Brace’s takes on Warburtons site

Welsh independent bakery Brace’s has said it is to take over Warburtons’ Newport bakery in Rogerstone, with plans to safeguard many of the 114 jobs at risk. Brace’s sales and marketing director Scott Richardson said: "We will do all we can to ensure the transfer of the bakery and its staff runs as smoothly as possible."

Fire at Honeytop

Fire broke out at naan bread producer Honeytop Speciality Foods factory on New Year’s Day while a bread oven was being prepared for its next production shift. The Dunstable site which was not open for production that day had to be evacuated, although no-one was hurt. The blaze, caused by a minor technical fault, only resulted in smoke damage; production was not affected.

Red Tractor supplier

Margate-based manufacturer Speciality Breads has signed up to the Assured Food Standards’ Red Tractor scheme. The firm claims to be the first and only dedicated UK foodservice bakery to supply speciality breads nationally that are made with 100% British flour.

Warburton heads IFB

Ross Warburton has been appointed as the new chairman of the Institute of Family Business (IFB). Warburton is the outgoing president of the Food and Drink Federation and takes over the role of IFB chairman from Andrew Wates, of building and construction company Wates Group.

Best bakery sarnies

The British Sandwich Association is looking for the best bakers selling sandwiches, with the winner to be reavealed at an awards party in London on 19 May. Call Pam Sainsbury on 01291 636341 or see www.sandwich.org.uk.