Spar wholesaler Appleby Westward is hoping to attract more independent retailers to the group with a raft of added perks including free payroll administration for a year.

The campaign, launched under the banner ‘Free Reasons to Join Spar’, will target hundreds of independent store owners throughout the South-west.

It is highlighting a number of benefits for recruits, including free fascia, graphics and uniforms, launch advertising worth £1,500, as well as free SparPoS and maintenance for a year. The offer of free payroll administration for a year includes managing National Insurance and income tax.

Appleby Westward head of store recruitment Simon Warren said: “Appleby Westward operates an industry-leading co-investment scheme to help retailers redevelop and grow their businesses, and the free added benefits that we are introducing will help them make their stores become even more profitable.”

He added: “We have a compelling offer to make to independent convenience retailers in the South-west.”