Give your bakery hero the recognition they deserve

Do you know someone who makes the baking industry a better place to be? Someone who has gone above and beyond to drive change, support others, and make a difference?

Then be sure to nominate them for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry award.

Part of the Baking Industry Awards, which take place on Wednesday 25 November at the London Hilton on Park Lane, the award recognises someone who has truly made their mark on bakery.

Nominate your bakery hero today!

Sponsored by Dèlifrance, the accolade offers British Baker readers the chance to nominate an outstanding individual – someone who has gone above and beyond the boundaries of their paid salary or ownership and has made, or still is making, a special contribution to bakery.

They will support and encourage others within the sector, and possibly outside of it as well.

It’s an opportunity for you to honour the inspirational people in the bakery community who consistently strive to make the sector such a wonderful place to be. Tell us about their career highlights and standout achievements so we can surprise them on the night.

“Nominating an individual is an incredibly special way of honouring their efforts and helping them to get the recognition they deserve,” said British Baker editor Amy North. “They could be your boss, colleague, friend or perhaps your mentor. Either way, be sure to shine a spotlight on their achievements and nominate them for this award.”

Know someone that fits this description? The nomination process is simple, easy, and completely free, so why wait? Be sure to nominate them via our dedicated website.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our previous winners:

Peter Wenzel

Peter’s career in the baking industry has spanned more than half a century. Having trained as a master baker, he embarked on his bakery journey by establishing the first Wenzel’s the Bakers in Sudbury Hill, London in 1975. His dedication and passion for excellence, coupled with his desire to maintain the traditional art of baking, has seen the business flourish. But beyond being a masterful businessman, he has also made a huge difference to the local communities where the bakeries are located. He has spearheaded charity endeavours and community support initiatives, donating more than a million baked goods to local schools, providing practical and financial support to many organisations, and offering employment opportunities to those with disabilities.

Sara Autton

Sara has helped to shape the baking industry for future generations, taking an active role in many trade bodies and associations alongside her role at Lesaffre. She has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, one that has spanned nearly five decades, during which time she cemented herself as a beacon of expertise. She always gives 110%, according to one colleague, who praised the time and dedication she offered to helping students expand their skills and further their careers.

André Sarafilovic

André has enjoyed a distinguished and extended career, offering his services to various trade bodies and organisations as well as running a hugely successful business and creating a charity to help give back to the local community. He is described as a trailblazer at Stephens, having grown the business from a few shops in Dunfermline to a much larger one with 14 shops and over 160 convenience partnerships with Co-op, Scotmid, McColl’s, and independents.

Dawn Gemmell

Dawn, formerly assistant dean at the College of Food (Bakery) at University College Birmingham, was awarded for her inspiration, caring attitude, and desire to tap into the very best in every individual, lecturer, or student she came across during her career. Before joining UCB, Gemmell worked in baking for several businesses and gained commercial experience at all levels. She is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers, tutor representative on the ABST, advisor on the Trailblazer bakery apprentice scheme, and has worked closely with qualification bodies such as FDQ and the National Skills Academy to improve standards.