M&S and Geary’s among speakers for 2025 BSB Spring conference

Bakery experts from M&S, Geary’s, and Fisher & Donaldson are among the speakers set to deliver insightful presentations at the upcoming British Society of Baking (BSB) conference.

The spring 2025 edition of the biannual industry event is focused around ‘change for success’ and takes place on Wednesday 16 April, once again at the Cotswold Hotel, Golf & Spa in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

The trio of aforementioned businesses are all past winners at the Baking Industry Awards – M&S was crowned Bakery Retailer of the Year 2024 and Geary’s-owned Jason’s Sourdough won Bakery Brand of the Year 2024, while Fisher & Donaldson was named Craft Bakery Business of the Year 2023. Entries for the Baking Industry Awards 2025 competition remain open for the next two weeks until Monday 28 April (start your entry here).

Here is the full line-up of speakers and the topics they will be covering at the BSB event:

Barry Dawber, sales & marketing director, Geary’s Bakeries

Having joined Geary’s at the end of 2019, Dawber has been involved in the full journey of Jason’s Sourdough since it first launched in 2020 including it becoming one of the biggest bread brands last year. Getting to this point has meant ripping up the rule book, transforming the business and managing the scale. Now Geary’s is embarking on the next phase of business growth with the opening of its third bakery. So, what can we expect next?

Jade and Chloe Milne, MD and retail director, Fisher & Donaldson

The sisters represent two of three siblings currently behind the fifth-generation family bakery in Fife. But counting on history does not help in counting out profits or growth, and the business has seen more than its fair share of stress, success, fun, and fanfare. The Milnes will discuss the need for change – such as through a big re-fit, re-brand, new website and pivoting through the pandemic – as well as sharing their vision for Fisher & Donaldson.

Harry Peak and Eddie McAuley, bakery product developer and senior buyer of ISB, Marks & Spencer

As reigning Bakery Retailer of the Year, the duo will look at the company’s product development, its award-winning in-store team, the bakery range, bakery operations and much more. Together, they will reveal how M&S’ success is centred on evolving the product range, use of NPD, developing ideas from suppliers, top-selling staples, effective merchandising and much, much more. Prepare for a treat!

Wilda Haddad, project director, Dina Foods

Haddad’s background as a solicitor, combined with her love of Mediterranean food and authentic flavours, has helped Dina Foods develop new products and take a lead on sustainability. Having also recently taken up a post as a director of the Craft Bakers Association, Haddad will reveal her formula for success and what is at the forefront of NPD at the family-run business, which operates three factory outlets at Park Royal in London.

Bart Schmal, area sales manager, Royal Kaak UK

Schmal asks the important question: ‘Just how open are we to exciting opportunities of the future’? His presentation will look at how cutting-edge technology, including AI plus automation, is reshaping the way we work, whether it’s for maximum production efficiency or addressing labour challenges. He will also tackle critical topics such as energy efficiency, reducing consumption, adopting greener practices, and embracing circular solutions.

Guy Moreton, chairman and founder, MorePeople

As a specialist recruitment business serving several sectors including bakery and milling, MorePeople has grown from two people in 2000 to nearly 40 in 2025. In his presentation, Moreton will reveal best practices in ensuring staff are retained once recruited, and how employers need to fulfil the needs of employees to keep them. He will also uncover how easy that is for shop floor up to senior board level. 

To find out more, or to book tickets for the conference, visit the BSB website.