It is with great sadness that SPAR UK announced that Bill Capper has died. Bill Capper was universally admired by SPAR members, both in the UK and internationally, as well as by those in the wider retail industry. Based in Glamorgan, Capper & Co. Ltd was established in 1901 as a grocery wholesaler and became the SPAR UK wholesaler for South Wales in 1959, with Bill's father, John, as one of the founding Directors of SPAR in the UK.

Bill began his career with SPAR in 1964, joining the family business after university. At the age of 25, he took over as Managing Director in 1968 following the untimely passing of his father. Under his leadership, the company grew to service 500 SPAR branded stores, covering areas from South Wales to Gloucester, Oxfordshire, Sussex, Kent, and south of the River Thames.

Bill served two terms as Chairman of the National Guild of SPAR UK and, in 2006, he became the Executive Chairman of Capper & Co. Ltd. After the acquisition of Capper & Co. by A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd in 2011, Bill joined the A.F. Blakemore Board of Directors, retiring in 2016 after 51 years with SPAR.

In recognition of his contributions to business and the community in Wales, Bill Capper was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2006.

A pioneer in the convenience sector in the UK, Bill Capper was a respected businessman and a prominent figure in the Welsh business community. He conducted himself with integrity and earned the trust of those around him.

Within SPAR, Bill Capper was known for his wisdom and his advocacy for the benefits of collaboration. He played a vital role in the success and survival of independent retailing through his leadership as Chairman of Capper & Co. and during his time as Chairman of the National Guild of SPAR UK. He represented and led his family business with distinction and was a passionate supporter of the SPAR brand and its values.

Bill is survived by his wife, four daughters, and their families. On behalf of the international SPAR network, we extend our sincere condolences to them.

Source: 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.