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07 Sep 2010

Largest ever social marketing campaign to tackle alcohol misuse among young adults

MORE THAN ONE IN THREE YOUNG ADULTS ‘DRINK TO GET DRUNK’

More than one in three young adults (36%) goes out drinking with the specific intention of getting drunk, according to new research released* (7th September) by alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware.

Despite this intention, three quarters (75%) of 18-24 year olds regret their drunken behaviour, which includes not knowing how they got home (27%), having a one night stand (18%) and ending up in hospital (3%).

These findings are released as part of Drinkaware’s ‘Why Let Good Times Go Bad?’ campaign, run in partnership with more than 40 companies from across the drinks industry and Coca-Cola Great Britain. The five-year, £100 million campaign challenges the attitudes and social acceptability of drunkenness among young UK adults, encouraging them to adopt tips for smarter drinking and to change their behaviour. For the first time, Drinkaware has teamed up with National Union of Students (NUS) to tackle alcohol misuse in university life.


01 Sep 2010

SPAR first quarter sales rise 3.1% year-on-year

SPAR, the UK’s biggest group of independent neighbourhood stores, has unveiled a buoyant Q1 Quarterly Sales Update with increases in the three months to end-July 2010 of 3.1% and significant growth across its fresh food, wine and own-brand ranges.

Trading across SPAR UK’s 2,583 stores has benefited from the positive effects of shoppers visiting their local store more frequently during continued tough times. By shopping at their local SPAR store, customers know that they can find real value, avoid using the car, only buy what they need and avoid wasting food.


31 Aug 2010

NSPCC thanks SPAR UK for £2m achievement

The NSPCC has held a formal event in recognition of SPAR UK’s phenomenal £2million fundraising achievement for the children’s charity during the four years since the partnership’s launch.

The celebration was held on Friday 20 August at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Trust at the Old County Hall building in Waterloo, with representatives from the NSPCC, SPAR UK central office, RDCs, SPAR retailers including store managers, all in attendance.


12 Aug 2010

SPAR sponsors ‘Meals in Moments’ in association with Channel Five

SPAR sponsors a new inspirational cookery series called Meals in Moments on Channel Five. Meals in Moments is produced by Optomen Television who make The F Word, Heston’s Feasts and Great British Menu.

The fifteen programmes will be presented by chef Simon Rimmer (Something For The Weekend) and will range between five and ten minutes in duration.

In each show Rimmer is joined by a famous food-loving celebrity cooking up their favourite quick and easy dish. Most recipes using common ingredients found in store and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Guests include: Edith Bowman, Liz McClarnon, Julia Bradbury, Rowland Rivron, Ben de Lisi, Nina Wadia, Sharron Davies, John Thomson, Iwan Thomas, Andrea McLean, Nick Pickard, Charley Boorman, Nicky Clarke, Linda Barker and Dane Bowers.


11 Aug 2010

Sales wine festival proves a success

SPAR’s first ever summer Wine Festival promotional campaign, which took place from 22 April to 2 June this year, has achieved stunning results.

Total wine sales at the end of the promotional period were up by 8.3% far ahead of the Impulse market, which was down 3.5% for the same time period.


29 Jul 2010

AF Blakemore SPAR Launches New Corporate Responsibility Report

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business growth with the publication of its annual Corporate Responsibility Report.

The report, published on behalf of the Blakemore SPAR and Logistics divisions, demonstrates how the company lives it core values statement, The Blakemore Way and SPAR’s commitment to be There for You.


27 Jul 2010

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Develops Leaders for the Future

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd has gained an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Centre approval for the delivery of in-house leadership training.

ILM status will allow the company to design and deliver in-house leadership and management training to grow the capability of colleagues and allow new and aspiring managers to reach their potential.


22 Jul 2010

SPAR in Blackburn gets a pat on the back

The manager of a SPAR store in New Chapel Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, has been recognised by her community for her contribution to safety in the local area.

Theresa Southworth, who has managed the SPAR store for 16 years, successfully worked alongside local police to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve life for residents in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn and Darwen.


19 Jul 2010

SPAR raises £2m for NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST

Convenience retailer SPAR UK Ltd, with 2,600 stores in the UK, today announced they have beaten their ambitious £2 million fundraising target for the children’s charity NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST.

Despite the economic uncertainty of the last few years, SPAR convenience stores, retailers, wholesalers and their 50,000 employees have work tirelessly by expanding their fundraising and cause-related marketing activities in order to raise over £2 million for the NSPCC.


13 Jul 2010

SPAR launches Ultimate Athletics online game

Convenience retailer SPAR has launched Ultimate Athletics, its second online gaming experience (www.ultimateathletics.com), following the huge success of its first game ShelfSniper in September 2009.

The Ultimate Athletics game, which supports SPAR’s sponsorship of UK Athletics (UKA) has been launched to celebrate the Barcelona 2010 European Athletic Championships taking place from 26 July – 1 August.