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Case Study: AF Blakemore and Son

AF Blakemore and Son is a family-run business incorporating wholesale, food service, fresh food, shop fitting and SPAR business units.

One of the key values of AF Blakemore's strategy is to maximise staff potential and their contribution to the company's success. The appointment of new Board Directors and a review of the company's values identified gaps in relation to skills, development, training and employee engagement - all of which were impacting upon the culture, human resources and overall business efficiency measures.

To tackle these issues a dedicated HR Manager was appointed who has introduced an extensive programme of training and development, community, charity, social, and health and wellbeing events which were implemented throughout 2008-2009.

The aim of this was to develop workforce engagement in order to impact positively on people and business measures.

In addition, AF Blakemore's employees have donated 1,500 hours of work time to community events, raised £1,800 for local charities, and a programme of social events has been delivered, including a trip to Alton Towers, a football competition and a kids Christmas party.

The success of the programme has been demonstrated by a reduction in staff turnover and absenteeism, and an increase in staff satisfaction.

AF Blakemore continues to invest in its workplace activity programme which it envisages will facilitate further efficiencies in business operations whilst moving the company closer to its goal of being the employer of choice in the West Midlands.

Silver Award Winner of 2009 Community Partnership Awards: Workplace Category

More Information

• Community Partnership Awards
• Winners 2009 - Community Partnership Awards

FDF has published a booklet Community Partnership Awards 2009 (pdf, 916kb) featuring a range of company case studies from Community Partnership Award winners.