Winner

Robin Jones, Managing Director of the Village Bakery in Wrexham, North Wales, is keen to emphasise the company's craft roots. Established in 1934 (Robins's father took it over in 1964), the Village Bakery now employs over 170 staff and runs four shops and one bakery. Buts it's wholesale that forms the bulk of the business, with bread, morning goods and savoury products supplying convenience stores, supermarkets, food service outlets and other bakeries. "We take pride in teaching youngsters basic hand-crafting skills." says Robin, who adds that the company is strong on regional products, using only Welsh lamb, beef and dairy products. There is a history of constant re-investment in the business; last year, £3m was spent on plant for an extension to the purpose-built bakery, which included a new training centre and NDP kitchen.

Highly Commended

Neil martin is Managing Director of Martins, a Manchester family retail and wholesale business founded by Neil's own grandfather in 1929. Now turning over £12m and employing 400, Martins is formed of two distinct areas: retail and wholesale (or 'supermarket'), each run by separate management teams. The retail side comprises 28 shops with a strong emphasis on the takeaway sandwhich market. Customers can choose made-to-order self-service sandwhiches, together with accompaniments made in house, such as cakes, fruit salads and pasta salads (even the pasta is made in house). Martins supplies most of the major multiples' in-store bakeries with products including cheesecakes, Viennese mince pies, lemon merangues and jelly. hand made Eccles cakes are also a speciality. "What we do, we do very well and proffessionaly," says Neil.

Highly Commended

Durham based Cathedral Bakers is a traditional bakery business that is working hard at forging a contemporary image. The company, which has 66 retail branches in the north east and employs 650 staff, also has a wholesale side comprising 10% of the business. Retail manager Alan Dixon - who is "ecstatic' to be short-listed - says the company has spent the last 18 months working on a more modern image that will attract younger customers while retaining its craft roots. This has involved a brand new colour scheme for the shops; a branded "leaf and bean" coffee area for many branches; and a wall hanging depicting different aspects of the company such as hand-crafting. The range includes savoouries, confectionery, bread and cakes, presented in new packaging. Over £1m has also been invested in adding production space to the main bakery.

Winner

Andy Howes joined Lancashire retail baker WH Oddie, 25 years ago after a two-week work experience stint. Now bakery Manager, Andy works at the head office branch in Nelson, overseeing areas such as training, quality control and product development. A family owned business launched in 1905, now employing 220 staff over 13 retail sites, Andy says Oddie's places strong emphasis on producing quality bakery products from scratch, that will bring customers back time and again. Oddie's also concentrates on impeccable customer service and looking after it's staff. "Around 60% of our employees have been with the company for over five years," says Andy.

Highly Commended

Joint Managing Director Wilf Lewis says he and his family are passionate about Lewis Pies & Wendy's Bakery, their Swansea-based wholesale business, which was started in 1938 by his parents. "We are very enthusiastic about the company and have tried to maintain many baking traditions, such as making our own puff pastry. My wife and brother work here and we all love the business and the industry." Lewis Pies & Wendy's Bakery now employs 80 staff and posts a turnover of £3.5m. The business supplies bread, confectionery and savory products to a range of catering outlets that include Spar, Kwicksave and a local NHS Trust as well as canteens, sandwich bars, factories and schools in the area.

Highly Commended

Carol Gatto-Hall, managing director of Peter Herd of Wilmslow, is a fourth-generation member of this family business established in 1932. With three retail branches in the area and 40 staff, Carol says the business is thriving. "I am very proud of this industry." she says, "and that means I want to achieve the highest standards possible." Forward planning is a great attribute, she adds: for example, the focus from November onwards will be products for Easter. The business is re-assessed every year and it's main areas are now: food-to-go, including sandwiches; and gourmet breads (include Pesto, Herb and garlic, and Arabiatta). There is also a small wholesale business, serving the local John Lewis.