James Hall & Co focuses on insight for SPAR Inspire retailer event

An insight-driven programme on the future of convenience retail is the focus of James Hall & Co’s annual retailer event – this year branded SPAR Inspire.

To be held on 10 April at Harrogate Convention Centre, SPAR Inspire will bring together current and prospective SPAR independent retailers with James Hall & Co’s G&E Murgatroyd company-stores division to share ideas and initiatives.

Keynote speakers include Andrew and Dominic Hall, joint managing directors of James Hall & Co, and recently appointed managing director of SPAR UK, Michael Fletcher, who will discuss SPAR’s focus areas in the UK market.

Another speaker will be SPAR independent retailer and Northern Guild member Bhavesh Parekh, who will highlight the progress of his business since joining SPAR through its association with James Hall & Co in 2016.

Retailers will be able to engage with 58 big-brand suppliers at a tradeshow, and James Hall & Co will also exhibit its brands, including Cheeky Coffee, Ann Forshaw’s, Fazilas, and the recently rebranded Clayton Park Bakery. In addition, SPAR brand products will be on show.

One retailer will win up to £10,000 worth of stock – this incentive is designed to encourage retailers to engage with the suppliers and take advantage of the deals they will bring with them for the occasion.

There will be an Inspiration Hub where retailers can catch up, and the day will close with a relaxed, informal social evening of food, drinks and entertainment.

Peter Dodding, sales director and chairman of the SPAR Northern Guild, said: “Last’s year’s retailer event set the bar high for 2025, but we feel we have risen to the challenge with SPAR Inspire to showcase our outstanding community retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing.

“We have an insight-rich agenda across a range of category areas for retailers to take inspiration from, with a tradeshow following on which is 30% larger than last year and full of brands and products that thrive in the convenience sector.”