University News Last updated 25 January 2011
Peter Blakemore, Managing Director of AF Blakemore and Sons Ltd, is to receive an honorary doctoral degree from Birmingham City University.
The award will be conferred in recognition of his distinguished business achievements.
Peter joined the family business in 1965, leading the company through its largest period of growth during the 1980s. He became Managing Director in 1974 and Chairman of SPAR Food Distributors in 1991. In 2002, he joined the board of Directors on the SPAR International Board.
When he joined the firm in 1965, the company recorded annual sales of less than £1m and net assets of £16,000. By the end of the 2010 financial year, this figure has reached £815m in sales, with net assets exceeding £60m.
Blakemore was one of the first firms in the UK to open Cash and Carry depots in the U.K. during the 1960s. Today, the company’s retail operation includes eight Blakemore Wholesale depots across England and Wales, and more than 200 Spar shops. The company has seen major expansion over the years, not least with a purpose-built depot at Walsall in 1999.
In 2009, Peter was awarded Prince’s Ambassador for the West Midlands in recognition of his leadership and commitment to responsible business.
He remains passionate about supporting his employees and the community, fully endorsing the company’s mission statement, “To grow a family business in ways that are profitable and sustainable for the benefit of our staff, customers and the community.”
Over the past decade, Peter has demonstrated commitment to the community through initiatives such as the Blakemore Foundation, which provide small grants to local good causes and charities.
Peter has consistently encouraged his staff to volunteer for projects which make a real difference to local schools and community groups and also supports the Black Country Challenge, which aims to boost the attainment, achievement and aspiration of young people by improving the links between businesses and local schools.
His award is due to be conferred at 3.45 pm on Wednesday 26 January at the Awards Congregation ceremony which will celebrate the work and achievements of students graduating from the Birmingham City Business School. To view more information about graduation ceremonies and forthcoming honorary doctorates visit http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/graduation-ceremonies