Bakery supplier Bako London has revealed it is overhauling its business, to make it more competitive on price, service, availability and range. The £20m turnover regional wholesaler, which serves 2,000 customers in the south east, plans to boost its buying power, focusing on markets which do not compete with its core bakery business, chairman Stuart Earl told British Baker.
He said: “We are adding products to our foodservice range - targeting public bodies such as schools and prisons. We are looking at new areas of business we can trade in to make sure our prices remain competitive.”
The news follows recent investment by Bako London in logistics, computer systems and staff training and upgrading its premises.
It has bought a £2m delivery fleet of 16 temperature controlled vehicles. And a night shift has been introduced to boost efficiency.
Some £80,000 has been spent on introducing mechanical handling at its warehouse in Wimbledon. And computer systems have been upgraded, allowing timed deliveries. Bako London also now boasts Investors in People and EFSIS accreditation.
Chief executive Andrew Price, who was brought in to manage the changes 18 months ago, revealed last month’s sales growth was 8% exceeding targets by 3.5%. He said: “It’s a million and one things we are doing, analysing and pulling together and making things happen.”
Bako London is one of five regional co-ops in the £100m Bako group. Other regions are also developing foodservice business, purchasing and marketing executive Keith Miller told British Baker.
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