In April, more than 600 delegates came together for SPAR UK wholesaler James Hall & Co. Ltd's SPAR Forward event. Those in attendance heard a range of convenience retail strategies from keynote speakers, including expanded food manufacturing, excellent fresh ranges, and strong availability of food-to-go.

Taking place at Harrogate Convention Centre, the SPAR Forward event was attended by SPAR independent retailers from across the North of England, retail teams from James Hall & Co. Ltd’s G&E Murgatroyd company-owned SPAR store division, and SPAR colleagues from elsewhere in the UK and internationally. This event also marked 70 years of the SPAR brand in the UK.

Developing retail

Over the course of the event, delegates in attendance learned about key priorities in the retail industry. To better support SPAR retailers in the region, James Hall & Co. Ltd plans to scale up food manufacturing capabilities, increasing the assortment of food-to-go options available instore, ranging from pizzas to baked goods. SPAR Own Brands were a key focus during the event as providing a differentiator for retailing, driving loyalty and value.

To further support retailers in the North of England, the SPAR Northern Guild Committee was relaunched as a network for independent retailers, while also exploring current opportunities and challenges in convenience retail.

Investment in technology is also seen as a key priority, with the SPAR Northern Guild planning to invest £8.8m in new retail technology, marketing and margins, including partnering with RELEX Solutions to upgrade forecasting and replenishment across wholesale and retail operations.

Looking Forward

Peter Dodding, Sales Director and Chairman of the SPAR Northern Guild, said: “Prior to SPAR Forward, I said we have convenience retail strategies here at James Hall & Co. Ltd to keep our SPAR retailers growing both their sales and profitability, and I believe we have achieved this with the presentation of our blueprint for the year ahead.

“Despite the obvious challenges we are facing in the convenience retail sector at present, there is a real feeling of optimism and togetherness under the SPAR brand as we continue to work hard to deliver real success for our retailers.

“I would also like to thank our suppliers for their tremendous support once again. Events like SPAR Forward would not happen without their valuable sponsorship contributions, not to mention the theatre and retailer engagement they bring with them on the day.”

Source: James Hall & Co. Ltd

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted a licence to utilise the SPAR brand to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR in the UK comprises independently owned and licensed retailers as well as company-owned stores.