Two bosses from Marshfield Bakery have been shortlisted in the coveted Institute of Directors (IoD) South West Director Awards.
Chris Smith, the current regional holder of the Director of the Year title, is competing again this year while the bakery’s sales director Ben White is also challenging for the title.
Sales of the Marshfield-based firm’s private label and own brand tray bakes, cakes and biscuits have risen to nearly £3m with an increase in profit to £270,000 over the past year, driven by manufacturing efficiency improvements and new business development.
The company sells its products nationally through a network of direct customers and wholesalers. Products can be found on the shelves of most major UK multiple retailers and are also available internationally.
Ben, the son of the firm’s founders, has worked for the business since 2003 and has supported its growth by diversifying the customer base and innovating products in line with marketplace trends.
A major labelling legislation change last year created an opportunity to refresh the brand and introduce new products closely identified with the region and additionally suited to an export market.
As well as finance, operations and administration, Ben also oversees the development team and acts as the contact point for Marshfield’s customers.
Meanwhile Chris said the past 12 months had delivered even bigger challenges to his leadership skills.
Work has started on an 80% extension to the existing manufacturing site with a further £400,000 investment in new plant, creating 15 jobs with a further 10 expected by the end of next year.
The firm aims to more than double turnover to £8m by 2019, supported by licensed manufacture of product in the US by mid-2016.
Chris is also a director of two Educational Trusts and has championed apprenticeships through various schemes.
They join other shortlisted candidates from Bristol and Gloucester in the awards, which aim to celebrate achievements across the region and bring all parts of the enterprise community together and focus UK-wide attention on South West success.
IoD South West chairman Richard Ayre said: “The entries this year demonstrate the breadth of enterprise and innovation in the South West region.
“These awards showcase some of our most exciting businesses and leaders and I am continually surprised and delighted by the quality of the field.”
The regional winners will be announced at a celebration event on June 17 at Bordeaux Quay, Bristol, and will go on to compete for the national awards in the autumn.
Bath Business News and its sister titles Bristol Business News and Swindon Business News are media partners for the prestigious awards.
Pictured, from left: Chris Smith and Ben White
