Dec 14th, 2015
6 mins
Dough Well Spent as Speciality Breads’ New £3 Million Bakery Opens
Red Tractor-certified Speciality Breads’ new £3 million bakery launched on the 11th November with MP Sir Roger Gale on hand to cut the ribbon, or in this case the giant ciabatta at the grand opening.
The home-grown success story based in Margate, Kent which recently became one of the first to introduce the government’s National Living Wage six months ahead of legislative requirements, provides the finest freshly-frozen breads to Wholesalers, who in turn supply leading restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels throughout the UK.
Since starring at the London Olympics in 2012, the company has seen consecutive year on year growth of over 30% and its turnover is now nearing the £6 million mark.
The New Bakery
• The new 3,000 square metre site is situated on Westwood Industrial Estate in Margate, just down the road from the company’s current bakery.
• It will produce around 20 handmade lines, while providing essential extra cold storage, work space and ovens for the team’s artisan bakers.
• The investment includes 5 additional freezers, 3 ovens and state of the art packing line with Robotics which together will allow for a four – fold increase in the company’s production capacity.
Investing in People
• The launch of the new site will be a double celebration for Speciality Breads’ employees after the company introduced the government’s National Living Wage six months ahead of legislative requirements
• Pay increase came into effect in the team’s September wages, well ahead of the April 2016 deadline.
• ALL Speciality Breads’ employees qualify for the National Living Wage, not just those over 25.
• The company has created over 25 new jobs 2015 alone with the workforce growing by 30% in anticipation of the increased production capabilities.
MD Peter Millen comments:
“The company has gone from strength to strength since we made a big splash at the Olympics with our high quality breads now used by leading bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels and caterers. With the UK foodservice sector as vibrant and diverse as it is and interest in our breads going through the roof, this new site was vital for us in order to keep up with demand and continue to grow. It’s been a hard but exciting last few years, so the whole team is thoroughly enjoyed the big launch yesterday. Without them none of this is possible, so we are delighted to be able introduce the National Living Wage ahead of time to show our thanks and ensure we retain our skilled staff and recruit others.”
Speciality Breads
Established in 1996, Speciality Breads provides an ever-growing, premium selection of over 100 frozen breads, which are hand-made by the company’s master bakers using Red Tractor certified British flour. Based in Margate and distributing its products via a UK-wide network of wholesalers, Speciality Breads’ frozen range is the perfect solution for the foodservice sector.
Providing the finest quality, bakery-fresh bread day in day out, the products can be stored easily and only need to be defrosted an hour before they are required – thus also helping to alleviate waste. The company’s Brioche and Ciabatta ranges recently gained the much-sought after “Approved Product” endorsement from the Craft Guild of Chefs.
For further information or to stock Speciality Breads range, contact 01843 209442 or visit www.specialitybreads.co.uk
