The Spar Retail Show, held at Telford International Centre on 15 June, was a resounding success, attracting 1,300 retailers, suppliers, and industry guests. This remarkable event included trade shows, conferences, and awards, where notable achievements were celebrated. For instance, Spar retailer Sat Deo secured the top investment fund, while Elfed Roberts, a Welsh Spar retailer, was honored with the prestigious Baldwin cup.
At this year’s SRS conference, the Blakemore Trade Partners team took the opportunity to outline their plans for the upcoming year. Their focus is on supporting retailers to grow profitable and sustainable businesses. Louis Drake, the commercial director, opened the conference by emphasizing the significant growth experienced within the convenience sector and the resulting opportunities for all partners involved. The aim is to provide the right proposition for customers, differentiate from competitors, and deliver outstanding results.
One of the highlights of the event was the speech delivered by newly appointed CEO Carol Welch, who shed light on BTP’s unique approach to partnering with retailers. She emphasized “the Blakemore Way,” which involves forging unique and trusted relationships by connecting people and partnerships. Welch stated that their team takes a genuine interest in all aspects of retailers’ businesses.
Members of the BTP team also presented their successful approach of combining real people with data analytics to drive value and scale for retailers. Despite the challenging environment, there is an overwhelming sense of optimism about the future, with convenience projected to outperform the market in the next five years.
The conference also featured testimonials from two independent Spar retailers, Jenny Donaghy and Giles Morrell, who shared their experiences. Donaghy, the winner of last year’s £100,000 Big Investment Award, expressed the invaluable support it provided her family in taking their Spar store and forecourt to the next level.
Additionally, the SRS2023 awards recognized outstanding achievements. Winners included Spar Great Bookham, Spar Lindford, SPAR Fishtoft, Spar LLandrinio, and several top suppliers such as Nestle confectionery, Coca Cola, Fuel10k, Hovis, and Heineken.
Overall, the Spar Retail Show was a tremendous event that showcased the dedication and success of retailers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. With an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence, the Spar community continues to thrive.
