A part of the AF Blakemore group and operating under the SPAR symbol, it is well renowned for offering an extensive range of both fresh and chilled products, as well as a broad portfolio of added value services. And, being a company that is committed to continually to raising the bar, Tates is always looking for new innovations and improvements, underlined by a fresh produce offering that really has set a new standard.

It was in 2004 that David Morris was brought in to run the fresh produce side of the business and he set about changing and updating the company's offering. This incorporated everything from sourcing new suppliers through to introducing a pre-packed format - the latter being relatively uncommon in a convenience store scenario.

Tates high standards and innovative spirit, has led to increasing recognition within the convenience and retail industry, as showcased by the company's ever-growing trophy cabinet. At the Retail Industry Awards 2006, Tates came away with the highly acclaimed award for Regional Convenience Chain of the Year and, for the second year running, Independent Company Owned Fresh Produce Retailer. The company has also been awarded the Grocer Gold Best Independent Retail Chain for both 2006 and 2007, as well as Convenience Retailer of the Year at the Refresh awards.

A quality culture has been instigated within Tates, alongside the right suppliers and a central distribution network - a kind of Holy Grail of retailing. Tates has also had the guts to change things around: some things that were more or less carved in stone (bearing in mind that 80% of sales were 'loose' in 2004), such as pre-packed fresh produce. In order to facilitate this, the company has put products in smaller case sizes; five iceberg lettuce, for instance, instead of 12.

These new 'tactics' have worked extremely well, with both company owned and independent stores now having a great deal of trust in the fresh produce offer. And let's not forget that convenience stores have not always had a great reputation in this specialist sector of the market. Tates has changed all of that though, with a new system that has produced plenty of extra sales for stores.

This has allowed Tates to continue to grow and expand its range too, with more exotic produce, such as chillies and ginger, being introduced: never just for the sake of it, but only when an opportunity is there to take convenience shopping to another level.

Perhaps nothing less should be expected from a business that is the largest independent convenience store operator in the UK, with 209 Spar stores across Central and North England and Mid Wales.

The majority of Tates' Spar stores are open between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week, with some stores operating 24 hours. In total Tates employs 3600 staff and, as a recognised Investors in People Employer, it is always looking for new ways to train, retain and reward its staff's achievements and offers an extensive staff care package.

As a progressive, modern company, Tates takes its corporate responsibility to local and business communities seriously. All aspects of the business are reviewed to operate in an environmentally friendly way ranging from paperless tills in 100% of stores to energy efficient lighting systems.

With value added services, such as Post Office, PayPoint or PayZone, Lottery, Cash Back, Cash Machines, E Top Up and News* making the stores invaluable to local communities, Tates really is at the heart of the areas in which it serves. What's more, almost half of Tates' stores offer hot and cold food freshly prepared in store. The products available range from hot and cold sandwiches and baguettes (including the company's very own Sizzler) to hot chickens, savouries, salads and freshly ground bean to cup coffee.

For any company to be a success nowadays, of course, it must be responsive to changing consumer needs, committed to excellence, highly competitive, and with a friendly and flexible service. That's why at Tates everyone is dedicated to ensuring that its retail offer is the best in the sector.

For further information on both Tates and AF Blakemore visit: www.afblakemore.com, or alternatively Telephone:
01902 369867.