Company Name: SPAR Distribution (part of A.F. Blakemore and Son Ltd.)
Number of employees: 560
Core area of business: Retail food distribution
Public Qualifications: Skills for Life (numeracy and literacy), NVQs, SAFED.
The Business Challenge
Two and half years ago the SPAR Distribution division of West Midlands based employer A F Blakemore and Son was facing real human resource challenges; staff turnover and levels of absenteeism were both running above industry average rates; staff satisfaction levels.
Skills gaps, minimal training/ development activity and a lack of employee engagement were impacting the culture, human resources and overall business efficiency measures.
The Solution
New management, including a new MD and Logistics Director, together with a review of the company family values, led to new practices in business and a greater focus on workforce development. The board recognised that in order for the business to grow, levels of workforce competence and capability had to be developed.
SPAR Distribution appointed a HR Development Manager, investment in training dramati-
cally increased and in partnership with training provider - Targeted Training Projects (TTP) National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Storage & Warehousing and Driving Goods Vehicles were introduced.
In 2008/2009 SPAR Distribution put 150 staff through management and vocational training programmes leading to qualifications and plans are in place to do the same again over the next 12 months. Achievements in 2008 / 2009 included three senior managers enrolling in a bespoke graduate leadership and management degree at Birmingham University; 25 operations managers / supervisors achieving Level 3 management NVQs; 35 operations managers attending behavioural management courses; over 100 staff achieving warehousing or transport Level 2 NVQs; 25 drivers achieving SAFED qualifications and over 30 staff gaining forklift truck or upgraded LGV licences (C+E); 5 staff completing a warehouse to wheels career development programme.
The Results
Between 2007 and 2009
The future
SPAR Distribution plans to continue with a similar level of staff development through a series of initiatives including NVQs and Skills for Life programmes. The company plans to develop its own in-house trainers and assessors and is looking to ensure that all staff participate in some form of training each year. Following a successful Driver CPC approved centre registration in 2008/2009 the company will also be delivering its own Driver CPC programme throughout their driver community.
The company is keen to embed its new family values into everyday life and is currently developing a full programme of community activities, health and wellbeing programmes, charity / social events for their staff. It is envisaged that these measures will contribute towards ensuring that A F Blakemore is an employer of choice for those looking to work in the logistics sector.
