leaves on a Jerry Marwood took over the reigns as Blakemore Trade Partners High Note Managing Director in January, following the retirement of Blakemore Trade Partners Dennis Evans. Managing Director, Dennis Evans, We spoke to Jerry and invited him to discuss his background and outline his plans for the future. presented a positive outlook for the division at this year’s Management Conference, which took place just four weeks before his retirement.

TESCO matching PRICE Tesco prices MATCH on selected everyday products

Dennis said that the division The Tesco Price Match scheme had recorded an exceptional was launched in November 2010/11, having beaten and promotes a strong value budget by 12%, and that all message to customers by indicators showed that growth matching SPAR prices with would continue in 2012. Tesco Express on selected The Trade Partners division, everyday products. previously know as SPAR Dennis said that overall these Distribution, was formed in initiatives represent a £3.8m September 2011 following the investment in the company’s merger of the sales, trading independent SPAR retail and marketing teams of A.F. estate. Blakemore and Capper. The division’s strategy for the Dennis presented the new future was then outlined, trading, sales, marketing and which included the alignment When the replacement “Yes SPAR has continued to with stores directly,” he “We have some great stores development structures for the of the wholesale pricing for outgoing Trade grow, remained profitable and added. and we need to work with division and described how between AFB and Capper, Partners Managing introduced a wide range of There is no doubt that the them to grow sales and attract these teams would support developments in the Director, Dennis Evans, great initiatives over the past economic climate serves as a even more stores to the group. the newly created Meridian & company’s food-to-go offer, a was announced last decade; however this was the grey cloud across all business To do this we need to continue Welsh Guild of retailers new store recruitment November, the name of result of a partnership activity at the current time, our focus upon delivering the moving forward. drive, new EUROSPAR his replacement was one between numerous people yet Jerry remains confident right products at the right A central element of this developments, increased familiar to many. across the organisation.” that SPAR will continue to price and ensure that we stay support is the groundbreaking utilisation of the internet and the launch of a Retail Partners Jerry Marwood served as the When asked about the key shine, despite the doom and ahead of the competition.” Retail Partners Scheme and Plus Scheme. Managing Director of SPAR UK attraction of joining A.F. gloom. From the outset it is clear that ongoing improvements in for 10 years and is known Blakemore, the future Jerry said: “The economic Jerry believes that he has the relation to supplier Dennis summarised: “We had negotiations, which have a record year for profits last throughout the industry as ambitions of the company conditions mean that it is hard team and support around him achieved benefits of £5.7m. year and look set to achieve an one of the leading minds in were clearly a major factor. out there and there is no room to help deliver on these goals: even better 2012. the convenience retail sector. “Obviously I was privileged for complacency. However we “The one thing that has really Dennis said: “The Retail Partners Scheme is a reward “Integration is nearly The new Managing Director enough to work with people have a very solid platform for stood out for me is how scheme for retailers that are complete and we have a clear has spent all of his professional across A.F. Blakemore and future growth. welcoming and enthusiastic loyal, comply with our strategy for the future with life in retail; after leaving Capper for a number of years everybody I have met has “The convenience market is planograms and marketing great teams in place to deliver prior to joining the company been. There is a strong desire school he worked in numerous still relatively new and is yet to programme and agree to it.” roles across the Gateway and and have a good plateau. Convenience has out- across the business to improve deliver efficiencies. The outgoing MD left on an later Somerfield group before understanding of how the performed the overall food and grow and it is my goal to “There are numerous emotional note by thanking joining SPAR UK as Retail business operates. help ensure that this business market by two-to-one over the advantages for retailers who his loyal team for all their hard Director in 1996. Ambition succeeds in reaching its past six-to-seven years and this participate in the scheme work over the past six years ambition of being the best.” In 1999 Jerry began a three “There is clearly a strong looks set to continue. including no surcharges, and looked ahead to spending year stint as Managing ambition across A.F. cheaper prices, rebates on more time with his wife and Director of Newshops, which Blakemore to grow and purchases and marketing and son in the future. comprised around 100 become the best business of Tesco Price Match support.” convenience stores based in its kind in the country. This We also asked Jerry a few brief questions about himself: Bristol and the surrounding vision for the future provides a Background: Jerry originates from and has spent much of area, before returning to SPAR really compelling reason for his life living in Somerset. UK as Managing Director in wanting to work in this Age: 53 2002. particular organisation,” he Family: Married to Kate and has a six-year-old son George. While Jerry had a happy and added. successful decade with SPAR And how does the role as MD Hobbies and interests: Jerry says that virtually all his spare UK, he explains that he was for SPAR UK differ from the time is spent with his family, although he is a keen music ready for a fresh challenge and role as MD for a regional and sports fan. is looking forward to distribution centre? Football team: Jerry is a Bristol City supporter. I always developing Blakemore Trade “My previous position was believe that you should support your local team, he says. Partners and the retail stores essentially a supporting role that it serves. for hundreds of individual Music: A big music fan with a collection of thousands of Jerry said: “Looking back at my businesses across the country CDs - although Jerry has recently discovered the delights of period at SPAR UK it is difficult and in that respect the jobs are the Napster web based music service. Jerry says that the to pick out individual similar. last two gigs that he attended were Laura Marling and successes as the nature of the “However my new position Glenn Campbell but his favourite concert of the past couple business is based around with Blakemore Trade Partners of years was Van Morrison performing Astral Weeks at the collaboration between SPAR is much more of a hands-on Royal Albert Hall. UK, the regional distribution opportunity and means that I centres and the stores can be more involved in EUROSPAR store at Milford Haven themselves. taking action and working 4 PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:43 Page 5

Geoff Presents a Bright Geoff and Alastair Future for Retail Present New Vision The newly created Blakemore Retail division has performed well despite difficult trading conditions and is in a solid position for A vision for the future of the re-branded Blakemore Property future growth. and Blakemore Design & Shopfitting divisions was presented That was the message from While sales for the 2010/11 were also performing above at the AFB Management Conference. Blakemore Retail Managing financial year were slightly budget by period six of the Geoff Hallam, who is now were presented before Geoff “There is no sales team within Director, Geoff Hallam, at the below budget, net profit current financial year. Managing Director of the two handed over to Alastair to the new structure, but an 2011 A.F. Blakemore exceeded expectations. Geoff went on to provide an divisions, introduced the present the future for the increased emphasis upon the Management Conference. Geoff said that increased integration update and afternoon session with the Blakemore Design & business development team, Geoff said that the enlarged promotional activity, a strong presented new board and announcement that the Shopfitting division, formerly who will focus upon working retail group, which joins Easter period and well senior management structures company’s property division, known as Complete in partnership with customers. together the Tates and Waynes managed wage budgets all across the enlarged divisions. Glade Garland, has now been Shopfitting Ltd. Alastair then went on to groups, now boasts 328 contributed towards this solid Colleagues are also beginning rebranded as Blakemore Alastair introduced the new emphasise the importance of stores, 60 post offices, 195 performance. to integrate across the group Property. adopting a flexible approach food-to-go departments, company structure for Design and Geoff pointed to the He went on to congratulate & Shopfitting and highlighted to business and the need to 5,900 staff and 1.8m Combined sales and profits for offer the best prices available. company’s fun day and the Mark Titley and Alastair Haigh, some of the key changes to transactions per week. the new combined group joint Blakemore Retail who have been promoted to how the business operates. “We want to be seen as a Managers Conference as Property and Property company that gets things examples of integration in Alastair said: “We will take on a Development Directors done right first time and be action. more advisory role and work known for having the best respectively. even closer with the Trade In 2010 the Tates fun day at quality designs and team Alton Towers boasted a record New structures for the Estates Partners and Property teams across the whole sector,” he attendance of 1,630 members Team and Acquisitions Teams moving forward.” concluded. of staff; however the joint Tates & Waynes event of 2011 saw 2,589 colleagues visit the theme park. Geoff went on to look at the groundbreaking new stores that have been opened in recent months including the flagship energy efficient store at Kidderminster and the new petrol forecourt store at Newark. In conclusion Geoff outlined plans to grow the stores group from 328 to 400 stores by the end of the 2013/14 financial year, comprising extra sales of an additional £100m. Blakemore Logistics Deliver Results Blakemore Logistics Managing Director, Barry Davies, described how the division has continued to deliver great results across the business in the face of ongoing fuel price hikes. Barry explained that during 62.8m cases to customers. A number of key initiatives 18 months including the minimise the rising costs relation to common ranges & the past financial year the This consists of 80% of the introduced by the division construction of a mezzanine associated with waste disposal. cases, dealing with slow & fast Logistics division undertook group’s total delivered sales. were then identified, including floor in the chilled warehouse, Barry went on to discuss future moving lines, new delivery 30,666 journeys, with Efficiencies have been a 53mph limit for distribution which has increased capacity, plans in relation to the models and the introduction 250,985 deliveries distributing achieved across the division, vehicles, driver awareness productivity and provides the integration of the Blakemore of the Phase Two recycling although ongoing increases in training and an increased company with an additional and Capper logistics function, service to Waynes and fuel prices have continued to focus upon air pressure and platform for growth. as a result of ongoing analysis independent stores. have a negative impact upon flows. Phase Two of the company’s of the two operations. Barry concluded by outlining the operation. A central strand of the strategy recycling operation was also Progress to date includes an his future vision for the Barry showed that over the for improving fuel efficiency launched in 2011, which extension of the chilled range, division: “We want to be past 20 years, fuel costs have has been the purchase of a allows the company to recycle joint vehicle purchasing and known for delivering the best increased by 332%, with the pioneering 11m double waste packaged food, paper, servicing, driver CPC training, service in the sector, with past five years alone floating deck trailer, which soft plastic, bottles and cans. Freight Transport Association reduced lead times, improved witnessing a 148% increase in boasts a 56 cage capacity. The centre now provides a membership and the availability and an increased white diesel prices and a 187% Barry highlighted other key recycling service across the introduction of the recycling range. increase in the cost of red initiatives to have taken place retail estate, which will both service to Waynes stores. “We want to deliver more sales reduce stores’ impact upon diesel. across Logistics over the past In addition Barry described the for less cost and continue to the environment and help ongoing work taking place in work alongside and develop the best people across our organisation.”

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Wholesale Divisions Caoire Outlines Invest for the Future ‘A Year of Change’ The head of A.F. Blakemore’s Heart Distribution The Managing Director of A.F. Blakemore’s three wholesale divisions operation described 2011 as “a year of change” outlined the key investments that have taken place to secure the ongoing during her presentation at the group management expansion of the business. conference. He said: “The future is about and is currently in talks with a Commercial Manager, Caoire helped with communication and growing our business. We are in talks number of major potential customers Blakemore, outlined the many team building. with potential customers worth an to help grow the business further. challenges that Heart Distribution “We have also spoken to all our estimated £42m worth of business. In the final part of his presentation, has faced over the past few months producers in recent months to find before presenting an optimistic “It has been a challenging year but Sam talked about the Wholesale out what they need from the outlook for the future. we have now got the facilities to Cash & Carry business, which grew business and this has strengthened allow us to grow further in the years both sales and profits in 2010/11. Heart Distribution is a support our relationships there. ahead.” network for food and drink Sam said: “The market is showing “It is clear that the producers are producers across the Midlands, Sam then moved on to Blakemore growth but we do face challenges happy with Heart and want us to Fresh Foods, who recorded a sales such as duty fraud and competition which helps suppliers get their goods continue to work with them.” increase of 4.2% in 2010/11, with from other wholesalers opening close to market via a consolidated order sales continuing to grow during the to our existing sites. and delivery service. Caoire went on to talk about a new marketing strategy for Heart which current financial year. “However we are fighting back with Caoire talked about some of the key includes trade show attendance, a Again the costs associated with the more promotions, more incentives changes to have taken place over the twice yearly catalogue, monthly mail division’s new depot have dented the and improved communications with past year including new offices and company’s profits but Fresh Foods is customers.” warehousing facilities at the Long outs and a recently launched Twitter Acres Industrial Estate and the account. Sam Wilcox reviewed the multi- now in a much stronger position to He concluded by summarising the dissolution of the company’s million pound investment in the tender for new business and has performance of all three divisions: She concluded: “It has been a partnership with Heart of England Wholesale, Food Service and Fresh already succeeded in picking up “Last year was a good solid challenging year for us with many fine foods. Foods divisions over the past 18 additional custom with Cleone performance and while we didn’t changes. However we are in a strong months to support anticipated future Foods, Cook and Marston’s Brewery. expect quick wins we have now built Caoire said: “Our team has grown position for the future and I have no growth. Sam explained that a similar story a strong platform for future growth.” and we are now based in one doubt that this is just the beginning These investments have included a has been location for the first time, which has for Heart.” new Food Service depot in witnessed at Wakefield, a Wholesale Distribution the depot at Apex II in Great Bridge, and company’s a new meat storage and cutting Wholesale facility for Blakemore Fresh Foods at Distribution Hilton Cross in South Staffordshire. depot at Apex II. Sam began by discussing the Food Service division, which achieved a The division sales growth of 31% during the has won a 2010/11 financial year. series of new customers New contracts over the past 12 over the past months have included MOTO, Las 12 months Iguanas and Walsall Local Authority. However the fixed costs associated with the new depot have eaten into the division’s profits. Despite this Sam remained optimistic for the future and said that the company is now in a strong position to grow its share of the food service sector.

A.F. Blakemore’s three wholesale divisions have invested heavily in new depots at (from top) Wakefield, Apex II and Hilton Cross to help achieve ambitious expansion plans Blakemore Wholesale Strikes Gold at the FWD Awards Blakemore Wholesale picked up two awards for its contribution to the wholesale sector at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ Gold Medal The way we Awards in London. attain excellence The event, which took place on FWD Chief Executive James Bielby those individuals whose dedication in everything November 24th, in London, saw commented, and enthusiasm raises the game of we do. Blakemore Wholesale receive the “As an active member of Business those around them. FWD Gold Medal for Wholesale in the Community, Doug has led “Our winners tonight are stars in Service to Retailers for its his team in community work in the their field and we are very proud exceptional effort to support its area. He has worked hard to to welcome them here, to see their symbol group retailers this year, develop the skills of his staff and efforts recognised in front of so offering help, advice and the service offered to customers. many of their industry colleagues.” encouragement through its “In recent weeks his business has Retailer of the Year competition. shown double digit growth, a Blakemore Wholesale’s Doug Watt, remarkable achievement in the General Manager of Gateshead current climate.” Cash & Carry, also picked up the ABOVE: Commercial Director Russell Grant Independent Cash & Carry James summed up the awards collecting the FWD Gold Medal for Wholesale Service to Retailers Manager Gold Medal award. He ceremony by saying: was described as a natural leader “These awards aren’t about senior ADJACENT: Gateshead Cash & Carry and a real team player who is executives maximising profits; General Manager Doug Watt collecting the FWD Independent they’re about every single member respected and trusted by his Cash & Carry Manager customers. of a team pulling together, and Gold Medal award 6 PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:43 Page 7

Paul Highlights Schoolchildren Learn Community Values The community values of A.F. Blakemore and the role Rules of the Road that they play in shaping the culture of the business were the central themes of a presentation by Ten primary schools from Corporate Affairs Manager, Paul Cowley. across Walsall and Paul spoke of the many successes of entails our employees reaching out Wolverhampton learnt the the company’s community and engaging with community programme and focussed upon the groups directly.” rules of the road as part of Blakemore Foundation and The positive impacts of these two A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd’s employee volunteering as examples flagship programmes were of how the company lives the values highlighted and Paul said that such annual Road Safety outlined in the Blakemore Way. work can complement all aspects of campaign. The Blakemore Foundation is the the Blakemore Way. company’s charitable trust and Paul Paul explained how community Almost 550 primary school announced that the Foundation engagement can boost colleague pupils participated in road trustees had agreed to increase the pride and development, provide a safety workshops hosted by amount of money invested into the point of difference for customers, Blakemore Logistics and fund from one per cent to two per showcase ways that the company supported by the West Midlands cent of pre-tax profits in 2012. behaves with integrity and achieve Fire Service. Paul said: “2011 has been our busiest excellence. Pupils aged between seven and year yet in regards to the Blakemore Paul ended by looking forward to the eight years old received a Foundation. In 2010/11 the key themes that will influence the vehicle demonstration from the Foundation more than doubled the Blakemore community programme amount of good causes it supported in 2012. transport team in an attempt to educate school children on the in comparison to any other year.” These included the impact of the dangers of playing around However this figure has already been economic downturn, the vehicles and some of the safety surpassed during the current development of a joint community financial year, with 818 separate strategy with Capper & Co and the features designed to protect donations having already gone out need to promote a community pedestrians. to good causes across the company’s message further across SPAR. As a special treat the West trading area before the end of “I strongly believe that it would be Midlands Fire and Police service December 2011. wrong to shy away from our visited each school to educate Paul then went on to talk about the community responsibilities at the pupils about the Green Cross company’s employee volunteering current time,” he said. Code and how they deal with The way we programme, which has witnessed “Now is the time for the truly great road traffic accidents. 16% of the company’s workforce companies to step forward and show Following the event each pupil make a positive engaged in community activity since that corporate social responsibility was provided with a goody bag contribution to 2008/09. represents much more than a mere packed with reflective items to the community. Paul said: “Employee volunteering exercise in PR and can play a vital help them stay safe when goes beyond providing financial role in building sustainable walking to and from school. support to local good causes and communities for the future.” Blakemore Logistics’ Driver Trainer, Pete James commented: “This is the fourth year A.F. Blakemore has run this event and we are proud to say that around 1,550 pupils from across the Black Country have benefited from this event. “We would like to say a big thank you to the West Midlands Fire Service who have supported us with our event this year.”

Selection of photos from Northwood Park Primary School, Wolverhampton

Tates and Waynes Join Forces for First Community Event The recently integrated Tates and Waynes training teams have taken the plunge and embarked on their first joint employee volunteering project in Newport, South Wales. The way we The project, led by Waynes Training “The whole team make a positive Officer Ceri Critchley, took place at thoroughly enjoyed the contribution to Malpas Infant School, Newport, the community. South Wales and volunteers were project and it was great tasked with developing interactive to work together as a games around the playground. team on our first The idea behind this is to encourage pupils to continue learning whilst on community project. their break but in a fun and “We hope the pupils at stimulating way. Malpas Infant School Team Leader, Ceri Critchley The retail training team are joined commented: enjoy their new by pupils from playground games for Malpas Infant School years to come.”

7 PR9000 The Blakemore Way_Newspaper February 2012_A3 24/01/2012 17:43 Page 8

Wholesale Toys Giveaway SPOT The Blakemore Wholesale got into the Christmas spirit by Difference donating £500 worth Congratulations to Sophie of toys to the Rolfe, of the Purchase Ledger department, in Willenhall, Windmill Lane who won the Spot the Children’s Centre, in Difference competition Wolverhampton. featured in the Winter 2011 Edition of the A.F. Blakemore magazine. The donation came from the 2011 Golf Day event, which Sophie successfully spotted raised £20,000 for charity. the five changes made to the photo taken during the Barnsley Cash & Carry fun day and has won £20 worth of Outfit vouchers. Pictured (from left) are Joan Grant, of the buying department and Lynn Thompson, of the Wolverhampton depot, sorting out presents for the youngsters. Santa Visits Blakemore’s Eagerly awaiting an annual visit from Father Christmas, the children of

colleagues from across the Blakemore Six members of staff from Blakemore Grimsby Wholesale joined estate gathered together to celebrate hundreds of people across the UK to take part in the Santas on the festive season at this year’s Kids the Run event in support of St. Andrew’s Hospice. Well done to Kay Clifford, Adam Corry, Lorraine Evans, Jeremy Christmas Party. Winners of the SPAR Idol Fowler, Nicky Roffee and Carl Marshall. talent competition: Overall £268 was raised by the Wholesale team, which A total of 100 children and Event organiser, Judith, 1st - Charlie Cartner, son of included total match fund donations of £134 from the 200 accompanying adults commented, Dawn Edwards. Blakemore Foundation. attended the party, which “Once again the event 2nd - Olivia Harnett, a friend A photo from the Santa run has also been used for this was organised by Transport of Tina Perks’s daughter. Admin Manager Judith Penko was a great success. I edition’s Spot the Difference Competition. even received a card 3rd - Katelyn, Richard Take a look at the two photos below and see if you can spot and held at Walsall FC’s Thompson’s daughter. Banks’s Stadium. from one little boy five differences? The winning entry will receive £20 worth of gift vouchers of their choice. In addition to picking up a who had also sent a Fancy dress winner Please circle the changes and return along with your name and present from Santa in his card to Peter Josh Hitchcock, contact details to: grotto, the children also Blakemore to thank Helen McDonald’s enjoyed plenty of celebratory nephew Rachel Adams food, party games and prizes. him for his present Axcess 10, Bentley Road South, Darlaston, WS10 8LQ The singing and dancing and the party.” competition, SPAR Idol, was won by Charlie Cartner, whilst Helen McDonald’s nephew, Josh Hitchcock, picked up the award for the best fancy dress costume. A fantastic time was had by all, parents and children alike.

Photo One

Judith Penko presenting Dave Higgs’s daughter Izzy with a cake on her eighth birthday

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