London-based business Paul Rhodes Bakery has purchased eight specially adapted Renault Master LoLoader vehicles from Devon-based manufacturer Trucksmith.

The Greenwich bakery approached Trucksmith as part of plans to increase delivery capacity and rectify breakdown issues with its previous vans.

“We wanted a box van the width of a Mercedes Sprinter for ease of driving and to minimise potential damage from London’s narrow and busy roads,” said Paul Rhodes, owner of the bakery. “We also wanted a vehicle that would take the strain away from our drivers, and the low loading height is perfect for what we’re doing.

“We have also designed shelving and boxes that run on the floor to maximise load yet carefully handle the delicate products we produce,” he added. “The result is that we can get an extra 90 boxes in the LoLoader through its design, making deliveries more efficient – and the vans look great too.”

Former Michelin-starred chef Paul Rhodes established the bakery business in 2003 and it is now one of London’s leading independent bakeries, supplying major hotels, restaurants, bars and delis throughout the capital, along with key events such as Wimbledon. It also has two shops in Greenwich and Notting Hill.

In October 2016, British Baker interviewed Paul Rhodes during his bakery demonstration at Le Cordon Bleu in London.