AF Blakemore branches out to help others

Wholesaler commended for work with young people

AF Blakemore has been selected as a finalist for a prestigious awards programme, in recognition of its work to help young people gain valuable experience in the industry

The wholesaler is recognised in the Education Partnerships category for Businesses in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards 2019 for its Branching Out programme.

The programme supports young people in developing their employability skills and also provides employment opportunities within the business itself. More than 180 young people have gained employment with AF Blakemore via activity related to Branching Out since 2017.

Since the programme was established in January 2017, 693 employee volunteers have donated almost 4,000 hours engaging with 3,312 students across 63 primary and secondary schools.

“We are delighted that Branching Out has been recognised as a finalist in the 2019 Responsible Business Awards,” commented Blakemore’s Community Affairs Officer, Elizabeth Blakemore.

Branching Out hosts CV writing workshops, practice interviews, study tours and mentoring sessions to give young people everything they’ll need to be equipped as they embark upon their first steps into the working world.

“The programme has built upon the success of the company’s longstanding volunteering programme to provide young people with the valuable skills they need to enter the world of work. We have spent many years working with schools but believe Branching Out will bridge the gap between education and employment.”

“Organisations which acknowledge their responsibility to society by evolving their business to be a sustainable one for the long term should be recognised and celebrated,” said Business in the Community Chief Executive Amanda Mackenzie.

“We are proud of AF Blakemore & Son Ltd who have been selected as a Responsible Business Awards 2019 finalist. Together, all the finalists are helping to make the UK the world leader in responsible business.”

The winners will be announced at the Responsible Business Gala Dinner at the Royal Albert Hall on 9 July, in front of 1,200 business leaders.

A.F Blakemore Business in the Community