Bakery is on the rise with six-figure funding support

A North Yorkshire wholesale bakery has received a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support business growth and expand its existing site, as well as purchase new equipment.

The funding has enabled The Original Baker to lease a 6,500 sq ft facility to house packaging and ambient goods. This will enable the business to buy manufacturing equipment and increase production capacity for its existing site.

This expansion will enable The Original Baker to meet growing customer demand and diversify its product range.

Managing director Gillian Ridgard and co-director Cheryl Barrett have grown The Original Baker significantly since they founded the business in April 2019.

However, when the pandemic hit, The Original Baker had to pivot quickly from selling to small retailers, to sell online through a hamper supplier for the local area.

Since then, the bakery has grown exponentially and now boasts a UK-wide customer base, having expanded its product range to include savoury as well as sweet baked goods.

During the past year, The Original Baker has taken on 22 new members of staff.

Ridgard said: “The pandemic was a worrying time for small businesses, but we are pleased we were able to adapt to the conditions and move our business online quickly.

“We have seen huge growth in our customer base since doing so and, following the HSBC UK support, we have been able to invest in new premises alongside some new equipment, which has enabled us to further increase production and enter the world of confectionary.”

Matthew Joy, commercial manager at HSBC UK, added: “Like many businesses, The Original Baker had to adapt and pivot during the pandemic.

“The move has paid off and this funding will support the team in their continued push for growth, allowing them to provide the best possible service for their rapidly growing customer base.”