Blakemore announces strong sales and retirement of Hallam and Marwood

AF Blakemore & Son increased sales by 18% over the Christmas period.

Geoff Hallam will retire at the end of this financial year.

Jerry Marwood will take over group CEO responsibillities until his own retirement in May 2023.

Effective planning and additional capacity at Blakemore’s new purpose-built distribution centre in Bedford helped to achieve the sales uplift in the four weeks ending 2 January 2022.

Group chairman Peter Blakemore commented: “Much of the sector had forecast a challenging operating period with predictions of supply chain failures impacting availability and the ongoing Covid pandemic affecting staffing levels.

“Without doubt, Covid continues to impede colleague availability; however, by investing and putting importance on our people capability, it has enabled us to continue to operate as normal despite Covid-related absenteeism, which was similar to peak pandemic levels.

“Christmas stock management required tactical stock builds, centralisation of supply and backhaul for our suppliers, but inbound supply is still sitting six-percentage points below outbound.

“With our highest recorded case volume on New Year’s Eve and a forecasted 20% growth in sales by the end of the financial year, we need suppliers to invest in mitigating these issues to improve availability.”

For the Midlands-based family-owned business, 2022 will begin a transitional period with changes to the AF Blakemore leadership team – group managing directors Geoff Hallam and Jerry Marwood will be retiring at the end of the financial year 2022 and May 2023 respectively.

Marwood will take over group CEO responsibilities following Hallam’s retirement, working alongside the experienced management team on the daily management of the business, as well as focusing on the acceleration and delivery of the company’s five-year business plan. Marwood will also implement his succession plan to ensure a smooth transition in 2023.

Blakemore commented: “Geoff’s contribution to the AFB business has been substantial and I would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment during his time with us and wish him every happiness in his retirement. I am delighted that Jerry will be appointed to the CEO role, continuing to manage the planned transition and steering the company’s strategic direction.

“The coming months will see further senior appointments as we structure our business in line with our long-term strategy.”

Published Date: January 20, 2022