Local Shop Report Launch

Sarah Ellis is Group Marketing Director at A.F. Blakemore & Son one of the largest and most forward-thinking family-owned businesses in the UK. A.F. Blakemore owns 263 SPAR stores across England and Wales and is the largest SPAR wholesaler in the UK. 

The company’s portfolio of brands also includes Philpotts, a chain of prepared-food stores, and Vegan Store, a specialist online wholesaler and retailer. Overseeing the marketing function Sarah has the responsibility of delivering the omni channel marketing strategy across owned, earned and paid channels alongside the delivery of the Group’s digital and data strategy.

Simon has worked at Morrisons Supermarkets since 2013 and is currently the Commercial Director for Convenience. 

Following the recent acquisition of McColls, Simon is now leading the Commercial function as they focus on the turnaround of the McColls business. The team are responsible for driving a number of key initiatives such as the Morrisons Daily conversion programme; improving its value proposition and resetting space and range. 

Prior to his current role, Simon has worked in a number of Commercial & Customer roles within the Morrisons business across Supermarkets, Online & Wholesale; including Head of Commercial Operations and Trading Director for Morrisons Wholesale & Online businesses. 

Alex runs retail businesses and operates a large Morrisons Daily Convenience store and four franchises with Bestway Retail, two Wine Racks and two Bargain Booze.

He is a professional racing driver in the European Le Mans Series and Radical Sportscars and GT cars.  

Chris joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University with a degree in English and Linguistics. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations and a growing research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report.

Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently on national and regional radio and television including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and the Daily Politics show. 

Chris completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in 2013 and the CIM Strategic Marketing Masterclass in 2017. 

Rosie joined ACS in February 2021, after graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Portsmouth. Before joining ACS, Rosie worked as a freelance researcher for several non-profit organisations. She is responsible for assisting the communications and public affairs team with research and analysis, used to support policy developments and keep ACS members informed.