Weekly news summary 27th November 2014

HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– AF BLAKEMORE & SON BOOSTED BY PRE-TAX PROFIT INCREASE
– JJ FOOD SERVICE REDESIGNS LOGO
– KEYSTORE LAUNCHES RADIO CAMPAIGN
– AMERICAN EXPRESS TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENT STORES
– TODAY’S TARGETS £7,000 IN MOVEMBER FUNDRAISER

SOLID RESULTS FOR BLAKEMORE

Cash & carry operator and SPAR wholesaler AF Blakemore & Son increased pre-tax profit from £7.1 million to £7.6 million in the 2013-14 financial year, with sales up by 5% to £1.19 billion.

Chairman Gwendoline Blakemore said that assets had also grown – by just under 11% to £78.6 million – by virtue of three Lowries C&Cs in the north and the two BA C&Cs in Wales.

She commented: “The food retailing scene has been in a state of turmoil over the past 12 months as retailers struggle to adapt to changing market conditions.

“The c-store market continues to grow as consumers shop more frequently locally and less at large hypermarkets. But there is growing competition as the major multiples continue to open new stores.”

Blakemore added that “good, solid progress” has been achieved in the current trading period.

Tel: AF Blakemore & Son (01902) 366066

JJ FOOD SERVICE REDESIGNS LOGO

JJ Food Service has launched ‘a brighter and more contemporary logo’ to bring its brand up to date in time for the New Year.

Managing director Mustafa Kiamil said: “We had our old logo for some years, but as we expand to new sectors, including gastro-pubs and hotels, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to refresh.”

In addition to vehicles, the new look is being rolled out to the website, packaging and promotional material.

Tel: JJ Food Service (0843) 309 0991

AMERICAN EXPRESS SET FOR SECOND ‘SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY’ PROMOTION

American Express has launched its second ‘Small Business Saturday’, which takes place on 06 December to encourage consumers to buy from independent stores.

The initiative has been backed by a ‘Think Big, Shop Small’ national advertising campaign, featuring TV, radio and social media.

Last year’s programme resulted in 43% of the public surveyed choosing to shop at their small local stores on the day of the promotion, spending an average of £33 each.

Tel: American Express (0845) 604 2634

RADIO DRIVE FOR KEYSTORE

The KeyStore convenience group, serviced by Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill, is running a festive radio campaign this month.

Broadcast on Radio Clyde, listeners have the chance to win a range of prizes, the top one being £12,000.

“This is the second year we’ve teamed up with the radio station for this campaign,” said Ian McDonald, Filshill’s sales & marketing director. “Last year we experienced an excellent uplift in sales, with retailers benefiting from increased footfall.

“What’s more, almost 68,000 texted in for a chance to win the £12,000, and we’re confident of even greater consumer engagement this year.”

Brands featured in this year’s promotion include Irn-Bru, Pringles and Foster’s.

“The campaign will add value to the KeyStore brand and highlight the benefits of shopping locally,” added McDonald.

Tel: JW Filshill 0141-883 7071

TODAY’S DIRECTORS IN MOVEMBER FUNDRAISER

Today’s Group managing director Bill Laird and executive colleagues John Schofield, John Baines and John Kinney are participating in Movember to raise money to support the research and eradication of prostate and testicular cancers.

The directors have set a £7,000 target to hit by 30 November and are inviting support from as many people as possible. Donations can be made directly at www.justgiving.com/todaysgroup

Tel: Today’s Group (0844) 247 0700

Left to right: Today’s directors John Schofield, John Kinney and Bill Laird.