Spar wholesaler AF Blakemore is launching its first graduate scheme as it seeks to develop future leaders.

The two-year programme, which starts this summer, will take on four graduates across four areas of the business.

Group HR director Ian Diment said: “The recruitment and development of talent is vitally important to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. Our aim is to establish AF Blakemore as an employer of choice for graduates and we hope that this programme will help to attract, develop and retain the best people.”

The scheme, aimed at both recent graduates and those who have already begun employment, will be advertised externally as well as to current employees.

There will be four programmes available: a People Programme; Blakemore Retail Programme; Blakemore Trade Partners Commercial Programme; and Blakemore Wholesale Programme.

Applicants will be invited to participate in a multi-stage recruitment process.