SPAR is owned by 5 wholesale members or Retail Distribution Companies (RDCs).
James Hall & Company Limited traces its roots back to 1863 when founder James Hall opened a bacon cutting business and retail shop in Southport, Lancashire. The business prospered and James Hall began to supply other shops with his products, so began the wholesale business, which was the precursor of today’s modern company.
In 1956, the company was among the first of five distributors to be instrumental in introducing SPAR to the UK. By 1986 the company had expanded its operation to cover the whole of the North of England. James Hall & Co. services SPAR outlets from its warehouse which is divided into four main areas – fresh chilled foods, frozen foods, ambient grocery and a large food manufacturing and processing area.
In 1997 SPAR UK and NAAFI entered into a trading partnership to supply goods to British Service personnel in the United Kingdom. As part of this partnership, the company supplies products to NAAFI retail store in Germany.
From its earliest beginnings the business philosophy of the company has been to provide a comprehensive, quality service at competitive prices. The company is also accredited with ISO 9002 quality assurance standard.
Maurice Young Consulting has been employed by James Hall & Co Limited to carry out ammonia hazard and risk assessments concerning compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999