Equipment from 1913
The Beamish Museum is working on reconstructing a 1913 bakery and is trying to find old bakery equipment from 1900-1914 that might still be around. If you can help them out or have any equipment you could donate, please contact Kate Reeder on 0191 370 4009 or email katereeder@beamish.org.uk.

Theatre training
Actor-based training has helped sandwich chain Pret A Manger boost sales through improved customer service, according to head of the group’s learning academy, Ian Watson, who said that since 350 front-of-house managers had done a theatre-based training workshop in March to improve customer service, the company had broken sales records.

Leakers wins award
Bridport-based Leakers Bakery has triumphed at this year’s Taste of Dorset competition, picking up the accolade for Best Artisan Baker. Rick Payne, marketing manager for Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, who judged the category said that Leakers "epitomises everything that is local, fresh, healthier and seasonal".

Consultancy launches
Former managing director of Bako Northern & Bako Scotland Harry Cowan is back helping bakers with a new venture HAC Consulting. The company will evaluate purchases made by bakers and arrange for potential suppliers to tender for business. For more information contact Cowan on 07872 448287 or cowan.henry@yahoo.co.uk

US grain campaign
A Go with the Grain campaign has been launched in the US to encourage people to eat six servings a day. Research shows that only 4% of US adults eat enough grains.