A bakery business that offers training and jobs to people leaving prison has won its first supermarket listing.
HMPasties was founded by Lee Wakeham, who served time in prison himself, and launched the business by drawing on his own experiences of the barriers people face when leaving custody. With a mission to offer others the second chance he was given, it aims to break the cycle of reoffending.
Through the HMPasties Foundation, the bakery provides tailored support and training to prison leavers, helping them rebuild confidence and move into long-term employment. The business said research shows that finding a job significantly reduces the likelihood of reoffending.
Wakeham described the Co-op listing, which will see products including a steak pie and cheese & onion pie roll out to almost 80 Co-op stores across the Manchester city region, as a landmark moment for HMPasties.
“As someone who has been to prison myself, I know how tough it is to get a second chance,” he said. “Finding meaningful work is often the biggest hurdle, and without it, many fall back into the cycle of crime.
“Working with Co-op means more people can enjoy our products while helping us create life-changing opportunities for those ready to turn their lives around.”
HMPasties worked with Co-op’s Apiary Programme, which operates accelerator and incubator schemes to support smaller, values-driven businesses with growing to their next stage of development and promote further inclusivity and diversity within the supply chain.
“We are delighted to work with HMPasties,” said Co-op community buying lead Kelly Orme. “Not only are the pies and pasties delicious, but they also support life changing work, helping to make a difference and support rehabilitation by funding mentoring, skills development, and guidance to those determined to make positive changes to their lives.”
HMPasties also recently signed a supply contract with Liverpool FC to provide matchday fans with sausage rolls and pies.
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