Briefs

n Latest exhibitors signed up for the Baking Industry Exhibition include Heygates, Double D and Benier. The exhibition, organised by William Reed Events, is to take place at Birmingham’s NEC, from 6-9 April 2008, and will incorporate the Food & Bake show (see British Baker, 23 February, pg 4). Exhibitors include British Bakels, Muntons, Rank Hovis, Reiser, Rondo, Unifine, Valley Refrigeration and Benier.

n Mark Biggs of AW Biggs in Littlehampton, West Sussex, is one of five people to complete an advanced modern apprenticeship in craft baking with the National Association of Master Bakers (NA). He achieved the qualification with help from trainer Henry Jeffries as part of the NA’s training scheme, which is to be wound down this year because of funding issues.

n Potts Bakers in Barnsley has attained Investors in People accreditation. It received the award from Shadow Secretary for Education and Harrogate MP Phil Willis.

n Since opening in December, Japan’s first Krispy Kreme store in Tokyo has drawn long queues of people who are prepared to wait for over an hour, according to Japanese press reports. In the first three days of opening, 10,000 people visited the shop.

n Starbucks has named Peter Bocian as executive vice president and chief financial officer designate. Bocian will join the company on 14 May, replacing Michael Casey, who held the role for 12 years. Bocian joins Starbucks from technology group NCR Corporation, where he was senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2004.