Haiti fundraiser

A cake designer from Surrey has organised a fundraising event Cakes For Haiti in order to raise money for the country following the earthquake last month. Janet Mohapi-Banks is encouraging everyone, from businesses to schools and individuals, to take part in National Cake Sale Day, on 26 March and donate the proceeds to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Find out more at www.cakesforhaiti.org.

Gail’s adds outlet

Artisan bakery Gail’s is opening its fifth shop in Queens Park, London at the end of this month.

Festival backing

Independent family business and coffee specialist Taylors of Harrogate will be the key sponsor at the UK’s first coffee festival in Bath from 15-16 May 2010. Pasty maker Ginsters and Wiltshire-based Marshfield Bakery are also sponsoring the event.

Fraud investigation

Icelandic business Bakkavör, which owns New Primebake and Laurens Patisseries in the UK, had its Spalding headquarters and its London offices searched by the Serious Fraud Office in January, as part of an investigation into the financial crash in Iceland.

Market draw

The Flour Station has taken on a stall at Clapham Market and is also planning to return to Covent Garden. It also trades at four other markets.

Diploma champion

Angela Coleshill, director of competitiveness at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), has been named employer champion for the new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD). She will work to raise the profile of the diploma, which is for 14- to 19-year-olds