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THE MAGAZINE FOR BLAKEMORE RETAIL EMPLOYEES

IT ’S YOUR NEWS

Blakemore Retail Conference‘2020 Vision - Attain Excellence’

John Kelly and John Dyson’sFundraising Tops £40,000

Fairfield Forecourt CelebratesSuccess

Blakemore Retail CelebratesAwards Success at ManagersConference 2015

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Introduct ion Conference

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Introduction ContentsBlakemore Retail Hosts 2015 Managers Conference‘2020 Vision – Attain Excellence’ was the key theme of Blakemore Retail’s 2015 ManagersConference in the summer.

More than 600 store managers, field staff,A.F. Blakemore colleagues and suppliersattended the conference and gala dinnerat the Hilton Birmingham Metropole onJune 18th and 19th.

Blakemore Retail’s management teamtook to the stage alongsiderepresentatives from SPAR UK, theNSPCC and Camelot to present on thecompany’s key achievements from the lastfinancial year and development plans forthe future.

In his opening address, Blakemore RetailManaging Director Geoff Hallamreflected on recent accomplishments andhighlighted the continuous improvementand investment in the business.

He said: “Blakemore Retail has seen someabsolutely fantastic results from its latestnew store openings and renovations thatwe can be really proud of, and our

financial results show that the business isvery much moving in the right direction.

“Last year Blakemore Retail carried out42 store refits, 30 Post Office refits andfive new store openings, and with ourongoing commitment to furtherinvestment we can be confident thatwe’ve got a lot more great stores tocome.”

Geoff was followed by fellow speakerswho presented on store formatinnovation, the growth of food service,future trends in the retail marketplace,SPAR’s Selling Plan, the importance ofcustomer service, promotion excellence,Blakemore Retail’s Store of ExcellenceAwards, community engagement and thelatest National Lottery initiatives.

Underpinning all of the above was apresentation from SPAR UK ManagingDirector Debbie Robinson on the

importance of the SPAR brand.

Also during the event, Geoff presentedBlakemore Retail’s annual Sales Assistantof the Year Awards and a series of longservice awards to colleagues, includingA.F. Blakemore Group Managing DirectorPeter Blakemore, who celebrated fiftyyears with the company in July.

The guest speaker was Team GBwheelchair racer Melissa Nicholls, whocompeted in the 2012 London ParalympicGames.

At the end of the first day delegatesparticipated in an interactive Leading theBlakemore Way session led by Training &Development Manager Kerry Huntbefore sitting down to a ‘Best of British’Gala Dinner followed by liveentertainment and a raffle in aid of theNSPCC.

Introduction - Geoff Hallam......................2

Managers Conference .........................3-10

Your Development Programme..............11

Stores in Focus.....................................12-13

Food Service on the Up.....................14-15

Convenience Retail Awards ....................16

Post Office Network Transformation.......17

John Kelly and John Dyson Fundraising ......19

NSPCC ChildLine Fundraising .........20-21

Blakemore Foundation Charitable Giving...22-23

Community Volunteering...................24-27

A.F. Blakemore Community Awards......28-29

Blakemore Retail Awards ..................30-31

Leading the Blakemore Way Update.......32

Alton Towers Fun Day..............................33

Blakemore Retail Takes to Social Media .....34

Incentives.....................................................35

In the Spotlight ....................................36-37

Customer Care Awards...........................38

Long Service Awards..........................39-49

Attendance Awards ............................50-51

Celebrations.........................................52-53

Staff Lottery Winners.........................54-55

Competition Corner ................................55

2020 Vision - Attain Excellence

Conference attendees enjoy live entertainmentfollowing the ‘Best of British’ gala dinner

More than 600 delegates gather at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole for Blakemore Retail’s two-day conference

As I look back on 2015 it hasbeen a very challenging year,but overall I think ourbusiness has performed verywell, and we have madesignificant progress, especiallywhen you consider thatcompanies the size of Tescoand Morrisons have hadmajor difficulties.We have continued with our programmeof opening Subways, the latest being inBrunswick Road, which opened inDecember. This brings the number ofSubways that we operate to a total of 41.Matt, John and the team have done afantastic job opening so many outlets insuch a short space of time and we havereceived recognition from Subway, havingbeen awarded Franchisee Developer ofthe Year 2015 and Best Corporate (Non-traditional) Owner 2015. Well done tothe whole team!Staying with the food service element ofour business, we believe the future forour own sub-brands such as Daily Deli(the replacement for our rather tiredlooking “To Go” brand) has already gotoff to a good start. The stores we haveconverted so far, such as Wombourne,Battlefield and Wrexham, are showingsome very encouraging sales increases.Moving on to our newest sub brand,Bargain Bites, we have now implementedthis in nine stores, all of which have seensales increases for the new departmentthat have been nothing short ofspectacular. Whilst this obviously has amuch reduced margin due to the £1 pricepoint, it does give the right stores a realpoint of difference and attracts newcustomers into each store.We have just passed the anniversary ofthe opening of our Fairfield petrol fillingstation, which exceeded all of ourexpectations. The combined sales for ourfood service, which include Subway,Greggs and Costa, are over 40% of thetotal store sales.

Construction work has commenced atthe new PFS site, Laceby, on the outskirtsof Grimsby, which will not only includeSubway and Greggs but also our firstseated coffee offer with the “Insomnia”brand. The launch date for this new andexciting PFS is early June 2016. Staying with the subject of new stores, weincreased our store numbers by addingAuckley, Pinchbeck, Inkersall, FernhillHeath, Catshill and Drakes Cross during2015, and in 2016/17 there are already 12new stores planned. Finally, I offer my congratulations to AreaManager Donna Cooper and Fresh FoodCoach Julie Pepper on the birth of theirdaughters in November. Best wishes,

Geof f

Send Us Your StoriesIt’s Your News is written by A.F. Blakemore’sCorporate Affairs department. If you have any stories or photos that youwould like to see featured in the next edition,please contact: Rachel Adams Communications Officerradams@afblakemore.com0121 568 2908

Bargain Bites£1value

Business ReviewBlakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam opened theconference with a review of the business and insight intocurrent trends in the convenience sector.

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Store FormatsDeputy Managing Director Stuart Adkin presented on the role of store formats within SPAR’sstrategy.Stuart explained the current trendsinfluencing store formats in theconvenience sector, including growingemphasis on food service, local andspecialist ranges, mission-basedmerchandising and theatre around freshfoods. He also pointed out the growingpopularity of smaller formats and theblurring of lines between conveniencestores and social meeting places.

Stuart then moved on to the keyambitions of SPAR UK’s Formats Group:to refit or refresh all stores by 2019 andincrease sales by £5 per sq ft in five years.

He said: “It is vital that we keep our storeformats up to date in order to ensuremaximum sales. Blakemore Retail is ontrack to refit or refresh all of its stores by2019, but we need a significant increase insales to achieve the sales target.”

Stuart stressed to delegates theimportance of understanding stores’trading areas and the work thatBlakemore Retail is doing to tailor store

shopping missions saw its Tonight’s Teabranded section enjoy a chilled salesincrease of 20%.

Referring to the future development ofSPAR store formats, Stuart talked aboutthe potential for Blakemore Retail tointroduce SPAR branded fuel forecourtsto its estate, a concept already currentlybeing trialled by SPAR independentsacross the UK with some positive results.

Stuart ended by thanking delegates fortheir contribution to the business. Hesaid:

In his financial review, Geoff reported thatsales for Blakemore Retail reached£441m for the 2014/15 year, falling justshort of the £441.7m budget.

Meanwhile, net profit for the 2014/15year hit £3.36m, showing a significant22.2% increase on the £2.75m achieved in2013/14.

Geoff said, “Our financial results showthat the business is very much moving inthe right direction. One of the keycontributors to Blakemore Retail’s solidperformance last year was our Subwayand Greggs franchises, which have reallyhelped strengthen our gross margin.

“Further investment in our food serviceoffering will be one of the key areasexpected to drive profits again thisfinancial year.”

In his review of the wider retailmarketplace, Geoff pointed out severalindicators that the economy is improving,but stressed that there will still bechallenges for the business.

Looking at changing shopper trends, heexplained that, in addition to value formoney, customers are increasinglyconsidering product quality, brands andease of shopping when deciding where toshop. He said, “The key message for us isthat price, own-label brands and smallshops all matter.”

Recent trends also showed shoppersplacing growing value on good customerservice and moving away from traditionalfood to go and towards food service.Increases in online and little-and-oftengrocery shopping are spurring on agrowth in planned top-up shopping.

Geoff said: “Don’t underestimate theimportance of customer service as wellas good product availability. Research hasshown that 39% of people are choosingto shop at Blakemore Retail storesbecause of our staff. Good productavailability is also essential, with 22% ofBlakemore Retail shoppers buying itemson promotion.”

Geoff also reported on the ongoinginvestment in the business, highlightingthe 42 store refits and 30 Post Officerefits that Blakemore Retail carried outduring 2014/15, as well as its five newstore openings and 16 wash and brushups.

Looking forwards Geoff showcased 12new sites in the pipeline for 2015/16 andbeyond as well as relocation plans forfour stores. Upcoming store openingsinclude a new-build site in Spalding and anew-build petrol forecourt site in Laceby.

Geoff concluded:

“Innovation isn’t alwaysabout invention, but

looking at what otherbusinesses are doing andwhat we can do better.

It’s vital that we innovatein order to future-proof

our business. We must beaware of what our nextgeneration of consumerand employee needs.”

formats to store location, customerneeds, the affluence of their local area andthe competition they face.

Stuart then introduced some of theformat trials currently taking place acrossBlakemore Retail. A refit at Pelsall whichsaw space allocated according to

FutureTrendsBlakemore Fine Foods Commercial Director Caoire Blakemore took to the stage to present onthe role that innovation has to play in keeping Blakemore Retail ahead of its competitors.

Caoire called on delegates to lookbeyond today’s marketplace to thetechnology and creative new ideas thatwill revolutionise it in the future.

She said: “Over the years Blakemore’s hasled the way in the retail, wholesale anddistribution sectors with its innovation,from my great grandparents’ first ventureinto wholesaling with the sale of paperbags to the key role the business playedin the launch of SPAR’s pioneering ‘Eight’til Late’ concept. It is this kind ofinnovation that is going to take us intothe future.”

Caoire highlighted how technology isconstantly changing the marketplace andpeople’s shopping habits, with 60% ofshoppers now using a smartphone ortablet when out shopping to inform theirpurchasing choices.

She also remarked on the growth ofsocial networking and sharing economies,

where businesses share their resourceswith each other to reduce costs, and thegrowing popularity of online ordering andclick-and-collect services.

Caoire said:

“Improving customerloyalty, attracting new

customers, maximising salesand profit, and enhancingthe SPAR brand allows usto invest in you, new sites

and modernising ourstores.”

“Blakemore Retail hasseen some absolutely

fantastic results from itslatest new sites and storerenovations that we canbe really proud of, and

with our commitment tofurther investment we canbe confident that we’ve

got a lot more greatstores to come.”

2020 Vision - Attain Excellence

DeliveringExcellenceStore Operations DirectorChris Bacon spoke aboutthe significance of excellentcustomer service.

Chris told delegates that the number-onereason that customers shop withBlakemore Retail is its friendly and helpfulservice.

He said:

Chris then cited examples of goodcustomer service, including:

• Good communication

• Treating customers as individuals

• Being fast and effective

• Being approachable and helpful

He stressed the role that everyone as anindividual has to play in deliveringexcellent customer service.

“Thirty-nine per cent ofour customers cite friendly

and helpful staff as theirfirst reason for shopping

with us. This is more thantwice as important as any

other reason so weshouldn’t underestimate the

power of our staff.

“Customer service is worth£500 million to the businessand we should be doing all

we can to excel in thisarea.”

Food Service – What’s Now and BeyondFresh Food Development Manager Matt Teague presented on the growing importanceof food service to Blakemore Retail.

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Moving on to the company’s recent trialwith Greggs, Matt explained that thebusiness had seen some positive salesresults and now has a developmentprogramme in place committing to 10

Matt began by stating the significant rolethat food service has to play within thebusiness, stressing its strong profit marginand potential to set SPAR apart from itscompetitors. He explained that the company hasrecently witnessed an intense period ofdevelopment with Subway, opening onenew franchise every five weeks. Matt said:

Greggs franchises across the estate overfive years. He also reminded delegates of thecontinued success of Costa Express, withthe coffee brand now on offer in morethan 100 stores and on course togenerate sales of £2.85m for the businessthis financial year. One of Matt’s key messages was theimportance of maintaining the high qualitystandards demanded by BlakemoreRetail’s franchise partners, with himannouncing a new audit process to helpthe business achieve them. Also reported on was the success ofBargain Bites, an eye-catching ‘£1 value’food-to-go range introduced to stores topromote SPAR’s value message. Fresh for2015 was Daily Deli, a new food servicebrand for SPAR which will bring all foodservice and snacking ranges under onebrand. By the end of the 2015/16 financial year,Blakemore Retail’s food service sales areprojected to reach £30m.

“At the end of 2013/14Blakemore Retail had nine

Subway stores worth £1.6min sales to the business, butby the end of 2015/16 weexpect to have 48 Subwaystores worth £8 million.”

The Importance of SPAR BrandSPAR UK Managing Director Debbie Robinson took to the stage to present on the importanceof SPAR Brand.Debbie explained the significant role thatSPAR branded products have to play inthe business and the strong profitmargins that they can generate.

Illustrating their recent success, Debbieinformed delegates that SPAR Brandproducts picked up more than 100awards last year alone. SPAR Brand freshpizza sales have increased by 422% since2011 and evening meal solutions by 133%over the same period of time.

Debbie also showcased the latestdevelopments within SPAR, including newadditions to the SPAR Brand range andApple Pay, which was introduced to SPARcustomers across the UK in July toenable contactless payments via iPhones.

Following this, Debbie highlighted theopportunities ahead for SPAR as a resultof new business partnerships. In July,SPAR UK commenced a two-store trialwith motorway service station operatorRoadchef, with potential for a further 20sites nationwide if successful.

To sum up SPAR’s recent success, Debbieended by reminding delegates that for thefirst time ever SPAR UK currently holdstwo symbol retailer of the year titles:Retail Industry Awards Symbol/FasciaGroup of the Year and Grocer GoldSymbol Retailer of the Year.

She said:

Promotion ExcellenceRegional Managers John Brooks and Mark Podmore challenged conference delegates to achievepromotional excellence in order to drive in-store sales.

“We are in a uniqueposition; SPAR is a global

brand, operating more than12,000 stores in 40

countries, but deliveredlocally with passion and

integrity. Sales aregrowing, profit is increasingand we are stable long-term

partners.”

“We know we can do betterwith this. There are huge

opportunities for additionalsales if we ensure that we

follow the correct processesand procedures.”

The duo highlighted the fact thatpromotions provide Blakemore Retailwith a huge opportunity to increase sales,currently equating to around £123.5mper year.John and Mark pointed out that 143stores fall below the Blakemore Retailaverage compliance rate of 89% forpromotions, but that with the correctcommunication, planning, implementationand compliance the business couldachieve an additional £6 million inpromotional sales.John said,

The Selling PlanA.F. Blakemore Head of Marketing Sarah Ellis presented anupdate on SPAR UK’s Selling Plan.Sarah’s presentation focused on the salesopportunities associated with keynational events and festivities. These included the Rugby World Cup,Halloween, Christmas and Easter.Delegates were called upon to look athow they can optimise sales in the leadup to these occasions by organising in-store theatre and events to engagecustomers. Sarah also stressed the importance ofmaintaining sales momentum throughoutthe Christmas and New Year period,announcing SPAR’s new “12 Deals ofChristmas” initiative. She said:

To complement the above, Sarahpresented on SPAR UK’s new digitalstrategy, which included the launch of anew mobile-friendly website inNovember. Also highlighted was the increasedtelevision airtime planned for SPAR UK’snational media campaign this year, and thephenomenal success of SPAR UK’s Shop& Win customer initiative, which saw 80%of customers return to stores within twodays of entering the competition.

Regional Manager John Brooks Regional Manager Mark Podmore

“Winter is a key period for thebusiness and it’s vital that wemaintain the summer sales

momentum through Christmasand into the new year.

“January has previously been atough trading time for us, but

we recorded some strongfigures last year with a greatpost-Christmas marketing

campaign, and this year we’vestarted the momentum early.”

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The Store of Excellence 2015/16 Awards were officially launched by Regional Managers OwenDavies and Brian Cherry, with a trip to the 2016 SPAR Convention in San Diego up for grabs.

Camelot Senior Customer Business Manager Yvonne Fennell thanked Blakemore Retail employeesfor another winning year and announced some important changes to the National Lottery.

Store of ExcellenceA total of four store managers and onePost Office manager will have the chanceto attend the conference based on theirfour best area manager store auditscores.

Owen and Brian explained how theawards process is changing this year:

• All stores will be judged on thesame criteria, aimed at driving upstandards:

- Customer impressions andservice

- Food service

- Fresh foods

- Store standards, grocery offerand operations

• Each store will be visited for anaudit a minimum of four timesper year

• Action plans will be generated foreach audit visit, with shorterfollow-up times forunderperforming stores

The pair emphasised that the business ischanging and that stores need to putcustomers first, with exceptional storestandards as the foundation.

Owen closed by challenging storemanagers to be the best:

“Are you the best store manager withconsistent standards? If you are, youcould be in with a chance of winning thetrip of a lifetime!”

Regional Manager Brian Cherry Regional Manager Owen Davies

The National LotteryCommunity Affairs Officer Liz Bell took to the stage to celebrate all the ways in which BlakemoreRetail employees have made a significant, positive contribution to the community.

Community Engagement

In 2014/15 alone, Blakemore Retailgenerated £58.2 million in NationalLottery sales, with a huge £224 millionraised to support life-changing projectssince the National Lottery was launched.

Yvonne’s first announcement on changesto the National Lottery involved newbrand imagery. She stated that theNational Lottery aims to build a

compelling brand with a clear purposeand set of behaviours:

- Playful

- Celebration

- Decent

- For everyone

In further changes, Lotto players will nowhave even more chances to win, withodds increasing from 1 in 54 to 1 in 9.3.Players who match two numbers will wina free lucky dip, and the raffle jackpot willbe set at a guaranteed £1 million.

Yvonne said: “I ask that all stores getbehind the new changes to Lotto. I askthat you attain excellence by maximisingsales through events, achieve a smoothchangeover of new imagery andcommunicate the Lotto changes andbenefits to shoppers to achieve anotherwinning year!”

Finally, Yvonne welcomed to the stageGreat British Paralympian MelissaNicholls, who was the conference’sinspirational guest speaker.

Mel, who is a T34 wheelchair racer,shared how she overcame a devastatingthird stroke in 2008, which left her in awheelchair, to represent Great Britain inthe 2012 London Paralympics.

Camelot Senior Customer Business ManagerYvonne Fennell

Great British Paralympian Melissa Nicholls

Liz explained that in the last five yearsBlakemore Retail employees haveundertaken 149 community volunteeringprojects involving 563 volunteers andhave donated £330,163 to good causesvia the Blakemore Foundation.

Liz then handed the reins over to FreshFood Coach and ChildLine SchoolsService volunteer Mandy Gasson, whospoke passionately about theopportunities available to BlakemoreRetail colleagues to volunteer for theNSPCC’s ChildLine Schools Service.

The ChildLine Schools Service has beenestablished to give primary schoolchildren the awareness they need torecognise different forms of abuse and

seek help sooner. Trained volunteers visitprimary schools to deliver assemblies andworkshops.

Since Mandy became a volunteer morethan two years ago, she has visited inexcess of 45 schools and spoken to morethan 1,500 primary school children aboutthe service to drive awareness.

Mandy said, “To anyone thinking abouttaking part in volunteering, I would urgeyou to take the plunge. The service islooking for new people all the time, andthe positive impact it has had on mepersonally has been huge.

“I am able to visit a school in the morningand present to 200 children for 30minutes and then be back in stores forthe rest of the day with a spring in mystep.

“The very sad truth is that children are

Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell

Fresh Foods Coach and ChildLine SchoolsService volunteer Mandy Gasson

Representatives from Blakemore Retail’s top fundraising stores collect their trophiesL-R: Joanne Hands, Kinver; NSPCC Corporate Partnerships Manager Maribeth Lloyds; Allen Collett, St Fagans;Karen Whitewell, Barton; Dave Powell, Tenbury Wells; Paul Norris, Halesworth; and NSPCC CorporatePartnerships Manager Kirsty White

still unaware of their rights to be happyand safe, to be heard, know how to gethelp and not be hurt. Being able to helpin a small way is by far the mostrewarding thing I have ever done, and forthat I am extremely grateful.”If you are interested in volunteering forthe ChildLine Schools Service, here is theprocess:1. Speak to your line manager for

approval

2. Contact Liz Bell on 0121568 2910/lbell@afblakemore.com

3. Complete an online application form

4. Attend a face-to-face interview

5. Participate in four hours of onlinetraining, two days of training at a localNSPCC centre and 25 hours ofassisted workshop delivery

Following on from Liz and Mandy, NSPCCCorporate Partnerships ManagersMaribeth Lloyds and Kirsty White tookto the stage to provide an update onNSPCC fundraising. They announced that Blakemore Retailraised a fantastic £271,057 for theChildLine Schools Service in 2014/15. The top fundraising stores across each of

Blakemore Retail’s four regions were alsorecognised on stage and awarded atrophy. The top fundraisers were asfollows:

East region: Barton – £2,670West region: Tenbury Wells – £5,770

South West region: St Fagans – £4,715South East region: Halesworth – £2,731Most improved store: Kinver – £4,332

NSPCC Celebrates Top Fundraising Stores

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Leading the Blakemore Way

Blakemore Retail CelebratesBest of British

Training & Development Manager Kerry Hunt led an interactive Leading the Blakemore Way training session.

Kerry introduced the session byhighlighting the 660 days that BlakemoreRetail committed to leadershipdevelopment training over the course oflast year. She then announced Phase 2 of thecompany’s Leading the Blakemore Wayprogramme rollout, which will train circa400 assistant managers and food servicemanagers across the business. Following this, delegates participated in atask to reinforce their Leading theBlakemore Way tools and techniques andencourage them to consider the practical

Following the first day of the conferencedelegates enjoyed a Best of British-themed gala dinner and after-party.Here is a selection of photos from theevening’s celebrations:

steps that they can take to supportcolleagues who undergo the training infuture. Kerry said:

Adam McCluskey, Gresford

Aron Screen, Bayston Hill

Katie Avison, Clasketgate

Paula Thomas, Chirk

Adam Vines, Baschurch

Hannah Dudley, Chipping Sodbury

Laura Lucas, Monkmoor

Andrew Brickel, Ross-on-Wye

Jordan Mason, Ecclesall Road

Leo Rutter, Newtown

Stuart McCunnell, ChirkShaun Francombe, Bulwark

Your Development Programme TrainsUp More Future LeadersBlakemore Retail’s Your Development Programme helped to develop 26 more futureleaders for the business in 2014/15. Your Development Programme is aneight-month management developmentcourse aimed at new or newly promotedstore managers. It covers key businessareas including operations, customerservice, managing legalities, HR, lossprevention, fresh food and IT.

The course concludes with candidatesdelivering a business presentation to a

panel of senior managers and agraduation day.

Since the launch of Your DevelopmentProgramme in July 2012, more than 60Blakemore Retail employees havegraduated and gone on to managementpositions within the company.

Your Development Programme has beenrunning in its current format for more

than two years. In autumn 2015 thebusiness began operating a quarterlyintake for the course. Recently theprogramme has also introduced anincreased focus on food service and freshfood training.

Here are a few photos of recentgraduates of the Your DevelopmentProgramme:

Brayford WharfCrownedSelfie ChampionsThis year’s Managers Conference ran acompetition challenging stores to submittheir best selfie photos.

Congratulations to Brayford Wharf, whowere awarded a staff night out after beingcrowned winners.

Here’s their winning snap:

“We’ve seen Leading theBlakemore Way deliver a lotof benefits and we really do

believe that the techniquestaught on the programme

will help your development.Your trainers are here to

support you, so please feelconfident to approach us.”

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S tores in FocusWinter 2015/16

S tores in Focus

Fairfield Forecourt Celebrates SuccessBlakemore Retail’s purpose-built Fairfield forecourt store in Lincolnshire hasgone from strength to strength since opening in November 2014. The store, situated on the FairfieldIndustrial Estate in Louth, is the first ofBlakemore Retail’s sites to combine aSPAR convenience offer with both Greggsand Subway franchises, providingmotorists and local residents with a one-stop fuel, convenience, restaurant andtakeaway solution.

Ideally positioned as Louth’s first 24-hourforecourt, the site has proved a popularlunchtime destination for workers basedon the industrial estate as well as dailycommuters.

Blakemore Retail Managing DirectorGeoff Hallam commented: “This newdevelopment is part of an ongoingprogramme of investment in our storesestate.

“The Greggs and Subway concessions,with their well-known and trustedbrands, have helped drive sales andfootfall as well as ensure that the storeappeals to a wide demographic, includingcommuters and the localneighbourhood.”

As well as food-to-go solutions fromSPAR, Subway and Greggs, the store alsooffers Costa Coffee, fresh bread baked in-store and a wide range of ready meals,providing the complete conveniencepackage.

The site’s contemporary exterior iscomplemented by modern imagery onthe inside to promote Blakemore Retail’scompany values and heritage.Approximately thirty parking spaces areavailable for visitors to the site.

One year on since opening, Fairfield isachieving average sales of £51,000 perweek. The store also operates Blakemore

Retail’s best-performing Subway andGreggs franchises, which generate averagesales of £8,600 and £7,500 per weekrespectively.

Regional Manager John Brookscommented:

“We’ve received plentyof good feedback on the

store and have lots ofcustomers enjoying their

shopping experience.

Fairfield is a brilliantadvertisement for our

business and the qualitythat we can deliver.”

After almost doubling in size from 1,400sq ft to 2,600 sq ft, the store nowpresents a much improved customerexperience and completely new offer.

A new Subway concession and hot andcold food-to-go departments have beenintroduced, as well as a new coffee offerwith a Costa coffee machine. This is ontop of all the other services that werealready provided by the store, includingNational Lottery, PayPoint and CollectPlus.

Wider aisles, lower shelving, extra roomfor stands and more spacious checkoutshave all contributed to a brighteratmosphere.

Regional Manager Owen Davies said:“The relocation of the store has given usthe ability to increase our offer to

customers, develop our ranges and alsooffer customer parking, which is a hugeasset.

“Our old store was overtrading for itssize, and due to limited space we couldnever stock the range we knew we couldsell if we had a bigger store. We werealso getting more and more competitionopening up against us, including Aldi andSainsbury’s Local stores, which weretaking our trade.”

As a result of the store’s relocation,average weekly sales have increased bycirca 39%, from an average of £23,000 perweek to £29,000 per week.

Meanwhile, customer numbers haveincreased by around 500 a week, andaverage customer spend has grown from£4.37 last year to £5.50 this year.

Owen added:

Ramsgate, KentOpened: 2014Average weekly sales: £22,000

Glemsford, SuffolkOpened: February 2015Average weekly sales: £19,000

Auckley, DoncasterOpened: April 2015Average weekly sales: £33,000

Pontyclun, Mid GlamorganOpened: November 2015Average weekly sales: £16,000

Fernhill Heath, WorcestershireOpened: September 2015Average weekly sales: £16,000

Pinchbeck, LincolnshireOpened: September 2015Average weekly sales: £30,000

New Stores In addition to Fairfield and Wollaston, since the last magazine Blakemore Retailhas welcomed the following new stores to its estate:

Wollaston Welcomes New and Improved StoreThe village of Wollastonin the West Midlands haswelcomed a new andimproved SPAR afterBlakemore Retailrelocated its store 60metres down the road.

The new store and forecourt on the Fairfield Industrial Estate, Louth

The new and improved Wollaston store on Bridgnorth Road, Stourbridge

“Everybody is verycomplimentary aboutthe new store. Withmore space it is a farnicer store to shop in,and the addition of theSubway department has

gone down very wellwith the younger

customers.”

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News

Food Service on the UpWith food service playingan increasingly importantrole in the conveniencesector, Blakemore Retailis on a mission toestablish its stores asleading destinations forfood to go. The business has announced an ambitiousstrategy to expand the number of Subwayand Greggs franchises across its estate aswell as improve its SPAR food serviceoffering.

By the end of the 2015/16 financial yearfood service sales are predicted to beworth £30m per annum to BlakemoreRetail, with Subway franchises generating27% of sales, Costa Express 9% andGreggs franchises 3%.

Subway Update Following the recent success ofBlakemore Retail’s dual-branded Subway-SPAR stores, the business has plans todevelop this model across a largernumber of stores. Blakemore Retail currently operates 41Subway franchises, but the strategy is toincrease this to 48 by the end of the2015/16 financial year, as a result of whichsales are projected to reach £8m perannum. Blakemore Retail Fresh FoodDevelopment Manager Matt Teaguecommented: “The company has recentlywitnessed an intense period ofdevelopment with Subway, with one newSubway franchise opening every fiveweeks. “We have found Subway to be a perfectfood service partner for the business,providing a made-to-order alternative toour ready-made SPAR convenience offer.Everyone recognises the Subway brandand knows the product.” The popularity of Blakemore Retail’sSubway counters has also had a positiveknock-on effect on customer spending

Greggs Update Following on from the success of itsfranchise partnership with Subway,Blakemore Retail is also expanding itspartnership with iconic high street brandGreggs.

In July 2014 BlakemoreRetail opened its firstGreggs franchise at BrumbyCorner in Scunthorpe aspart of a three-store trial.Blakemore Retail now hasfour Greggs franchises, atBrumby Corner,Leegomery, Fairfield andNewbold.

The target is to open afurther site at LacebyLodge in 2016. Collectivelythe five sites are expected to generate £1million in sales per annum for BlakemoreRetail. Longer term the business hascommitted to 10 Greggs franchises overthe next five years.

Fresh Food Development Manager MattTeague commented: “The company’sfranchise partnership with Subway hasshown us that the SPAR brand can benefitfrom trading with other strong brands.

“Greggs gives customers a further reasonto shop in SPAR stores and, like Subway,the franchises will help to drive footfall instores and generate additional income forthe business.”

Blakemore Retail’s Greggs franchises offer

a product range typical of a modernGreggs store but on a smaller scale,consisting of sandwiches, a cake counter,hot savouries, coffee and a small freshbread offer.

Like Subway, Greggs franchises aremanaged by Blakemore Retail employeesas departments within SPAR stores. Priorto the opening of a franchise, staffundertake an extensive four-week trainingprogramme with the Greggs franchiseteam, where they spend time at localGreggs stores gaining an understanding ofthe methods of operation used by thebakery chain.

across other store departments,with the extra footfall generatedby the franchises leading toshoppers making additionalimpulse buys in addition to theirplanned purchases. Blakemore Retail ManagingDirector Geoff Hallam added:“This is an exciting developmentfor Blakemore Retail andillustrates our commitment todeveloping the business andtackling the trading pressuresthat are arising from theadvancement ofcompetitors.”

Daily Deli Update

Meanwhile, Blakemore Retailhas begun the rollout of SPARUK’s innovative new foodservice concept, Daily Deli. Daily Deli is a new brand unique to SPARthat brings all SPAR food service andsnacking ranges under one name. So farDaily Deli has been introduced to 12Blakemore Retail stores.

The Daily Deli range, which is available allday, includes fresh salad products,sandwiches, baguettes andaccompaniments, and at certain storesalso includes a serving counter.

There are six different Daily Deliopportunities available to stores, rangingfrom an entry-level offer comprising aself-service counter selling sandwiches,baguettes, chilled snacks and coffee, to acomplete Daily Deli offer including aserved counter selling hot meals, as wellas a self-service option on the shop floorwith sandwiches, baguettes, wraps,croissants and more.

SPAR UK Managing Director DebbieRobinson said: “Daily Deli is SPAR’sanswer to widening our presence in foodservice. Food service is an area ofincreased focus within the conveniencechannel, as the two sectors continue tomerge. This year we are adapting to makethe most of the trend for ‘foodvenience’.”

Bentley Store Manager Gareth Bowdlercommented: “Daily Deli has been a

success in our store. We’ve seen a bigincrease in customer flow and availabilityof products, and the range has increasedquite dramatically. Sales have increasedand so has customer satisfaction.”

Moving forwards Daily Deli will beintroduced to all of Blakemore Retail’sfood-to-go stores and new SPAR storesacross the UK.

Subway Sales Evolution

Greggs Sales Evolution

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Post Of f ice

Post Office NetworkTransformation Continues

Since 2013 the business has converted 17of its existing branches into the Localsformat and 25 into the Mains format. Theremaining 11 Post Office sites acrossBlakemore Retail will be converted to theMains format by the end of April 2016. As mentioned in the last issue of themagazine, many new opportunities havematerialised, with a further 16 new Localsand seven new Mains branches nowintegrated into stores across the estate. Over the last two years, a total of 60new-style branches have been opened,with investment exceeding well over£1m. Blakemore Retail still has the remainderof its existing branches to convert to theMains format, together with an additional28 new opportunities to consider.

Post Office Controller Stewert Waldronsaid: “I believe it will take around 18months for existing branches and newopportunities to be integrated into ourstores. This will bring the total number ofPost Offices to approximately 100 –virtually one third of our estate.”

New Post Office DevelopmentsPost Office Current Account

There will be two types of currentaccounts: a ‘Standard Account’ that willoffer free everyday banking with nohidden charges and a ‘Control Account’that will work like the standard account,but for a fee of £5 per month it protectsthe account holder from unexpectedbank charges and unauthorised overdraftlimits. This is currently available in 250 PostOffice branches across the UK but willnot be rolled out to the rest of thenetwork until the Post Office hasresolved any issues.

Post Office Mobile

This is currently being trialled in 200branches in the North West as a sim-only

(SIMO) proposition, based on one simple“pay as you go” tariff. It is being trialledwith EE, the UK’s biggest network. Ifsuccessful, this may be another newservice for Post Office customers.

Government Services

The HM Passport Office is developing anexemplar online application service forsimple adult passport renewals.Customers will be able to obtain theirown digital photo and upload it as part oftheir online application, which includesmaking payment. This will still requirethem to send back their existing passportto HMPO.

Travel Money Click and CollectService

This new service will provide customerswith an option to select Same DayDelivery as a Collection or Deliverychoice for internet orders placed onpostoffice.co.uk. Once the order isplaced, a background check of branchstocks will commence and then thecustomer will be offered the list ofbranches most convenient for them topick up from. Ten Blakemore Retailbranches will be involved in the trial.

Blakemore Retail’sPost Office networktransformationprogramme has nowentered its third year.

The Main Post Office format at Winthorpe Avenue

The Local Post Office format

Winter 2015/16

News

The Convenience Retail Awards tookplace in London in March to celebratethe hard work and achievements of thevery best retailers in the conveniencesector. Leegomery Store Manager Stacey Aitken-Best picked up the Crime Preventionaward on behalf of her team inrecognition of their commitment toreducing store crime and making adifference to their local community. Leegomery has recently introducedseveral initiatives to help reduce crime attheir store, including cutting back onranges most targeted by thieves, reducingthe height of shelves to improve visibilityand improving staff presence on the shopfloor. Also praised by the judges was the store’suse of technology to record and reportcrime to the local authorities. Stacey hasimproved the store’s use of EPOS andCCTV to track at-risk lines, which arenow checked daily. All of this work is supported by the teammeeting with a police community supportofficer on a weekly basis to report anyincidents. Further success at this year’sConvenience Retail Awards was enjoyedby Blakemore Retail’s Chirk store, whichwas listed as a finalist in the Best MultipleConvenience Store category.

The Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards,which took place in September at theLondon Hilton Hotel, showcased the bestretailers in the petrol retailing industry. Regional Manager Owen Daviescommented:

Leegomery ScoopsConvenience Retail Award

Battlefield Crowned BestSoft Drinks Outlet

Blakemore Retail’s Leegomery store picked up the Zero ToleranceAward for Crime Prevention at the Convenience Retail Awards 2015.

Blakemore Retail’s Battlefield store was crowned Best Soft DrinksOutlet at the 2015 Forecourt Trader Awards.

Leegomery Store Manager Stacey Aitken-Best picksup the Zero Tolerance Award for Crime Preventionfrom ACS Chief Executive James Lowman

The Forecourt Trader award winners celebratetheir success

Blakemore Retail Managing DirectorGeoff Hallam said: “Congratulations tothe teams at both Leegomery and Chirk,who have worked tirelessly to ensurethat excellent customer service isdelivered at all times.

“Our staff always go the extramile for our customers so to

be recognised like this is agreat achievement, one that

we can all be proud of.”

New Horizon Computers

The Post Office will be upgradingHorizon computers in the near future.Hardware replacement is due to start inAugust 2016, with software installed fromMarch 2017 – this will modernise thefront office operation for the 21stcentury. Blakemore Retail will be triallingthe new computers from April 2017 atBroseley and Bassingbourn.

Sleaford’s JulieSutton WinsNational RetailAwardJulie Sutton from BlakemoreRetail’s Sleaford store inLincolnshire has been crownedthe UK’s Best Multiple SymbolSales Assistant.

Julie picked up the title at the SalesAssistant of the Year Awards 2015, thenational competition organised byConvenience Store magazine. The awardstook place in November at TheDorchester in London. Julie’s responsibilities at Sleaford includelooking after the store’s news category,training new starters, stocktaking andbanking, but it's her cherished localcustomers for whom she really gets outof bed in the morning.She regularly carries out home deliveriesfor elderly people in her own time whentheir health or the weather is bad.The community also gets a fair share ofJulie’s caring personality. She recentlydonned her gardening gloves to help builda vegetable plot for local disadvantagedyouths and helped to organise, set up andrun a variety of stalls at her store'sHalloween fair, which raised funds for theNSPCC.Convenience Store’s editor, David Rees,commented:

“With her long list ofresponsibilities and caring

personality it’s little wonderthat Julie is such a cherished

fixture in her store.”

“I am really pleased for Marcusand the team at Battlefield forachieving more success at this

fantastic store. Well doneagain.”

Winning Sales Assistant Julie Sutton, who scooped£500 in prize money at the awards

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Community

Since 2011 the two Johns have pedaled atotal of 1,500 miles each on bikefundraisers, raising more than anincredible £40,000 for the good cause. Their 2015 challenge consisted of a 500-mile cycle starting in Edinburgh, Scotland,and finishing in Dover, Kent. Completedin just under five full days, the pair pushedtheir fitness levels to the maximum,having to encounter extreme weatherand mountain terrain. The cycle raisedclose to £11,000, which is the highesttotal yet.

NSPCC Fundraising Manager KirstyWhite said, “We are extremely grateful tothe two Johns for their efforts to raisevital funds for the NSPCC’s ChildLineSchools Service. Without this kind ofsupport we wouldn’t be able to continueour work to protect local children.”

Blakemore Retail Regional ManagerOwen Davies commented: “Well done toboth Johns on this fantastic achievement.Just preparing for these massivechallenges has been a challenge in itself.

“The lads spend many hours building uptheir strength and stamina for thesedistances. Starting training soon afterChristmas, they can be on the roads in allweathers.”

John Kelly commented: “It’s been afantastic adventure each year and we are

sad that it’s all over. The support we have hadover the five years of our bike rides has beenbrilliant, and it all started with a little bet in thebar at one of the Blakemore conferences!”

John Dyson added: “We would like to thank youall massively for your help over the last few years,from all of the stores with their sponsorship andfundraising efforts to the area managers and fieldstaff who have supported and met us along theway. “Most importantly, the money goes to a fantasticcharity to help the children who need it most.”

For the fifth and final consecutive year Blakemore Retail AreaManagers John Kelly and John Dyson took to the saddle forthe NSPCC’s ChildLine.

John Kelly (right) andJohn Dyson (left)

arrive at their finaldestination in Dover

Blakemore Retail Raises£14,173 for NepalEarthquake Survivors

Blakemore Retail stores spent four weeksfundraising for the good cause via in-storecheckout collection tins.

Blakemore Retail Managing DirectorGeoff Hallam presented the funds to theDEC at Blakemore Retail’s ManagersConference in June.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:“Our latest Nepal earthquake appealsimply couldn’t have happened withoutthe incredible support from people suchas yourselves.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has thankedBlakemore Retail for raising £14,173 for its NepalEarthquake Appeal.

“The money donated willgo a long way in supportingthose affected by the Nepal

disaster and will help toenable them to rebuild their

shattered communities.”Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam(left) hands over the funds raised by BlakemoreRetail to DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed

Blakemore Retail Helps to Combat Ebola Crisis

Oxfam Business Development ManagerPeter Hall said: “SPAR’s support has beentremendous, especially against thechallenging economic backdrop. It istestament to the dedication and hardwork of all SPAR store employees andtheir customers. “The money donated will go a long way inmaintaining measures to protect againstEbola, whilst rebuilding countries mostaffected.”

Blakemore Retail Managing Director GeoffHallam added: “It is fantastic thatBlakemore Retail raised such a largeamount in such a short space of time forthose urgently in need. Our staff put anincredible amount of effort into supportingsuch an important appeal.”

Blakemore Retail donated £11,626 to Oxfam’s Ebola Crisis Appeal in March after a month offundraising via in-store checkout collection tins.

Blakemore Retail Managing DirectorGeoff Hallam (right) presents a cheque

for £11,626 to Oxfam BusinessDevelopment Manager Peter Hall

Two Johns’ Five Years ofFundraising Tops £40,000

Dover

Edinburgh

The first phase of Shop & Win kickedoff for six weeks in August 2014,followed by a second phase in January2015. With a combined prize giveaway valueof over £250,000, the campaign wasthe largest ever mobile voucherpromotion run by a convenienceretailer. A total of 300,000 customerentries were received, and over40,000 mobile vouchers wereredeemed in-store. Shop & Win returned in Septemberwith more than 100,000 prizes worthover £150,000 up for grabs, including abrand new Vauxhall VIVA.

Blakemore Retail ShoppersScoop Shop & Win Prizes A number of Blakemore Retail shoppers have picked up top prizesin SPAR UK’s national Shop & Win customer competition.

Competition winner Jas Dhillonpicks up £500 from Coseley

CreweCelebratesCustomer’sCentenaryCrewe helped a loyalcustomer mark their one-hundredth birthday with atrio of gifts.

Sales Assistant June Norris and PostOffice Supervisor Marie Whittinghampresented Olwyn Wood with a bouquetof flowers, chocolates and £30 to spendin-store to commemorate her birthday inJune. Olwyn has shopped at the storesince it began trading 21 years ago.

Store Manager Shaun Proctercommented: "Getting involved incelebrating the century milestone of oneof our oldest customers didn't require asecond thought. The community spiritthat this store is built on is strong and wecontinue to show this in the sincerestpossible manner where we can."

Olwyn said:

Sales Assistant June Norris (left) and Post OfficeSupervisor Marie Whittingham (right) presentOlwyn Wood with flowers to celebrate hercentenary

"I've been shopping here formany years now and everyonehas always been so lovely. Thiswas a wonderful surprise and Ithank everyone for the effort

they went to.”

Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16

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Community Community

NSPCC Fundraising Surpasses £2 Million

20 21

Thanks to the longstanding dedication and tremendous fundraising efforts of colleagues,Blakemore Retail has officially donated more than £2.2 million to the NSPCC since SPARUK’s partnership with the charity began in 2007.

Eighteen staff members from DonnaCooper and John Dyson’s areas tookpart in a 12-mile walk and raised£4,021.

Ricky and Tom from Llangefni cycled50 miles around the SPAR stores inAnglesey and raised over £600.

Sleaford raised more than £700 bytaking part in a onesie walk.

Gresford raised £165 with a tombolastall at the Gresford Festival.

Llangollen raised over £300 withtheir sponsored walk.

Crewe held a charity raffle and raised£205.

Bromsgrove raised £450 with an in-store bikeathon.

Tracy Wilson from MarketHarborough took on a skydive andraised £866.

Chipping Sodbury held a charity funday at their store and raised £195.

Emily Smith from South WoodhamFerrers completed the BrentwoodHalf Marathon and raised £925.

Caernarfon set up a scrumptiouscake stall and raised £214.

Grove Road held a ‘Best of British’themed fun day and raised £103.

Bassaleg Road held a charity fancydress day and raised over £1,000.

The Leegomery team raised morethan £300 by climbing Mount Snowdon.

Rhuddlan employee Michelle Deanbraved a bean bath to raise £260.

Head office organised a staff springraffle that raised circa £3,000.

Wordsley Post Office held an eight-hour bikeathon, tombola and cake salewhich raised £246.

Much Wenlock organised a charityweekend that raised £165.

Without Blakemore Retail’s remarkablecontribution of £271,057 to the NSPCC’sChildLine Schools Service at the end of the2014/15 year, this milestone wouldn’t have beenpossible.

NSPCC Corporate Partnerships Manager KirstyWhite commented: “Each year, Blakemore Retaildoes a fantastic job of fundraising for theNSPCC, and we continue to be blown away bystores’ enthusiasm!

“In the last year alone, we have had giftsdonated to our Birmingham Service Centre forthe children that we help there, 50 – 500 milebike rides, skydiving and plenty of cake sales! Thank you to everyone who has raised moneyfor us since 2007 – for every penny donation,you are helping us in our fight for everychildhood.”

Here is a snapshot of just some ofthe fundraising activities that havetaken place across the estate overthe course of the last year:

Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell and Blakemore Retail Managing Director Geoff Hallam presentthe £271,057 raised during 2014/15 to the NSPCC at Blakemore Retail’s Managers Conference

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Community

Wyberton donated refreshments toparticipants in the Wyberton StreetSmart event.

Beddau donated funds to Bryn CelynnogComprehensive School’s car buildingproject, helping them to compete in thePenarth Downhill Derby.

Newtown donated goods for a charityhamper to raise money for Newtown AirCadets.

Phil Bundy from Cefn Fforest raisedmore than £600 by taking part in a 50 kmcycle in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Wordsley and Cotteridge Post OfficeManager Toni Worker raised more than£400 by taking on a 13-mile trek for theNational Kidney Federation.

Llangollen donated funds to theLlangollen Male Voice Choir.

Tracy Gillman from Merthyr Tydfil tookpart in the Merthyr Half Marathon andraised over £350 for Cancer Research UKand the British Heart Foundation.

Wrexham donated funds to RhosdduPrimary School’s Splash Party sports day.

Dolgellau Post Office donatedmouthcare kits for patients at DolgellauCommunity Hospital.

Area Manger Paul Wiltshire raised anincredible £8,864 for BreakthroughBreast Cancer by running the LondonMarathon with his daughter, Laura.

Tickhill Post Office donated funds to theHayley Patrick School of Theatre Dancefor gymnastics mats.

Blakemore Retail Operations SupportAssistant Hayley Parsons ran Race for Lifeand raised more than £1,000 for CancerResearch UK.

Wells raised £360 with a charity fun dayin aid of Dorset and Somerset AirAmbulance.

Caroline Stafford from Felixstowe PostOffice took on the London Marathon andraised £2,750 for Meningitis Now.

New Road donated funds to BluebellsFootball Club.

Crowland donated raffle prizes to theCrowland Social Group for the Blind.

Hannah Samuel from Pontycymmertook part in a Rainbow Run and raised£453 for palliative care charity Ty Hafan.

Elton donated goods to Elton PrimarySchool’s Easter event.

Charitable Giving BreaksRecords for Fifth Year Running

In recent years charitable giving acrossBlakemore Retail has soared. Of the5,732 donations that colleagues awardedto good causes between the start of2010/11 and the end of 2014/15, 2,130were awarded in 2014/15. That’s morethan 37% of all donations since recordsbegan.

The Blakemore Foundation offers threetypes of donations to support localcharities and organisations acrossBlakemore Retail’s trading estate. Theseinclude:

Standard Donations: These areawarded to local good causes, charitiesand projects located within the company’strading area up to the value of £200.

Match Fund Donations: Thefundraising efforts of all employees can be

matched by the Blakemore Foundation upto the value of £200. (Please note thatthis does not include fundraising forChildLine or the Retail Trust.)

In Kind Donations: These are awardedto support local community events in theform of goods e.g. food, drink orequipment for use as raffle prizes orrefreshments.

For more information contact:Blakemore FoundationUnit 401, Axcess 10 Business ParkBentley Road South, DarlastonWS10 8LQ

Tel: 0121 568 2910Email: ksenter@afblakemore.com

Take a look at just some of the greatcauses recently supported:

Blakemore Retail broke records for charitable giving yet again in 2014/15, with employeesawarding donations worth £107,636 to 2,130 local good causes via the Blakemore Foundation.

Amount Donated by theBlakemore Foundation

£107,636via

2,130Donations

£21,268via

178Donations

2010/11

2014/15

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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16

Bassaleg Road returned to FlorenceHospice for a second time totransform their outdoor area into anunderwater scene.

Dyserth store and Post Office gave alocal village hall a new lease of life withtheir paint brushes.

Staff from Elstead spent a dayrenovating The Clockhouse, which isused as a social centre for the elderly.

Fresh Food Coach Christine Harrisonand six volunteers from various storessupported a charity Night Walk in aidof St Barnabas House hospice.

Store managers from David Garside’sarea came together to transform anoutdoor area at Dorin Primary School.

Brayford Wharf sent four volunteersto transform an outdoor patch at FarmDay Nursery into a building site playarea for the children.

Three staff from Great Wryley builtan area for a new sensory garden atHolly Lane Nursery.

Worthing, along with Fresh FoodCoach Christine Harrison and AreaManager David Evenden, supported alocal charity event.

Seven staff members from Forsbrookran a stall to help raise money forForsbrook Primary School.

Ponthir helped Caerleon CommunityHub prepare for launch by tidying upthe centre and its outdoor area.

Warndon store and Post Officedonated gift-wrapped toys, clothing andstationery to the NSPCC’s BirminghamService Centre for vulnerable childrenin the Midlands.

Herlington tidied up an outdoor areaat Baybrook Community Centre.

Elstead store got involved in a localcharity Colour Run by providing waterfor the event and marshalling it, evengetting covered in powder paintthemselves.

Four volunteers from Trethomassupported a local community event andran a stall in aid of Hope Church.

Whitestone continued their ongoingcommitment to Whitestone PrimarySchool by hosting their second healthyeating study tour.

Upton organised and ran a tombolafor a charity event raising funds forAlder Hey Children’s Hospital.

St Albans staff, along with Fresh FoodCoach Christine Harrison, marshalled alocal 10km run and supplied water forthe event.

Volunteers from Bulkington spent aday turning an outdoor area into auseable space for Arden Forest FirstSchool.

Worthing and Goring, along withArea Manager David Evenden andFresh Food Coach Christine Harrison,marshalled runners around their localSanta Dash.

Ecclesall Road transformed one ofthe playground areas at Hunters BarSchool. The store will revisit later inthe year to complete some furtherwork.

Nine volunteers from New Roadspent a day supporting the local TonduMini & Juniors Rugby Festival.

CommunityCommunity

CommunityVolunteeringOver the 12-month period an incredible 3,752 hours were donated to worthwhile causes, up from 1,938 hours in 2013/14.

In addition to traditional painting and gardening activities, colleagues volunteered their time to the ChildLine Schools Service, study tours,reading with school children, charity events and healthy eating initiatives.

If you would like to take part in a volunteering activity, please contact Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell on 0121 568 2910 or emaillbell@afblakemore.co.uk to request a copy of the Community Engagement Information Pack.

Here is a snapshot of recent community activity:

As part of the company’s Community Engagement Programme, Blakemore Retailemployees undertook 69 community projects during the 2014/15 financial year.

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Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16

Four volunteers from St Helens andSt Leonards marshalled runnersaround a charity Santa Dash.

Staff from Chipping Sodburysupported Storkies playgroup byassembling toys, weeding and removingstones in their outdoor play area.

Fifteen members of staff fromLlanharry improved LlansannorPrimary School’s playground area.

Tonyrefail supported Tref Y RhyggPrimary School by painting and tidyingtheir outdoor school yard.

Four volunteers from Bassaleg Roadhelped the New Bridges centre, wherethey cater for young adults with mentaldisabilities, by creating a seating areawith lights and an outdoor games area.

Glemsford supported GlemsfordPrimary School’s sports day by hostinga refreshments table.

Five staff from Gainsborough alongwith Area Manager Ruth Mutton spenta day painting the outside walls ofWhite’s Wood Lane Primary Schooland varnishing garden furniture.

CommunityCommunity

Upton supported Orchard ManorCare Home’s fundraiser by hosting andproviding the items for their tombola.

Crowland store transformed a localplayground by painting flowers on thefences and creating areas for childrento use for gardening.

Volunteers from Westbridge storesupported their local area’s elderlyneighbourhood by mowing their lawns.

Five volunteers from Crewe spent aday painting the outside of a drop-incentre for the homeless.

Whitestone supported WhitestoneSurgery’s end-of-school fun day byhosting a fruit stand during the eventand supplying the fruit.

Rhos volunteers cleared a large patchof overgrown land at Johnstown Scoutsand transformed it into an area that theScouts can use to grow plants.

Three staff from Caergwrle alongwith Area Manager Gareth James spenta day at the Capricorn Animal Rescuecentre painting their outdoor sheds.

Five volunteers from Bulkington gavethe outdoor area of St James Churchof England Academy a new lease of lifewith a day of painting.

Bannerbrook staff spent a daycovering the fences of St Andrew’sSchool with a fresh lick of paint.

Upton spent a day a week over thecourse of several weeks supportingUpton Heath Primary School’sgardening club.

Kind-hearted staff from Raunds gave alocal play area a lick of paint.

Four staff from Sherburn joinedforces with other local businesses tocarry out a community litter pick.

VolunteersMake Over The MeadowSports CollegeSchool children from a WestMidlands special needs secondaryschool started the school term ina much brighter building andimproved grounds thanks to 13employees from Blakemore Retail.

Head office employees and field staff, ledby Operations Support & MarketingCoordinator Caroline Wills, spent fourdays in July transforming the classroomsand school grounds of The MeadowsSports College in Sandwell.

The team of volunteers paintedclassrooms, sanded and re-painted theoutdoor wooden play area and filled theraised beds of the school grounds withflowers and plants.

The Meadows Sports College is the onlysecondary school in Sandwell that meetsthe needs of students with complex,profound and multiple learning difficulties,associated communication and languagedifficulties and challenging behaviours.

Caroline commented: “The communityproject was a great experience andeveryone worked really hard, despite theweather and unexpected obstacles.

“Our work has made a real difference tothe school environment and the school isvery appreciative. Thanks to all of thestaff who helped out and donated theirtime.”Four volunteers from Brumby

Corner Post Office along with AreaManager Kelly Loxley and Post OfficeController Stewert Waldron spent aday painting at Wordsley Church.

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Stores Collaborate to Transform Riding Centre Cefn Glas Infant School Receives New AllotmentA team of 20 Blakemore Retailvolunteers spent a day in Augustat Clwyd Special Riding Centrein Llanfynydd, near Wrexham inNorth Wales.

Employees from sixteen stores acrossGareth James and David Garside’s areas,along with Regional Manager OwenDavies, cleared a visitors’ picnic area,installed a fence and dismantled disusedequipment. Every week the Clwyd Special RidingCentre welcomes more than 200 peopleof all ages with special needs to benefit

from the pleasure of riding. The group of volunteers was team-led by

Penyffordd Store Manager Guy Coleman,who commented: “It was a pleasure toorganise this community project for acharity which helps so many youngchildren nationally. We all had awonderful day at the riding centre and Iwould like to thank everyone involved fortheir tremendous hard work.” Community Affairs Officer Liz Bell added:“This project is a great example of howcollaborative action can make a massivedifference to the community. I wouldurge other stores to think about ways inwhich they can work together tocomplete a project or fundraise for agood cause.”

Call for Entries 2016Does your community workdeserve to be celebrated? For yourchance to take home a trophy anda £250 cheque for charity, simplycontact Community Affairs OfficerLiz Bell on 0121 568 2910 or emaillbell@afblakemore.co.uk.

Blakemore Retail Crowned Best at A.F. Blakemore Community Awards 2015After anotherinspirational year ofcommunity activity, the2015 A.F. BlakemoreCommunity Awards sawmore entries than ever.

Post Office Manager Suzanne Williams hasenriched the lives of many residents inDolgellau with her enthusiasm forfundraising and charitable giving. Last year Suzanne raised more than£1,000 for Cancer Research UK byparticipating in Race for Life, and in amore recent 10,000 ft sky dive she raisedover £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.Suzanne has supported the NSPCC’sChildLine for a number of years via herPost Office and already has plans to takeon a midnight pyjama walk next. Suzanne has also made numerousdonations via the Blakemore Foundationto local good causes, including Christmashampers for Age Well UK and mouthcarekits for Dolgellau Community Hospital.

The year marked an extra specialmilestone for Blakemore Retail, as thedivision swept the board and took all ofthe community awards up for grabs.

The awards recognise and rewardemployees who have made an outstandingcontribution to their local communities,no matter how big or small.

All winners were awarded a £250 chequefor a charity of their choice, as well as atrophy.

Wordsley Store Supervisor Leanne Joneswas highly commended for going theextra mile to support the NSPCC thisyear. Leanne’s passion for supporting the causeat such a high level has inspired others toget involved, including the store team atWarndon, who carried out two giftappeals for the NSPCC’s children’sservice centre in Birmingham atChristmas and Easter. The team put their heart and soul intosupporting the appeals, gift-wrapping avariety of toys, confectionery and clothingfor children of different ages. Each giftwas also accompanied by a heartwarminggreeting from each member of staff.

St Fagans Store Manager Allen Collettinspired his store team to raise £10,029for good causes last year, including £4,289for the NSPCC and £5,678 for 2 Wishupon a Star, a charity which raises fundsto improve bereavement services inSouth Wales.Determined to make a difference, Allenand his store team have set themselvesthe challenge of raising more and morefunds year on year. Thanks to theirefforts, hundreds of people within thelocal community have benefited fromtheir fundraising and donations. The team has established a number ofpartnerships with community groups,including the local police force.

Fresh Food Controller ChristineHarrison’s dedication to helping othershas made her a key figure of BlakemoreRetail’s community volunteeringprogramme in the South East region. Christine has team-led and assistednumerous community volunteeringprojects, collaborating with Elstead,Goring, St Helens and St Leonards stores. Showing a true passion for all hercommunity activity, Christine has becomea pillar of the local community. Heractivity has enabled Blakemore Retail tostrengthen its community partnerships inthe South East region and provide ahelping hand to numerous causes in need.

Wrexham Store Manager Janet Cruseteam-led 27 Blakemore Retail employeesat the UK’s only national employeevolunteering event, Give & Gain Day. Janet’s project was one of the largest thatBlakemore Retail has taken part in todate, with employees flocking to theevent from Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Creweand Chester. The team joined forces with GroundworkNorth Wales at the TaynfonEnvironmental Education Centre &Nature Reserve in Wrexham to re-stainwood-clad buildings, paint wood murals inclassrooms, improve footpaths and cutback vegetation. Since the eventWrexham has continued its support bydonating goods for fundraising events.

Fundraiser of the YearWinner

Suzanne Williams,Dolgellau Post Office

Fundraiser of the YearHighly Commended

Leanne Jones,Wordsley

Team Leader of the YearWinner

Allen Collett,St Fagans

Team Leader of the YearHighly CommendedChristine Harrison,

Fresh Foods Department

Project of the YearWinner

Janet Cruse,Wrexham

Thirty colleagues from six storesand Blakemore Retail’s headoffice created an outdoorallotment area for children atCefn Glas Infant School inBridgend, South Wales. The team of volunteers spent a day inJuly gardening, building raised vegetableplanters, repairing a drinks bottlegreenhouse and re-gravelling the outsidespace of the nursery area.In addition, Blakemore Retail ran acolouring and drawing competition withthe school, which involved pupils handingin their completed pictures at their local

SPAR store. Blakemore Retail Operations SupportAssistant Hayley Parsons, who led the

project, commented: “The team workedreally hard to build strong relationshipswith Cefn Glas Infant School; we saw theproject as a fantastic opportunity notonly to educate the pupils but also tobuild great committee relations.” Cefn Glas Head of School Sue Hendersonadded: “We were really pleased to be apartner in this project. Along the way wedeveloped friendly relationships with staffat both SPAR and Blakemore Retail, andmuch has been learnt about bothorganisations. It is so lovely to see thislevel of community spirit, and theorganisation of the project wasmeticulous throughout.”

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Blakemore Retail Awards 2015Blakemore Retail has held a series of awards to celebrate stores and individualsacross its estate that have made an outstanding contribution to the business.

Sales Assistant of the Year

Hola Spain…

WinnerKieran Jones, Cresswell

Runners upAlys Davies, Builth WellsMargaret Wilson, Brumby Corner

Food To Go Sales Assistant of the Year

WinnerDonna Powell, Ludlow

Runners upTracy Ogden, Brayford WharfSally Ann Cherry, Brumby Corner

Post Office Assistant of the Year

WinnerCatherine Heward, Scartho

Runners upDebra Howard, IngoldmellsLeanne Jones, Warndon

Blakemore Retail’s Store of the YearAwards, held in April, assessedstores on their performance in thecompany’s latest OperationExcellence initiative, which ranthroughout the 2014/15 year. Four audits were carried out at storesacross the estate over the course of 12months, scoring them across a range ofcriteria including product range andpresentation, promotional compliance,stock ordering, stock storage andwastage. Stores with the highest audit

scores received avisit fromBlakemore Retaildirectors, who thenselected fouroverall winners. Meanwhile, PostOffice stores werejudged for the PostOffice of the Yearaward on theirfinancialperformancethroughout theyear. Anindependentinterview withBlakemore Retail’sPost Office account manager decided theoverall winner from six finalists. In addition, Blakemore Retail also awardedArea Manager Gareth James with the titleof Area Manager of the Year and SubwayOperations Manager John Mason with theTim Lyon Commemorative Award forOutstanding Contribution.

All of Blakemore Retail’s Store of theYear finalists won £100 worth ofLove2Shop vouchers plus vouchers tospend in-store for all of their staff, whilstthe overall winners were rewarded with atrip to the 2015 SPAR Meridian & WelshGuild Conference in the town of Sitges,Spain.

Blakemore Retail presented its 2015Sales Assistant of the Year Awards atits Managers Conference in June.The Sales Assistant of the Year Awardsrecognised individuals who have shownoutstanding commitment to customerservice and their community. Staff were nominated for the awards bytheir area manager, and then each finalistattended an interview with a member ofBlakemore Retail’s senior team.

Blakemore Retail’s Store of the Yearwinners were rewarded for theircontribution to the business with a tripto the 2015 SPAR Meridian & WelshGuild Conference in Spain.

In May the winners boarded a plane for afour-day visit to the town of Sitges, nearBarcelona, with SPAR retailers fromacross the Meridian & Welsh Guild.

The conference consisted of aprogramme of presentations andworkshops providing an insight into theconvenience sector and the key role thatSPAR has to play within it.

Winners could also take advantage of arange of leisure activities including a daytrip to Barcelona, cycle tour around thetown of Sitges and tour of the CasaBacardi factory.

Here are just a few snaps of theBlakemore Retail winners enjoyingthemselves:

Sales Assistant of the Year Awards

Store of the Year Awards

Store of the Year: Brumby CornerStore Manager: Joan Padley

Store of the Year: LudlowStore Manager: Teresa Rigby

Post Office Store of the Year: TickhillPost Office Manager: Jemma Thorne

Store of the Year: BannerbrookStore Manager: Sharon Nulty

Store of the Year: PorthcawlStore Manager: Bev East

Tim Lyon CommemorativeAward for OutstandingContribution: Subway OperationsManager John Mason

Area Manager of the Year:Gareth James

Rollercoaster enthusiasts from across BlakemoreRetail enjoyed a day out at Alton Towers themepark in September as part of the company’s staffbenefits programme.A total of 601 employees and 832 accompanying friends and family membersvisited the park, taking advantage of a complimentary lunch and free coachtransport too.

Josie Taylor from Taylors Avenue commented: “Staff and families including myselfand my family had a great time. Thanks for a great day and to all those thatworked to give us this time together.”

As a result of kind donations from attendees on the day Blakemore Retail alsoraised £281 for the NSPCC.

Here is a selection of photos:

Alton TowersFun Day

The trip to AltonTowers was open toall employees free ofcharge, whilstfamily and friendscould also attendat a discountedrate.

Newbold, January 2015

Fairfield, April 2015

Crewe, February 2015

West Midlands, September 2015

Newbold, March 2015

Leading the Blakemore Way Update

TrainingNewsin Brief

Leading the Blakemore Way was launchedback in 2009 to help colleagues developtheir leadership attitudes, skills andcapability. Initially a two-day programme was rolledout to store and Post Office managersacross the business. Then, in September2015 Blakemore Retail embarked on thesecond phase of its programme rollout,focusing on assistant store and Post

Office managers as well as food servicemanagers. To date, more than 460 Blakemore Retailcolleagues have completed the two-dayprogramme. Group HR Director Ian Diment said:“Leading the Blakemore Way forms anintegral part of the company’s businessstrategy and is a key strand of how wewill deliver our 2020 objectives.

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Operations Support & Marketing CoordinatorCaroline Wills achieved an ILM Level 2 Certificate inLeadership & Team Skills last January.

Area Manager David Garside delivered a CompetentPersons Fuel Course in March to help equipforecourt staff with the legal and operationalknowledge required to work on a modern forecourt.

Trainer Nayna Mistry, Training Manager AnitaGoodwin and Trainer Paula Parsons successfullycompleted Level 3 Food Safety in September.

Blakemore Retail’s Fresh Food team successfullycompleted their Level 3 Food Safety in May.

The winning team: Wiltshire’s Warriors

Back row left to right: Chris Masters, Dan Lloyd

and Jordy DyeFront row left to right: Ren Johnston, Michael Crosby,

Jon Moffat and Jamie Lloyd

Runners up: The South CoastBack row left to right: Bradley Ashton, Luke Parkerand David EvendenFront row left to right: Harry Fisher, Kevin Butlerand Paul Stuart

The five-a-side competition, which tookplace at Lutterworth Town Football Clubin July, raised a grand total of £1,226 forthe good cause. Nineteen teams competed at the event,which was organised by Loss PreventionManager Mark Stevenson, StoreOperations Director Chris Bacon,Operations Support & Marketing Co-ordinator Caroline Wills and OperationsSupport Assistant Andrew Hadley. Caroline commented: “It was great to seeso many colleagues travel so far to takepart. The event provided a goodopportunity for team building and we alsomanaged to exceed last year’s fundraisingtotal by more than £200.”The tournament was dominated bystores in Regional Manager BrianCherry’s South East region, with the

Football Tournament Kicks Off AgainLast summer saw the return of Blakemore Retail’s charity football tournament, in aid of ChildLine.

‘Wiltshire Warriors’ defeating the ‘SouthCoast’ team 3-1 in the final to take thewinners’ title.

The past year has seen an expansion of the company’s bespoke leadership developmentprogramme, Leading the Blakemore Way.

Grimsby, November 2015

“It is critical that we have leaders at alllevels of the business with the self-awareness, attitudes and behavioursrequired to help shape an effective andresponsive business culture for thefuture.”

Here is a selection of photos ofdelegates who attended the two-dayprogramme:

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Blakemore RetailTakes to Social Media

IncentivesOver the course of the last year, Blakemore Retail storeshave been building up an online presence on social media. Currently, circa 140 stores have accountson Facebook and Twitter. The aim is toget all stores live by the end of 2016.

Blakemore Retail’s Facebook and Twitterpages feature a wide range of activityaimed at stores’ local customers, includingpromotions, local and in-store events,store refits and renovations, communitywork and staff achievements.

In addition, the pages are also updatedwith SPAR UK content and news fromacross the A.F. Blakemore group.

With only a couple of exceptions, theFacebook and Twitter pages are allmanaged by Operations Support &Marketing Coordinator Caroline Wills.

Caroline commented: “SPAR UK has anational presence on Facebook andTwitter, but the aim of Blakemore Retail’ssocial media pages is to promote SPARlocally.

“The initial focus has been on setting upFacebook and Twitter pages to promotenew stores, new Post Offices and newSubways. However, stores are welcometo put themselves forward for socialmedia sites via their area managers if theywish.

“I’d always welcome colleagues to pass onany content for Facebook and Twitterthat they think might be of interest totheir local communities. It’s store-specific, local news and photos that willboost our pages and get the likes comingin, so please keep me up to date.”

Help Boost Your Store’sPresence on Social MediaIf your store is on social media, you canhelp by sending Caroline informationincluding, but not limited to:

• Store, staff and customer events

• Store refits and renovations

• Store fundraising, charitable giving andcommunity volunteering

• Staff achievements such as long serviceawards

• Local community events going on nearyour store

• News coverage of your store in localnewspapers or online

• Photos of innovative store displays

• High quality photos of store interiorsand exteriors

Please email Caroline Wills atcwills@afblakemore.co.uk.

Find Your Store on Facebookand TwitterPlease show your support by followingBlakemore Retail on social media. Thefollowing stores currently have pages onFacebook and Twitter:

Blakemore Retail also has a company-wide account on Facebook and Twitter. Search for Blakemore Retail Official onFacebook.Search for Blakemore Retail on Twitter.

• Abertridwr• Aberystwyth• Anglia Uni• Ashgate• Auckley• Aylsham Road• Baglan• Bala• Bannerbrook• Bargoed• Barningham• Barton• Baschurch• Bassaleg Road• Bassingbourn• Battlefield• Bayston Hill• Beddau• Bentley• Bettws• Birmingham Guild• Blakeney• Brackla• Bradley Cross• Brayford Wharf• Brewood• Bridgend TC• Brunswick Road• Bulkington• Burbage• Bury St Edmunds• Cae Glas Road• Caergwrle• Cefn Fforest• Cefn Glas• Chatham• Chirk• Clasketgate• Coedpoeth• Coleham• Coseley• Crewe• Crosspool• Crowland• Daventry• Docking• Eccleshall• Ewenny Road• Fairfield• Fairwater• Felixstowe• Ferndale• Fernhill Heath• Glemsford• Gornal Wood• Grantham• Great Darkgate St• Great Wyrley• Great Yarmouth• Gresford• Halesworth• Hampton• Hay Lane• Herlington• Hillsborough• Kings Lynn• Kirkgate• Lakeside• Lampeter• Lapwood

• Lawnswood• Lingwood• Llandaff• Llangollen• Llanharry• Llanidloes• Llanishen Fach• Llanmartin• Llanrumney• Long Sutton• Ludlow• Maerdy• Market Harborough• Melton• Merthyr Tydfil• Mill Street• Monkmoor• New Inn• New Road• Newark• Newbold• Northgate• Oulton Broad• Pelsall• Penistone• Ponthir• Porthcawl• Prestatyn• Quay Road• Raunds• Ravenshead• Reepham• Rhos• Rhydyfelin• Risca Park• Russells Hall• Scartho• Sherburn• Skegness• Sleaford• St Dials• St Fagans Road• St Ives• St Neots• Stradbroke• Taylors Avenue• Tickhill• Ton Pentre• Tonyrefail• Treherbert• Treorchy• Trethomas• Trevethin• Trowbridge• Two Dales• Upton• Warboys• Warndon• Watton• Welland Road• Westbridge• Westway• Whitestone• Wollaston• Wombourne• Wordsley• Wrexham• Wyberton• Ystrad Mynach

It’s been a busy year for incentive competitions. Here’s a snapshot of recent activity:

Runners up: Grantham

Pet Event IncentiveMars Petcare ran a retailer incentivecompetition supporting the Pet Event. Stores submitted photos of their PetEvent displays showcasing their fullybranded red stands and themed material. The main prize was £3,000 worth ofMars Petcare stock, whilst runners upreceived retail vouchers worth £200 andcommended stores received retailvouchers worth £50. Tenbury Wells and Wollaston wererunners up, whilst Leverstock, Louth,Melton Mowbray, Ravenshead, St Helens,Wingerworth were all awardedcommendable prizes.

Mega Friday National LotteryIncentiveSPAR stores were given the chance towin a slice of the millionaire lifestyle witha National Lottery Mega Friday incentive. The incentive challenged stores toachieve a 60% sales uplift on a regularbase week, and to score 100% point ofsale compliance when visited. The winner was Karen Roberts fromRhuddlan, who was awarded a five-starstay at a hotel in central London andhelicopter flight over the sights of the city.

Winner: Karen Roberts from Rhuddlan

Runners up: New Road

Winners: Bishops Castle

Runners up: Tenbury Wells

Runners up: Tenbury Wells

Douwe Egberts IncentiveDouwe Egberts ran a retailer incentivecompetition supporting Douwe Egbertsactivity. Stores submitted photos of their DouweEgberts Classic Roast displays and pointof sale. Tenbury Wells won one of the mainprizes, an iPad.

Winner: Tenbury Wells

Pringles IncentiveStores also took part in a Pringlesincentive, which awarded prizes for thebest Pringles Tortilla Chips displays. Stores were judged on the number ofcans they put on display and also theircreativity. First prize was an iPad Mini and secondprize was a Bose SoundLink Bluetoothspeaker. Bishops Castle won the top prize andTenbury Wells were runners up.

Runners up: Wollaston

Cider Festival IncentiveSPAR ran an incentive competitionsupporting the Cider Festival. Stores were judged on the execution oftheir Cider Festival displays and themedmaterials. Competition prizes included £250vouchers for the winner, £100 vouchersfor the second prize and £50 vouchersfor runners up. Grantham and New Road were runners up.

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In the Spot l i ghtWinter 2015/16

In the Spot l i ght

In the Spotlight

Donna Powell-Subway ManagerLudlow

Andrew Hadley-Operations SupportAssistantHead Office

What does your job involve?

The daily running of a Subway store. I am currently supporting newSubway stores, training staff etc.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Being in the beer garden on a nice summer day with a mixed fruitsRekorderlig in my hand and friends

Where is your favourite place?

Old Trafford

If you won a lot of money, what would you do with it?

Go abroad, buy a box at Old Trafford, donate to charity and buy ahouse

Which three people would you invite to your dreamdinner party?

Alex Ferguson, Samuel L Jackson and David Beckham

What is your favourite book?

Facebook

Who is your favourite star of film or TV?

Liam Neeson

What is your favourite song?

Wannabe by the Spice Girls

Who makes you laugh?

Lee Evans, Johnny Vegas and Friends

If you could be born in any year, which one would youchoose?

1991, because a star was born

What is the best thing you have ever achieved?

Winning Food To Go Sales Assistant of the Year

Which superpower would you like to have and why?

Invisibility

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

Falling off a table when playing with Barbie dolls and breaking myarm

What is your biggest regret to date?

Not being confident enough in myself

When you were younger, what did you want to be whenyou grew up?

A police officer

What three words best describe you?

Little, eyebrows and bubbly

What three words best describe how you would like to be?

Little, smiley and confident

What does your job involve?

Working with a fabulous team of four, serving customers, runningthe office to a high standard, making sure targets and standards aremet, and making sure everyone is coached and trained to theirhighest ability

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Waking up and having no worries, stresses or commitments tothink about, and being able to spend the whole day at the beachand then have a nice meal in the evening

Where is your favourite place?

My hammock in my garden as I can lay there and do lots of thinkingand relaxing

If you won a lot of money, what would you do with it?

Book a massive villa to fit all my family in as we never see eachother as much as we should

Which three people would you invite to your dreamdinner party?

Orlando Bloom because he is so gorgeous, Keith Lemmon to keepme entertained and Rita Ora because I love her music, so she cansing for me

What is your favourite book?

Unfortunately the only one – well three – I have read is...all I say isMr Grey!

Who is your favourite star of film or TV?

Brad Pitt

What is your favourite song?

Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud – it’s such a beautiful song

Who makes you laugh?

Keith Lemon

If you could be born in any year, which one would youchoose?

1980 – the year I was born. It was the best

What is the best thing you have ever achieved?

Winning Post Office of the Year – it was one of the best momentsin my life

Which superpower would you like to have and why?

To mute people as some people do speak without thinking

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

Spending the holidays with my amazing cousins

What is your biggest regret to date?

Not spending enough time with family members

When you were younger, what did you want to be whenyou grew up?

A dancer

What three words best describe you?

Fun, outgoing and lighthearted

What three words best describe how you would like to be?

Patient, organised and intelligent

What does your job involve?I support Blakemore Retail’s SPAR stores. This involves dealing withstore requests, taking customer comments, checking POS andother duties

What is your idea of a perfect day?A few drinks with my mates in a beer garden, then off to theBescot to watch Walsall win

Where is your favourite place?London when visiting my friends

If you won a lot of money, what would you do with it?I’d spend the money on fast cars, long holidays and my ownbrewery

Which three people would you invite to your dreamdinner party?Two of the most influential Walsall managers, Paul Merson and RayGraydon, then Bill Gates to pay for it

What is your favourite book?Karl Pilkington: An Idiot Abroad

Who is your favourite star of film or TV?Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad

What is your favourite song?Attack by 30 Seconds to Mars

Who makes you laugh?Jimmy Carr

If you could be born in any year, which one would youchoose?1991 seems to be okay

What is the best thing you have ever achieved?Graduating from university

Which superpower would you like to have and why?Super speed would help with the London Marathon

What is your most vivid childhood memory?Being stuck up a tree when I was six

What is your biggest regret to date?I don’t have any

When you were younger, what did you want to be whenyou grew up?A professional footballer

What three words best describe you?Honest, reliable and calm

What three words best describe how you would like to be?Honest, reliable and calm

Jemma Thorne-Post Office ManagerTickhill Post Office

Laura Williams-Store ManagerGwersyllt

What does your job involve?

I am a manager of a fuel site with a Subway and Food To Godepartment

What is your idea of a perfect day?

It's definitely got to be sunny, preferably with a Magners in my hand

Where is your favourite place?

Somewhere with a really hot climate. Seychelles would be nice!

If you won a lot of money, what would you do with it?

Well, my family and friends wouldn't have mortgages anymore…Ithink a Ferrari would look good on the drive to my mansion aswell!

Which three people would you invite to your dreamdinner party?

Three of my best friends – I couldn't have a party without them

What is your favourite book?

It's got to be the last book I read, which was Alan Sugar's biography

Who is your favourite star of film or TV?

That's easy... Rocky – I love those films

What is your favourite song?

Eye of the Tiger haha

Who makes you laugh?

Anybody from Gavin and Stacey, especially Bryn

If you could be born in any year, which one would youchoose?

1994 – that would mean I was still 21

What is the best thing you have ever achieved?

How my daughter has turned out and how she makes me proud

Which superpower would you like to have and why?

Samantha and the witch's nose...one twitch and everything is done

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

My very first dive off the really high boards in Wrexham swimmingbaths

What is your biggest regret to date?

No regrets – I just make sure I learn from mistakes

When you were younger, what did you want to be whenyou grew up?

A fashion designer – that didn't last long though...I can't sew to savemy life!

What three words best describe you?

Impulsive, honest and loyal

What three words best describe how you would like to be?

Successful, settled and a millionaire haha!

The team at Machynlleth

Chelsea Keenan – Briton Ferry

Carol Cupitt – Battlefield

Lee Grindley – Battlefield

Issa Madani – Manchester

Airport T2

The team at Bulkington

The team as Bassaleg Road

The team at Dolgellau PostOffice

The team at Hardys Road

Martin Woolley – Walsall ManorHospital

The team at Cefn Glas

Winter 2015/16

News

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Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

Your CustomerCare Awards

Do you have a member of the team that deserves morethan a thank you?

Congratulations to these recent Customer Careaward winners:

Email brtrainingsupport@afblakemore.co.uk or post your nomination toBlakemore Retail Training Support,

Longacres Industrial Estate, Rose Hill, Willenhall WV13 2JP

Nominating someone is easy:

Chelsea Keenan -Briton Ferry

Dave Albrighton -Machynlleth

Carol Cupitt -Battlefield

Issa Madani -ManchesterAirport T2

Lee Grindley -Battlefield

The team atCefn Glas

Over the last year many Blakemore Retail colleagues have celebrated long service milestones, from three to 45 years. As wellas a cash sum, each member of staff to reach a long service milestone has received a certificate and badge. Thank you to all ofthem for their continued service.

3 Years

Celebrating Long Service

Deborah Dew -St Fagans Road

Amara Ishaq -Bentley

Alison Kelk -Tickhill Post Office

Antonia Smith -Retail Trainer

Cameron Sampson -Buckley

Billy HoareyManchester Airport T1

Carley Griffiths -Trowbridge

Carol Acton -Gwersyllt

Caroline Wills -Operations Support &Marketing Coordinator

Connor Johnstone -Broomhill

Daniel McCrystal -Rowley Regis

Carrie Rogers -Yarborough Road

Chantal Doyle -Bromsgrove

Cath Williams -Elton

Cheryl Spruce -Great Wyrley Post Office

Chris Hancox -Elton

Donna Cooper -Area Manager

Danni Cyster -Bentley

David Thorne -Llanrumney

Darell Goolding -Fresh Food Coach

Dianne Worsey -Great Wyrley

Dominic Leake -Tenbury Wells

Elaine Cullen -Management Services

Giles Bolt -Brackla

Jackie Tolley -Ludlow

Jacqueline Hamman -Maidstone

Jan Jones -Rhydyfelin

Janet Knowles -Elton

Janine Parker -Bassingbourn

Joanna Mordecai -Bridgend Town Centre

Webb Ellis CupAttracts 300Visitors to MarketHarborough

Blakemore RetailGives Away WorldCup Tickets

Rugby’s Webb Ellis Cup attracted anestimated crowd of 300 people to MarketHarborough when it visited as part of theRugby World Cup 2015 Trophy Tour.

The Webb Ellis Cup was available forviewing for three hours at the store inAugust as part of a 100-day tour of theUK and Ireland in the lead up to theRugby World Cup 2015.

Store Manager Tracy Wilson said: “It was agreat evening to share with so many ofour customers and the local community.The atmosphere was fantastic and wewere so pleased with the turnout.”

Left to right: Market Harborough colleagues RemyNichols, Laura Hutcheson, Adam Creighton, HeatherRobertson, Andy Wright, Tracy Wilson and AllisonClark with the Webb Ellis Cup

At Blakemore Retail’s ManagersConference in the summer Darren Reesfrom Great Darkgate Street and ProjectManager Joe Simpson from head officewon tickets for the England v WalesRugby World Cup game.

England supporter Joe (left) and Wales supporterDarren (right) go head to head at the game

Why not nominate them for YourCustomer Care Award? Just tell us whyyou think they deserve it. Staff can be nominated for an award by acustomer or colleague. A monthly

winner will receive £50 worth of highstreet vouchers and 12-monthly winnerswill win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of£500, £250 and £100 vouchers.

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Long Ser v iceWinter 2015/16

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3 Years

Kelly Maskell -Buckley

Kevin Arlan -Herlington

Kayleigh Ashmore -Warndon

Kelly Hovell -Hampton Court

Kirsty Tideswell -Forsbrook

Lindsay Younger -Buckley

Joanne Duffy -Droitwich

Marilyn Gullis (left)& Christine Davidge -Ewenny Road

Lisa Sawyer -Warndon

Lisa Watkins -Trowbridge

Lynette Davies -Brunswick Road

Marcus Sims -Elton

Mandy Bird -Nuthall Road

Richard Williams -Warndon

Ross Attwood -Whitestone

Rosie Whyatt -Brewood

Marina Williams -Crowland

Mark Cox -Welland Road

Michelle Verallo -New Road

Miriam Harris -Rowley Regis

Nienna Moore -Hay Lane

Oliver Smith -Penyffordd

Shandya Casteleyn -Much Wenlock

Shannon O'Sullivan -Garden City

Shirley Plant -Manchester Airport T1

Stacey Wright -Beddau

Suzanne Rowlands -Brunswick Road

Joy Young -Brunswick Road

Julie Cope -Forsbrook

Kathleen Davidson -Manchester Airport T3

Celebrating Long Service5 Years3 Years continued

Alison Wallis -Brunswick Road

Ahmed Hassen -Manchester Airport T2

Andrew Barker -Buckley

Amanda Smith -Manchester Airport T1

Andrew Evans -Llanishen Fach

Andrew Lamb -Brunswick Road

Angela Ptolomey -Welland Road

Angela Seddon -Barton

Anita Goodwin -Retail Trainer

Alix Valentine -Bassingbourn

Ben Marshall -Tenbury Wells

Christine Bevan -Brunswick Road

Carol Evans -Garden City

Cristian Radoi -Manchester Airport T1

David Vickers -Manchester Airport T1

Debbie Lambert -Wombourne

Debbie Jones -Buckley

Gemma Gregory -Hillsborough

Haythem Charter -Manchester Airport T2

Gerry Fitzgerald -Bentley

Joanne Williams -Broseley Post Office

Joyce Clarkson -Louth

Joshy Joseph -Staplehurst

Karen Guryn -Forsbrook

Kerry Arkinstall -Burbage

Karina Harris -Hillsborough

Elaine Woods -Brunswick Road

Tracey Baldwin -Welland Road

Wendy Homer -Rowley Regis

Wendy Jeffrey -Whitestone

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Long Ser v ice

5 Years continued

Celebrating Long Service

Lisa Robertson -Burbage

Louise Jones -Wollaston

Lynn Chapman -Bulkington

Mark Blakemore -Buckley

Melissa Ashley -Westbridge

Mark Carney -Manchester Airport T3

Maureen Thurogood -John Lennon Airport

Natalie Edwards -Much Wenlock

Nikethini Jeyakeyan -Queensway

Nicola Cheyne -John Lennon Airport

10 Years

Patrick McCrystal -Wollaston

Rebecca Farrall -Elton

Rob Hughes -Thorngumbald

Sally Lowe -Westbridge

Sally ParkerGarden City

Sasha Ellis -Bassingbourn

Sebastian Kaminski -John Lennon Airport

Paula Temperley -Bulkington

Shane Higgins -Wombourne

Stuart Brown -Gornal Wood

Shirley Davies -Elton

Steven Valentine -Manchester Airport T1

Tanya Rogers -Rhos

Tracey Raven -Lakeside

Wendy Sykes -Manchester Airport T1

Timothy Powell -Ludlow

Adam McCluskey -Gresford

Alan Huxley-Jones -Caernarfon

Andrea Philips -Louth

Andrew Bradley -Two Dales

10 Years continued

Claire Jones -Russells Hall

Christine Harrison -Fresh Food Coach

Deborah Bradley -Tenbury Wells

Guy Coleman -Penyffordd

Christine Williams -Fourways

Craig Lawson -Wollaston

Dan Robinson -Shawbirch

Darren Preston -Herlington

Gareth Nay -Bishops Castle

Emma Owen -Brunswick Road

Emma Jones -Valley

Donna Richardson -Newbold

Gemma Morris -Trowbridge

Glen Roberts -Garden City

Gwilym Jones -Rhuddlan

Christine Brummell -Llangollen

Anthony Sutton -Lingwood

Ben Currie -St Helens

Brian Cherry -Regional Manager

Carol Faulkes -Brumby Corner

Carol Shaw -Scartho

Arun Karunasen -Queensway

Carol Sheilds -Coseley

Catrin Davies -Mach

Chowdhury Udin -Queensway

Caroline McCann -Melton Mowbray

Chris Tuckwood -Upper Parliament Street

Chris Kinsey -Beddau

Andy Pryce -Brunswick Road

Angela Reeves -Greatstone

44 45

Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v iceWinter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

10 Years continued

Celebrating Long Service

Jan Cruse -Wrexham

Jamila Ablott -Louth

Jacqui Lowe -Bad Bargain Lane

Mandy Gasson -Fresh Food Coach

Janice Barton -Upton

Julie Pepper -Fresh Food Coach

Josie Brown -Crosspool

Jeneara Thomas -Cefn Glas

Jeanette Nichols -Long Sutton

Julie Baker -Outwood

Julie Hewson -Melton Mowbray

Dennis Arber -Bassingbourn

Kelvin Japheth -Caernarfon

Katie Wilkinson -Reepham

Karen Goulden -New Waltham

Julie-Ann Weale -Builth Wells

Leslie Turner -Blakeney

Kathy Wilcox -Long Sutton

Lynne Clark -Bocking Lane Post Office

Leonie Edge -Rhuddlan

Linda Davis -Louth

Lisa Roberts -Russells Hall

Lorna Dawson -Forsbrook

Martin Hill -Bodelwyddan

Marie IbbotsonQuay Road

Lynne Mitchell -Barnby Dun

Maureen Edwards -Cefn Glas

Neil Norton -Great Wyrley

Michelle MacKenzie -Valley

Michelle Peel -Bayston Hill

10 Years continued

Steve Holcombe -Training Manager

Stephen Robinson -Scartho

Tessa Willetts -Lawnswood

Steuart Durham -Bannerbrook

Sue Ronan -Penistone

Susan Lane -Broseley

Teresa Styles -Lapwood

Tracey Davison -Walton

Vicki Tozer -Skegness

Toni Rickhuss -Bentley

Tom Williams -Caernarfon

Stacey Aitken-Best -Leegomery

Paula Grimshaw -Fresh Food Coach

Paul Pears -Rhayader

Patricia Middleton -Russells Hall

Pamela Smith -Russells Hall

Pamela Chapman -Hoo

Nicola Saunders -Bethesda

Pauline Betts -St Leonards

Sharon Nulty -Bannerbrook

Sandra Jones -Bodelwyddan

Ruth Jackson -Hoo

Pauline Griffiths -Bridgend Town Centre

Sarah Downes -Fourways

Sharon Maddocks -Upton

Simon Withers -Monkmoor

Simon Sidwell -Monkmoor

Simon Thomason -Brunswick Road

Shirley Davey -Gresford

Sheila Wolstenholme -Prestatyn

46

Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

47

Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

Celebrating Long Service15 Years

David Albrighton -Machynlleth

Denise Wheeler -LLanidloes

Davina Lacey -Bentley

Christopher Hammond -Tetney

Edith Kane -Shawbirch

Derek Jones -Batchley

Ben Elias -Area Manager

Carol Riley -Elton

Brian McCarthy -Ton Pentre

Alison Lewis -Builth Wells

Christine Chapman -Anglia University

Ceri Manley -Fairwater

Gillian Ballard -Warndon

Glynn Bramwell -Ashgate Road

Elaine Howard -Treherbert

Heather Brading -Barmouth

Helen Doyle-NewboldWombourne

Harriet Atterbury -Porthmadog

John Stockwell -Ponthir

Julie Pocock -Bassaleg Road

Jenny Wolstenholme -Rhuddlan

Jane Edwards -Tenbury Wells

Jane Clowes -Lapwood

Jayne Jones -Amlwch

Jacqueline Hunt -Hampton Court

Lee Hicks -Rhayader

Kim Young -Ramsgate

Kelly Fowkes -Droitwich

Kelly Thomas -Treherbert

Karen Dugard -Bradley Cross Roads

20 Years

Helen Yard -Keelby

Jacqueline Stacey -Cardiff Road

Janice Monks -Aberavon

Jean Partridge -Brunswick Road

Jenny Chubb -Risca Park

Jo Probert -Barmouth

Diane Cousins -Caerleon Road

David Cooper -Ferndale

Angela Williams -Gorseinon

Ann Nicolson -Tenbury Wells

Carol McLaughlin -Ferndale

Chelle Jones -Rhos

Alison Norton -Caergwrle

Alison Lain -Staplehurst

Julie Jones -Maerdy

Rose Lewis -Bettws

Roselyn Malpass -Gornal Wood

Panna Desai -Queensway

Nicola Williams -Valley

Sandra Kiff -Ton Pentre

Mark Hall -Beddau

Michelle Barnes -Fairwater

Mendres Qerimi -Queensway

Marion Holmes -Trowbridge

Sarah Jones -Maerdy

Sarah Gallagher -Lawnswood

Sharon James -LLanberis

Stuart Macmillan -Goring

Tracy Jones -Barmouth

Mandy Hewitt -Warndon

15 Years continued

48

Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

49

Winter 2015/16

Long Ser v ice

Celebrating Long Service

25 Years

Karen Hudson -Sherburn

Marie Whittingham -Crewe Post Office

Lynn Summers -Chepstow Road

Jane CollierRisca Park

Nicola Perrott -Rhydyfelin

Pat Moss -Wollaston

Pat Stoddart -Forsbrook

Olwen Cooke -Valley

Nigel Roberts -Dyserth

Becky Grayson -Wadsley Bridge PostOffice

Martin Rushton -Retail IT DevelopmentManager

Sharon Noakes -Lapwood

Susan Morris -Pennyffordd

Tina Borrmann -Hay-on-Wye

Shirley Powell -Penyffordd

Shirley Rigo -Barton

Tracey Smith -Monkton

Tom Wilson -Newtown

Yvonne Roberts -Rhos

Trish Rhodes -Sherburn

Lynne Charlesworth -Stannington Road

Marilyn Williams -Bulwark

Michelle McLaughlin -Bettws

Nick Palmer -Area Manager

Pamela Harrington -Chatham

Rebecca Ferrand -New Waltham

Caroline Paskin -Malpas Road

David Chadderton -Kings Norton

Donna Maloney -Trevethin

Elaine Smith -Tonyrefail

Lorraine Sansam -Wyberton

20 Years continued

35 Years

Group Photos

Heidi Sampson -10 years (Right)

Judith Watts -15 years (Left)

Wyberton

Lynette Reed -Treherbert

Sandra Kiff -10 years (Left)

Ceri James -15 years (Right)

Ton Pentre

Violet Humphrys -Newtown

Margaret Want -Halesworth

Angela Davies -Cefyn Glas

Nicola Simpson -Ravenshead

Sharon Griffiths -Bocking Lane

Marlene Johnson -Downend

Steve Richards -Rhydyfelin

Ann Roberts -Monkton

40 Years

45 Years

Diane McDonough -Broseley

Gail Crowley -Area Manager

Elinor Rotie -Cardigan

Pat Williams -Fairwater

Susan Skelley -Bocking Lane

Ceri James -Ton Pentre

Sally Cawthorn -Quay Road

30 Years

Rob Howard -Great Darkgate Street

Sue Membury -Penlan

Sue Richards -Beddau

Shaun Smith -Project Manager

Stuart Adkin -Deputy ManagingDirector

Sue Evans -Russells Hall

Susan Baggallay -Glascote Heath

Teresa Anderson -Fairwater

25 Years continued

51

Attendance Awards

50

Winter 2015/16

Attendance AwardsWinter 2015/16

Blakemore Retail holds attendance draws quarterly to recognise employees who achieve 100% attendance. The following staff received cashprizes dependent on how many months of continual attendance they achieved and whether they are full or part-time employees.

Attendance Awards

July 2014 Draw

Sinniah Veerapatherar -Mayfair

Karen Lanceley -Monkton

Andrea Rollings -Malpas Road

12months

£500Craig Grayson -Hillsborough

12months

£500Grant Maxfield -Horsham

12months

£500

Tina Cooper -Yaxley

12months

£500Victoria Cole -Thorngumbald

12months

£250Debbie Turner -Creswell Post Office

12months

£250

Jean Kinnear -Sutton-on-Sea

12months

£250Jamie Reading -Aberystwyth

6months

£250Paul Strutt -Great Yarmouth

6months

£250

Adam Brine -Bedale

6months

£250Susan Martin -Gillingham

6months

£250Anne Pittaway -Walsall Manor

6months

£250Mary Gilroy -Barningham

6months

£125

12months

£25012

months

£500

Fay Fahey -Cefn Glas

Gillian Fisher -Aberavon

6months

£2506

months

£250

Carole Colloby -Brunswick Road

Angela Hill -Presatyn

6months

£25012

months

£250

David Williams -Bargoed

6months

£125

October 2014 Draw

David Thomas -Porthmadog

Sandra Cole -Thorngumbald

12months

£25012

months

£500

Marilyn Williams -Bulwark

Sean Barry -Cefn Glas

6months

£1256

months

£250

Nick Palmer -Western Region

Sarah Duffy -Coseley

6months

£2506

months

£500

Karen Cooper -Russells Hall

6months

£125

Helen Carless -Pelsall

12months

£500Gareth Bowdler -Bentley

12months

£500Pauline Palmer -Hoo

12months

£500

Nathan Fryzer -Walsall Manor

12months

£500Julie Starbrook -Radcliffe

12months

£500Sean Anderson -Redditch Road

12months

£500

Louise Barrett -Loughor

12months

£250Julie Fitzsimmons -Baglan

6months

£250Martin Ward -Daventry Road

6months

£250

Eleanor Ridout -Porthcawl Post Office

6months

£125Ben Staley -Lampeter

6months

£125Matilda Wakelam -Warndon Post Office

6months

£125

January 2015 Draw

Andrew Goodwin -Benllech

Carolyn Bones -New Inn

12months

£50012

months

£500

Glenville Campbell -Coseley

12months

£500

Olwen Cooke -Valley

Collette Power -St Clears

6months

£250

12months

£250

Lynette Shorney -Abertridwr

Tracey Collier -Loughor

12months

£25012

months

£500

Lynn Caldecott -Gresford

6months

£250

Lesley Pole -Monkton

Nerys Griffiths -Benllech

6months

£125

6months

£250

Michael Jones -Llanharry

6months

£250

Scott Balaam -Bury St Edmunds

12months

£500Shaun Smith -Store Maintenance

12months

£500Lynne Sharpe -Assarts Farm

12months

£500Stephanie Solari -Gillingham

12months

£250

Paul Houldsworth -Kirkgate

6months

£250

David Chatterton -Kings Norton

6months

£125

Jennifer Storer -Assarts Farm

6months

£250Connor Haggart -Leominster

6months

£125Margaret Wilson -Brumby Corner

6months

£125

April 2015 Draw

Timothy Farmer -Hillsborough

Jacqueline Gillard -Tonyrefail

Carole Willis -Birmingham Uni Centre

12months

£500Eileen Woolmer -Grove Road

12months

£500

Mary Reilly -Birmingham Uni Centre

12months

£500Steven Gale -Lydd

12months

£250

Sharon Nulty -Bannerbrook

6months

£250Jonathan Drewson -Penlan

6months

£250

Lorna Jackson -Crowland Post Office

6months

£125

Victoria Heath -Penistone

12months

£250Steven McMahon -Newbold

6months

£250

Julie Palmer -Ramsgate

6months

£125Pamela Jones -New Inn

6months

£125

12months

£500

12months

£500

Richard Ferrero -Amlwch

Jacqueline Mellor -Benllech

6months

£250

6months

£250

Simon Byrne -Louth

Sharon Gates -Aberavon

12months

£25012

months

£500

Ezikiel Nibbs -Ludlow

12months

£500

Hazel Perry -Gresford

6months

£125

Jeneara Thomas -Cefn Glas

6months

£125

Winter 2015/16

NewsWinter 2015/16

News

52 53

Retirements

Birthdays

Eileen Davies retired from BritonFerry last July after 24 years’ service.

Christine Day retired from Wells inJune after 23 years’ service.

CelebrationsIf you’ve got a photo you’d like tosubmit to It’s Your News please email itto radams@afblakemore.com.

Here are a few we’ve receivedsince the last magazine:

Brenda Sumnall from Ellesmereretired last November after 22 years’service.

Marketing Support CoordinatorKaren Jeavons retired in March after34 years’ service.

Janice Rooke from Kirkgate retiredfrom the business in December after46 years’ service. Colleagues commented:

Area Manager Donna Coopercelebrated her 30th birthday in March.

Jane Ellis from Kidderminstercelebrated her 50th birthday in March.

Lorna Hancox from Much Wenlockcelebrated her 60th birthday inAugust.

Maureen Stanley from Bentleycelebrated her 60th birthday in July.

Births

Congratulations to Fresh Food CoachJulie Pepper on the birth of herdaughter, Caitlyn, weighing 7lb 12oz,on November 21st 2015.

Congratulations to Store ManagerRachel Brown from Long Sutton,who gave birth to a daughter, AbigailFlorence, weighing 7lb 3oz, on July 8th2014.

Assistant Store Manager StephWakeman from Much Wenlockwelcomed her first grandson, MaxJacob, weighing 6lb 11oz, onSeptember 24th 2014.

Congratulations to Area ManagerDonna Cooper on the birth of herdaughter, Bella Rose Kate, weighing 7lb8oz, on November 19th 2015.

Batchley Store Manager AsherDeakin welcomed son Zachary John,weighing 8lbs 7.5oz, on May 12th2015.

Regional Manager Owen Daviescelebrated the birth of grandsonSteffan Owen John, weighing 8lb 4oz,on October 15th 2014, andgranddaughter Lwsi Mair, weighing 7lb5oz, on February 11th 2015.

Marriages

“Janice was a very well-likedmember of staff who alwayscame to work smiling on aMonday if Grimsby Townhad won. She made the

best cup of tea and alwayshad biscuits in her locker.She always took pride in

keeping the warehouse tidyand is greatly missed, butalas, now she will have all

the time she needs tosupport her beloved

Grimsby Town, who she hasfollowed for over 50 years.”

Congratulations to Richard Wright from Bentley, whogot married on September 5th. The team at Bentleypresented him with champagne and flowers for his wife.

54 55

Winter 2015/16

News

CompetitionCorner

WIN £50Worth of Vouchers!

Your Chance to

For this edition’sCompetition Cornerwe’re challenging youto come up with acaption for this photoof Blakemore RetailStore OperationsDirector Chris Bacon.

Whoever submitsthe best entry willreceive £50 worthof gift vouchers fora store of theirchoice.

Please submit your entry to Operations Support and MarketingManager Sarah Deakin via email or post. Make sure you include thefollowing details:

Your name:

Your suggestion:

Your store or department:

Telephone number:

Send your entries to Sarah Deakin, Blakemore Retail,

Longacres Industrial Estate, Rose Hill, Willenhall WV13 2JP

sdeakin@afblakemore.com

Lotter yWinter 2015/16

June 2014Draw

Staff Lottery Winners

Margaret Light -Dyserth

Jessica Godwin -Bromsgrove

£250Winner£500

Winner

Karen Goulden -Kirkgate

£100Winner

Lesley Metcalfe -Newbold

£50Winner

Paul Mayfield -Grantham

£1000Winner

Sian Jones -Bala

£100Winner

Louise MacLeoad -New Waltham

£50Winner

Norma Thomas -Albrighton

£50Winner

Katrina Bowmar -Upper Parliament Street

£50Winner

September 2014Draw

Ingrid Kane -Winterton

Laura Kerr -Great Wyrley

£100Winner£250

Winner

Katherine Reid -Ellesmere

Daniel Sant -Llangollen

£100Winner£100

Winner

Nayna Mistry -Training

Joanne Duffy -Droitwich

£100Winner£50

Winner

Gail Dearlove -Coedpoeth

Nigel Roberts -Dyserth

£50Winner£100

Winner

March 2015 Draw

Kay Bamford -Fresh Food Coach

Helen Carless -Pelsall

£500Winner£1000

Winner

A Turner -Kirkgate

£100Winner

Helen Burdett -Coalville

£100Winner

Radhouane Ghraba -New Waltham

£250Winner

Helen Ford -Brumby Corner

£100Winner

Julie Brough -Bocking Lane

£50Winner

Gillian Darley -Quay Road Post Office

£50Winner

Michaela Williams -Machynlleth

Heather Brading -Barmouth

£100Winner£100

Winner

Elizabeth Richards -Aberavon

Angela Jones -Much Wenlock

£50Winner£50

Winner

Tracy Baker -Prestatyn

£50Winner

Roy Latham -Bayston Hill

£50Winner

Lorraine Barfield -Barnby Dun

£500Winner

Beverly Jones -Rhos

£1000Winner

Brenda Holmes -Crosspool

£100Winner

Gloria Marshall -Caerleon Road

£100Winner

Margaret Lucas -Lampeter

£100Winner

Linda Dix -Aberavon

£50Winner

Claire Lloyd -Lampeter

£100Winner

Paulene Moore -Rugeley

£50Winner

December 2014Draw

David Powell -Tenbury Wells

Julie Roberts -Penyffordd

£100Winner£250

Winner

Jacqueline SusanLong - Russells Hall

£100Winner

Kellie Orchard Reid -Amlwch

£50Winner

Helen Thomas -Colwyn Bay Post Office

£500Winner

Jackie Edwards -Barnby Dun

£1000Winner

Emma Stanley -Coseley

£100Winner

Donna Bird -Warboys

£100Winner

Sharon Griffiths -Bocking Lane

£50Winner

Mandy Perrins -Stonydelph

£50Winner

Donna Bird -Warboys

£100Winner

Dave Hammond -Training

£50Winner

Nicola Jones -Dyserth Post Office

£50Winner

Guess Who?In the last edition of CompetitionCorner we asked you to guesswhich Blakemore Retail employeethis young lad grew up to be. Unfortunately no one guessedcorrectly.The baby in the photograph isDeputy Managing DirectorStuart Adkin

Caption Me

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717.Photography by Jon Osborne, posed by models and volunteers. 20141134.

We NEED volunteers to deliver assemblies and

workshops in primary schools in your area.

We raised £271,057 in 2014/15, enabling the

ChildLine Schools Service to reach over

22,000 primary school children.

For more information on how Blakemore Retail

employees can volunteer, please contact Community

Affairs Officer, Liz Bell on 0121 568 2910 or email

lbell@afblakemore.co.uk.

Blakemore Retail

is supporting the

ChildLine

SCHOOLSSERV ICE

5 020961 400218

ISSUE 5 Winter 2015/16