What Does A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Do?

Total employees7000
HeadquartersWillenhall
Founded1917

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one ofthe UK's largest privately owned family businesses, with a primary focus on the food and drink sector. Established in 1917 by Arthur and Harriet Blakemore, the company has grown significantly and now operates across retail (including a large number of SPAR convenience stores), wholesale distribution, foodservice, and specialist food production. Headquartered in Willenhall, West Midlands, A.F. Blakemore is known for its extensive logistics network, commitment to community engagement, and responsible business practices. It serves a diverse range of customers, from independent retailers to national accounts, and plays a crucial role in the UK's food supply chain.

Where Is A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the primary administrative, strategic, and operational center for the entire A.F. Blakemore Group, overseeing its retail, wholesale, distribution, and foodservice divisions.

Notable Features:

The Willenhall site is a substantial logistics hub featuring extensive warehousing (ambient, chilled, and frozen), modern office spaces, and advanced distribution facilities tailored to support the company's vast network of SPAR stores and wholesale customers. It also houses Blakemore Fresh Foods and Blakemore Design & Shopfitting.

Work Culture:

As a long-standing family business, the HQ work culture likely blends traditional values of loyalty, community, and long-term commitment with the dynamic, fast-paced demands of the modern retail and distribution sector. Emphasis is placed on employee development, collaborative working, and upholding the 'Blakemore Way' values.

HQ Significance:

The Willenhall headquarters is strategically vital as the central command for one of the UK's largest privately-owned businesses, coordinating national supply chains, supporting thousands of employees, and serving as a key partner in the SPAR UK network.

Values Reflected in HQ: The HQ's operations and infrastructure reflect A.F. Blakemore's core values: commitment to profitable growth, excellence in customer service, responsible business practices, significant investment in its people and local communities, and a forward-thinking approach to industry challenges.

Location:

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd's operational activities are primarily concentrated within the United Kingdom, specifically England and Wales. Its 'global' aspect is mainly through international product sourcing for its extensive food and drink portfolio. As a principal wholesale distributor and retail partner for SPAR, a global retail chain, A.F. Blakemore connects with international standards and practices, but its direct business operations, including logistics, retail stores, and foodservice, are UK-based. The company supports functions such as procurement, comprehensive supply chain management, retail operations, and foodservice distribution predominantly within its UK territory.

Street Address:

Longacres Industrial Estate, Rose Hill

City:

Willenhall

State/Province:

West Midlands

Country:

United Kingdom

Where Else Does A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Operate Around the World?

Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Address: Unit 1, Silkwood Park, Wakefield, WF5 9TG

Ensures efficient logistics and supply chain management for the company's network in the North of England, supporting retail partners and foodservice clients with timely deliveries.

Bedford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

Address: RDC, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7LZ

Strengthens the company's distribution capabilities in central and southern England, providing essential support to its SPAR retail estate and wholesale customers in these areas.

Talbot Green, Mid Glamorgan, United Kingdom

Address: A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, Lanelay Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun, CF72 8HY

Underpins the company's extensive operations in Wales, ensuring product availability for SPAR stores and wholesale partners, and supporting the specific needs of the Welsh market.

Buying Intent Signals for A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd' leadership includes:

Peter Blakemore - Chairman
Jerry Marwood - Group Chief Executive Officer
Mark Titley - Group Finance Director
Paul Cowley - Group People Director
Dominic Hall - Group Commercial Director
David Cooke - Group Logistics Director
Caoire Blakemore - Group Board Director
Tom Blakemore - Group Board Director

Who's Investing in A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd?

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is a privately owned family business. It is controlled and funded by the Blakemore family and does not have external institutional investors or public shareholders in the traditional sense.

What Leadership Changes Has A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Seen Recently?

Hire4
Exits1

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has experienced notable executive changes in the past 12-18 months, including the appointment of a new Group CEO in early 2023, followed by strategic hires to bolster its leadership in People, Logistics, Commercial, and Retail divisions, reflecting a period of strengthening its core team.

Departures

Matt Teague, Matt Teague stepped down as Blakemore Retail Managing Director to pursue other opportunities.

New Appointments:

Paul Cowley, Paul Cowley appointed to lead the company's people strategy.
David Cooke, David Cooke appointed to oversee group logistics operations.
Dominic Hall, Dominic Hall appointed to lead commercial activities for the group.
Rupert Morris, Rupert Morris appointed as the new head of Blakemore Retail.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byA.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd?

Discover the tools A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Email Formats and Examples

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd typically uses an email format consisting of the first initial followed by the last name, or sometimes firstname.lastname, at their domain @afblakemore.co.uk. While this is a common pattern, variations may exist for specific departments or roles. Some generic contact addresses might use different structures.

[firstinitial][lastname]@afblakemore.co.uk

Format

jsmith@afblakemore.co.uk

Example

70%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd?

Talking Retail • March 6, 2024

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd's Blakemore Retail Appoints Rupert Morris as New Managing Director

Blakemore Retail, a division of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, announced the appointment of Rupert Morris as its new managing director. Morris, who brings extensive experience from previous roles at major retail groups, succeeds Matt Teague and will lead the company-owned SPAR store estate....more

The Grocer • November 1, 2023

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Reports Sales Over £1.2bn Amidst Rising Cost Pressures

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd reported group sales of £1.28 billion for the year ending April 29, 2023, an increase from the previous year. However, pre-tax profits saw a decline due to significant inflationary pressures, increased energy costs, and higher labor expenses impacting the business....more

KamCity • September 5, 2023

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Appoints Dominic Hall as Group Commercial Director

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has appointed Dominic Hall as its new Group Commercial Director. Hall joined the business with a remit to lead the commercial functions across the group, bringing experience from previous senior roles in the food and drink industry....more

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