SPAR UK retailer supports local entrepreneur

April 26, 2019 IN THE CATEGORY: Community, Store openings

SPAR Broadfield Drive in Leyland, Lancashire recently underwent a major facelift, relaunching with a brand-new butchery counter as part of its partnership with local butcher, Mark Mercer.

First opened in 1973, SPAR Broadfield Drive has been owned by the Hunt family for nearly 50 years. In addition to the new ‘Mercer’s Traditional Meat’ butchery concession, it now also features a Daily Deli counter – offering delicious hot Food-to-Go, a Frankie coffee machine, and an improved & extended product range.

Owner of SPAR Broadfield Drive, Kevin Hunt said: “When we discussed refurbishing the store, I knew that I wanted to include a butchery concession and expand our current local offering. Mark is originally from Leyland and after having our initial conversation, we were both really excited at the thought of bringing a high-class, quality butcher back to the town.

“Mark has built his reputation on delivering local quality meat and produce. He buys all of his free-range turkeys, lamb and the 28-day dry aged beef from local farms and believes in supporting Lancashire farmers. We are delighted to be able to offer such a range of local products instore and are really looking forward to working with Mark and his team.”

The refurbishment has also led to the creation of 10 new jobs for people from the local community. The Mayor of the South Ribble District where the town is located attended a special launch of the refurbished store, and was delighted with the refurbishment.

Longstanding business with local roots

Kevin Hunt owns 25 SPAR stores across North West England and is a valued member of the SPAR UK Northern Guild Committee, which he has been part of for 19 years. Kevin’s grandfather, Jack Hunt, founded the family business in 1946 and his father, Lawrence Hunt, developed the business into the multi-site group that it is today.

Today, Kevin and his son Jack, both work for the family business which has been trading with Preston based, James Hall & Co (SPAR UK Partner for the North of England) for 73 years.

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom (UK) became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence from SPAR International. There are five regional partners with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A Central Office located in London provides national Marketing and Buying services for the group and supports the development of the SPAR Brand in the UK.

SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition in recent times. Always innovative, SPAR Partners have continued to grow the brand. A combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres and local neighbourhoods can be found throughout the country.