Chris Ormrod, managing director of Taunton-based Ministry of Cake, has been announced as winner of the CEO of the Year award for the south west in the Management Team Awards 2016, organised by the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA).

Regional winners are announced throughout the year and presented at the BVCA National Dinners, held across the country. However, the overall national winners will be revealed at a gala dinner held at the Hilton Park Lane in London on 8 December, where Ormrod will face competition from other regional CEO winners from around the country.

The awards are given to directors, who demonstrate good growth in their chosen categories, and have a clear and focused strategy for future growth. They also reflect businesses that have strong relationships with staff – and, often, a good, local corporate profile.

Ormrod has managed Ministry of Cake for almost 12 years and previously worked for Richard Branson, helping to set up the soft drinks company Virgin Cola.

The nomination follows a string of successes for the company, which was also named as the winner of PwC’s West of England Business of the Year.

Speaking exclusively to British Baker, Ormrod said: “I was really pleased to be nominated for this one – and to win the BVCA CEO of the Year for the South West. Maybe one day I’ll set up a Ministry of Cake Airline in homage.”

Over the last five years the company has changed markedly, with turnover increasing by 30%, two new manufacturing sites, an increase in export sales and a change of ownership.

Ministry of Cake is a privately owned manufacturer of frozen desserts for the UK and export foodservice market.

In May, Ministry of Cake subsidiary Ministry of Pudding produced its 10 millionth pudding at its new factory in Torquay.

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