In this series, British Baker talks to people from across the baking industry to find out about their career path, what their job involves, and the latest trends that are shaping their work.
We’re looking to showcase a diverse range of talent and job types across the industry, so if you’d like to be involved, please email dan.riley@wrbm.com.
Name: Andrea Stevens
Age: 52
Job title: Commercial director
Company and location: Four Anjels, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham
Education: BTEC in Food Preparation & Nutrition, Cheltenham; HND in Consumer Studies, Manchester University
Tell us about your career to date
I began as a development technologist at Vassallo Seafood in Newcastle, creating fish-based ready meals for major retailers. From there I joined St Martin Foods, where the owners gave me my first taste of the commercial side – development and account management across salads, sandwiches and premium party food, then helping grow the business into coffee shops, airlines and retail.
Former colleagues who had moved to Kate’s Cakes then offered me the role of account manager there, working closely with the development team. I later became sales director, overseeing NPD alongside account management, and together we grew the business from £6m to £24m, went through a management buyout led by Steve Greenhalgh and onto its eventual sale to CSM Ingredients. I then consulted for Kate’s Cakes and Chateau Blanc, helping secure new listings with new customers.
In 2010, Four Anjels – a former contract manufacturer of Kate’s Cakes – approached me and three of its former business partners about investment. We acquired the assets out of administration, spending three years funding the business personally, making no money and often discussing whether to close. Early on, we relocated to a purpose-built 5,000 sq ft BRC A factory with five staff, one oven and two mixing bowls.
Today, I’m the only original founder still involved. We are now in a 25,000 sq ft BRCGS AA+ site with a 91 people-strong team, and several more ovens and mixing bowls, growing significantly year on year. In March 2025, we secured a partnership with the Olidor Group, bringing further investment to support our growth strategy.
How would you describe your job, and what kind of tasks and responsibilities does it involve?
My focus is building the customer relationships that keep us first choice for new lines. I oversee all commercial aspects – NPD, buying contracts, packaging development and key account management – while pushing the team to challenge themselves on new product areas and keeping us profitable. Funnily enough, I can’t bake, but I know a good product when I see one!
Tell us about a challenge you have overcome recently
Success brings demand and managing that has been a real challenge. We don’t sell off a brochure – every product is developed around a customer’s brief – so we can be running twelve briefs at once, each with four or five products, covering everything from sourcing ingredients to technical standards, costings and packaging. We get through it with a brilliant team, and my days rarely finish before dark.
What have been some highlights of your career?
Seeing a product go from concept to shelf never stops feeling special. The biggest highlight has simply been the success of Four Anjels. There were points when we questioned whether to carry on, but belief and support from our customers, business partners and team got us here.
A standout moment was being the only supplier to win our key customer’s Dragon’s Den-style pitch for Christmas 2025, with our Wreath of Mini Brownies selection box. It’s now in its third year, sales doubled in year two, and it sells out online within a week. In the past few months, we’ve also been shortlisted for Bakery Manufacturer of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards 2026, so it’s been a brilliant few years for the business!
What is a common misconception about your role?
People underestimate how much work goes into a new listing, from the first concept and initial submission through to final sign-off, then all the support needed.
What advice would you give to an aspiring young professional looking to get into the baking industry?
Come and find out – we’re hiring! We’re looking for bakery operatives to join our team in Bishop’s Cleeve.
There are so many roles in the industry that don’t require technical baking skills. The four things you really need are passion, enthusiasm, curiosity, and flexibility, because things move fast and no two days are ever the same.
Interested in a career in bakery? Check out Foodmanjobs for the latest vacancies
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