Bakery headcount to rise further as business ramps up expansion programme

Sheffield’s Forge Bakehouse is preparing for a year of expansion and collaboration with a major increase in its workforce.

The company, which has shops and cafes in Abbeydale, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and at Sheffield Station has taken on more than 20 news members of staff in recent months to meet increased demand, creating a team 43.

And owner Liva Guest, who runs the business in partnership with husband Craig, predicts that number will grow as Forge Bakehouse continues its programme of expansion during 2024.

“We are very pleased to be able to say that we now have a team who are empowered to take Forge Bakehouse to the next level,” Guest said.

“It’s not only that we are constantly developing and introducing new products but also that we will, throughout 2024, be launching some exciting new business collaborations with other well-established city businesses, which will strengthen our brand as we continue to grow.”

Forge Bakehouse produces a range of artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and savouries at its Abbeydale bakery which are sold through the company’s shops and are also available for weddings, corporate events, markets and meetings.

Its Beauchief cafe and shop also offers locally made butter, milk and a selection of Sheffield-sourced meats and other products.

Guest added: “We are featuring the same high quality ingredients we used when Forge Bakehouse first launched more than 11 years ago and which we have been proud to use ever since.

“And we are equally proud that we are now creating the next generation of Sheffield specialist bakers to work in collaboration with our amazing front of house teams.

“The key to all this stability and growth, however, is always the Forge Bakehouse team, which has been strengthened not only by the creation of new posts but also by some internal promotions which reflect our faith in the whole workforce.”