Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Blakemore Retail acquires Hockmeyer Motors Limited

Blakemore Retail acquires Hockmeyer Motors Limited
SPAR Hockmeyer Motors

The UK’s largest SPAR Retail Distribution Company A.F. Blakemore and Son Limited has expanded its operation in Sleaford, Lincolnshire after agreeing a deal to purchase Hockmeyer Motors Limited.

Rachael Hockmeyer and Christian Slingsby joined the business in 1999 and have owned and operated it since 2007. The 2,100sqft family-run and owned SPAR convenience store and forecourt business, workshop and MOT test facility with Insomnia Café, have moved over and joined the Blakemore Retail SPAR estate.


Hockmeyer Motors Limited was established in 1937. Since the family business moved to SPAR in 2011, and husband and wife duo, Rachael and Christian, continued to invest in the business by taking the SPAR store from 997sqft to 2,100sqft, undertaking a forecourt refurbishment and adding the Insomnia Café.

Matt Teague, A.F. Blakemore Managing Director - Retail, said, “We want to thank Rachael and Christian for their support and dedication to SPAR over the last 12 years. They are pillars of their community and have been fantastic ambassadors for SPAR. We know they will be missed by many independent retailers in the sector, and we wish the very best for the future.

Rachael Hockmeyer and Christian Slingsby winning the Baldwin Cup at SRS17Rachael Hockmeyer and Christian Slingsby

“The quality of the operation that Rachael and Christian have built now provides us with a fantastic base to build upon. There is a great team of people working at the site and we are delighted that all will remain with us. This will be our second workshop facility and our third Insomnia Café, so they will fit seamlessly into our estate portfolio.”

Hockmeyer said, “Christian and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make our business the success it is today. It was a difficult decision to sell but we know that by keeping it in the SPAR family means our staff and customers will continue to receive the great service and support they’ve always had.

“The business has been family owned and run since 1937, and we are proud of our long association with Sleaford. Joining SPAR was a very exciting move for us. It gave us the opportunity to vastly improve our offer and services and allowed us to play an even greater role in the local community, which we have always been very proud of. We know the business is in great hands with Blakemore Retail, A.F. Blakemore and the SPAR family.”

Blakemore Retail’s strategy for growth and the purchase of Hockmeyer Motors Limited is another great acquisition that strengthens its overall retail and forecourt operation. Other recent acquisitions Blakemore Retail has made in the last six months include SPAR stores in Tipton, Phoenix Park (Nottingham) and a new build SPAR store opening in Warrens Wood, Gainsborough at the end of the month.

Teague added, “We are actively on a store recruitment drive and seeking opportunities to purchase land for development, new build stores and existing businesses including fuel forecourts.”

Blakemore Retail consists of 260 SPAR convenience stores and forecourt sites. With its head office in Willenhall, Blakemore Retail employs 5,000 people across England and Wales, and is the largest independent convenience store operator in the UK.

More for you

​Kash Retail donates £1,000 through Nisa’s charity to support Darlington Pride Festival

Kash Retail donates £1,000 through Nisa’s charity.

NISA

KASH Retail joins forces with Nisa charity to support Darlington Pride Festival

KASH Retail, operator of Nisa Local Fenby Avenue in Darlington, has generously donated £1,000 through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) Pride Pot to support this year’s Darlington Pride Festival.

The donation, inspired by store team member Gavin Morrison, who performs as drag queen Georgina Sparks, will provide a valuable boost to the event, helping organisers deliver an inclusive and vibrant celebration for the local community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spanish fine food importer Mevalco supports MAZI Project charity

Spanish fine food importer Mevalco supports MAZI Project charity

Mevalco, the Bristol-based Spanish distributor which includes some of the UK’s most talented high-profile chefs and fine dining establishments amongst its customers, has announced a collaboration with The MAZI Project – the Bristol youth-led charity, which was founded in 2019 and nourishes vulnerable 16–25-year-olds through food.

The MAZI Project supports care leavers, and young asylum seekers, as well as young people recovering from homelessness or who may be fleeing domestic violence. Not only does The MAZI Project educate the next generation in food culture and health, but it empowers young people by helping them learn the trade and find job opportunities within the catering industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Privately SA's AgeAI solution Prevents Underage Vaping

Privately SA's AgeAI solution

Privately SA

Efficient AI tool deter underage vape buyers, avoids customer conflict

Deployment of an AI-enabled age identifying tool can prevent underage vaping to a great extent thus avoiding conflicting situations as well, a recent report has shown, highlighting the scale of minors vaping in the UK and the role of that such solutions can play to deter underage sales in a busy store.

According to new data from Privately SA, the deployments of AgeAI solution in UK vape stores prevent on average eight minor customers per store per day from purchasing vapes.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Booker launches new delivery app Scoot

Booker launches new delivery app Scoot

Booker

Booker's new delivery app for symbol retailers to deliver in 30 minutes

Booker has launched a brand-new ordering platform exclusively for its symbol group retailers to help them deliver local groceries to their customers’ doors, in as little as 30 minutes.

The new ordering platform, Scoot, connects shoppers with their local participating independent retailer enabling them to order food, drinks and household essentials from a curated list of products chosen by the retailer.

Keep ReadingShow less
NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme

NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme

NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme gives 100+ grants in just seven months

Industry charity NewstrAid has announced a major milestone, awarding over 100 grants to retailers in need since the launch of its Retailer Support Scheme in May 2024.

Designed to provide financial, emotional, and practical support, the scheme has already paid out around £50,000 to retailers facing ill health, family crises, bereavement, and retail crime, helping them navigate unexpected hardships.

Keep ReadingShow less