A.F. Blakemore takes national glory

Company’s Branching Out programme takes top industry accolade

A.F. Blakemore & Son’s name was up in lights at a prestigious industry awards night, as the business was named as national winners at the Responsible Business Awards 2019.

The food supply chain expert took was recognised for its school volunteering programme, Branching Out, was selected as the number-one initiative at the annual Business in the Community Gala Dinner.

Nearly 1,000 business leaders and influencers watched as A.F. Blakemore’s team collected the gong at the event at the Royal Albert Hall.

Branching Out aims to inspire young people into the working world by improving their workplace skills, developing future talent and offering support for recruitment at series of events.

Youngsters have benefited from taking part in practice interviews, getting tops on how to write a CV, study tours and mentoring since the programme launched in January 2017, with nearly 700 Blakemore volunteers donating almost 4,000 hours of their own time to support the scheme.

“We’re overjoyed to have won this award and to be recognised in this arena is a phenomenal achievement,” said HR Business Partner Elizabeth Blakemore.

“Transforming the lives of young people and providing them with the skills to prepare them for the world of work is why Branching Out exists, however, none of this could have been achieved without the continuous support and passion of our colleagues who have worked tirelessly to bring the programme to life.”

Blakemore’s award win comes hot on the heels of a major announcement last week that saw the business’s foodservice arm become members of the Country Range Group.

A.F. Blakemore & Sons award Blakemore Branching Out Business in the Community Country Range Group Elizabeth Blakemore Responsible Business Awards 2019