SPAR UK announces three new director appointments

Leading symbol group SPAR UK Ltd has announced three new director appointments at Central Office in Harrow.

Trudy Hills has become Trading Director – Grocery, Simon Mitchell has been promoted to Trading Director - BWS, Fresh and Frozen and further bolstering the Central Office team, Jamie Seymour has advanced to SPAR Brand Director.

Nick Bunker, Non-Executive Chair of the SPAR Food Distributors (SFD) Board, said: “We are delighted to congratulate Trudy, Simon and Jamie on their promotions, all of which are a reflection of their continued effort and contribution to the SPAR Central Office team.”

The new Directors will play a key role in delivering the high level of support, service and value SPAR independent retailers and customers require, whilst also working with suppliers.

SPAR has witnessed success this year since launching innovative and channel exclusive NPD with Prime Hydration and Feastables, outperforming the sector in the sports and energy drinks and chocolate blocks categories.

The symbol group also attributes a proportion of its growth to its ability to deliver value to customers through its promotional campaign, supported by increased marketing and digital activity in stores.

In own label, SPAR launched ‘Spotlight’ 12 months ago, a customer focused initiative to grow sales and bring SPAR’s best own label ranges into maximum distribution across the entire UK SPAR estate. The initiative is so successful driving sales of own label products that it is being rolled out further in 2024.

Nick Bunker adds: “We remain focused on working in partnership with our suppliers to deliver strong commercial terms, innovative NPD and compelling promotions to our RDC shareholders, independent SPAR retailers and consumers. We are also recognising the increasing importance of the SPAR Brand portfolio to our retail propositions and continue to evaluate strategies to further develop our brand.

“Our relentless drive to increase footfall and basketspend for our retailers, to keep prices low for our customers combined with our ability to adapt quickly and bring newness into the convenience sector is resulting in excellent results. Disrupter brands wanting to increase their awareness are looking to us as the route to market and we are excited for year ahead.”

All three Director appointments will begin with immediate effect, while the search for a Managing Director continues.