Archive of all AF Blakemore articles – Page 11

  • News

    wholesalers

    2007-06-09T00:00:00Z

    No change 1Charles Wilson Chief executive BookerWilson retains the top spotsee right ??? no change 2Younus Sheikh managing director, Bestway Cash & CarryA non-mover at number two, mainly because...

  • News

    True fighters in the toughest of times

    2007-01-27T00:00:00Z

    A bumper Christmas trading period for most independents and the continued spectre of competition from the multiples were the subjects dominating The Grocer's annual Top 50 and Big 30 luncheon, held this month at London's Dorchester...

  • News

    Rules on deliveries are confusing

    2006-12-18T00:00:00Z

    Independent retailers feel they are unfairly penalised when it comes to parking restrictions on loading and unloading goods. Three quarters of independent retailers quizzed this month admit they are unsure about what the rules are for loading...

  • News

    Reader Survey Parking restrictions

    2006-12-16T00:00:00Z

    Independent retailers feel they are unfairly penalised when it comes to parking restrictions on loading and unloading goods. Three quarters of independent retailers quizzed this month admit they are unsure about what the rules are for loading...

  • News

    Cheaper online fags, booze a 'crazy' idea

    2006-11-18T00:00:00Z

    Online retailers and criminals stand to gain most from an EU ruling that could lower prices for alcohol and tobacco on the internet, wholesalers claim. The European Court of Justice will decide on 23 November whether to accept a...

  • News

    AF Blakemore makes Fitton retail director

    2006-09-09T00:00:00Z

    Spar wholesaler AF Blake-more has appointed Mike Fitton as retail sales director for Spar distribution, replacing Elwyn Davies who has taken up the position of retail development director.Fitton joins the company from Musgrave Budgens...

  • News

    Spar replaces Somerfield supply at 18 Total forecourts

    2006-07-22T00:00:00Z

    Spar has signed up 18 forecourt stores formerly supplied by Somerfield as it launches a five-year partnership with Total UK, its second major forecourt deal in the past two months.Speaking to The Grocer about the move, Richard Bennett,...

  • News

    Best Independent

    2006-06-17T00:00:00Z

    A good independent retailer delivers great service to the local community while growing the business through strong corporate values and a clear strategy. Our winner, Tates, certainly ticks all these boxes.The stores division of Spar...

  • News

    Best Independent

    2006-06-17T00:00:00Z

    Community effort sets Tates at head of packA good independent retailer delivers great service to the local community while growing the business through strong corporate values and a clear strategy. Our winner, Tates, certainly ticks...

  • News

    Pace and Malthurst opt for Spar brand

    2006-06-03T00:00:00Z

    Two of the UK&'s biggest forecourt operators, Pace Petroleum and Malthurst, are set to widen a Spar store conversion programme after unveiling plans to ditch Budgens in favour of the symbol group at 22 Pace sites this...

  • News

    Minimum pay - big cost?

    2006-04-22T00:00:00Z

    Most people agree with paying a fair day's wage. But what does it mean for small retailers? Few people, whether they are managers or workers, would argue with the principle of a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. But for...

  • News

    Evans is appointed MD of AF Blakemore & Son

    2005-09-17T00:00:00Z

    Dennis Evans has been appointed managing director for Spar distribution business AF Blakemore & Son.Evans joins Blakemore from Somerfield, where he was regional director responsible for managing the retail operations of 132 stores in...

  • News

    Tates’ fresh look boosts sales

    2005-07-02T00:00:00Z

    An initiative to boost fresh produce takings in Spar stores has resulted in a sales uplift of almost a third in 12 months.Central Meridian Spar wholesaler AF Blakemore undertook a “root and branch overhaul” of its fresh produce offer last...

  • News

    Preview of 2005

    2005-01-08T00:00:00Z

    Ditch the NPD bluesInnovation: Tony Smith>>customer management director, Unilever UK foodsDeflationary pressure will continue to bear down on the industry. However, it is doubtful we will see a noticeable decrease in...

  • News

    Blakemore ops director

    2004-08-28T00:00:00Z

    Darren Pugh has been promoted to operations director at Blakemore Wholesale, a Landmark member, following its recent HQ relocation from Willenhall to Wolverhampton.Pugh started his career at the Co-operative Group where he worked for four years...

  • News

    Focus on fresh lifts Tates performance

    2004-07-10T00:00:00Z

    Sales at Tates, the 185-strong chain of Spar stores owned by AF Blakemore, have smashed through the £200m barrier.
    The rise, to £213.9m for the year to April, represents a £3.9m increase on company sales forecasts.
    Managing director Geoff…

  • News

    Three Cooks 'great fit'

    2004-05-15T00:00:00Z

    Blakemore Food Service has clinched a £50m three-year contract to supply 240 Three Cooks bakery outlets.The AF Blakemore subsidiary will supply ambient, chilled and frozen products and fruit and vegetables to the outlets.Products...

  • News

    New depot stands to deliver

    2004-03-20T00:00:00Z

    Andy Mitchell, manager, AF Blakemore, WolverhamptonBeing chosen to run AF Blakemore’s flagship cash and carry at the Science Park in Wolverhampton is both an honour and a burden, says new manager Andy Mitchell. “On the one hand, I...

  • News

    Blakemore looks to tourist trade

    2004-02-21T00:00:00Z

    Blakemore Food Service is rolling out catering sections to 21 Spar stores in tourist locations, offering supplies to a range of foodservice customers.The stores, located mainly in seaside towns, are owned by Tates, the company-owned stores...

  • News

    Top tactics for growth

    2004-02-14T00:00:00Z

    Admired frozen food discounter Farmfoods now heads The Grocer Top 50Sean McAllister reports on the updated ranking for 2004Farmfoods may be a bit bashful about talking to the press, but the new number one in our Top...