TAUNTON desserts company Maynard Scotts has changed its name to Ministry of Cake following a management buy-out last year. Managing director Chris Ormrod takes the title Prime Minister, with a Cabinet, including Ministers for Finance, Transport and Creativity.

Mr Ormrod said the company has moved beyond the boundaries of the Maynard Scott business, founded by master baker WT Maynard 165 years ago. It now makes a range of 200 cakes, pies, pastries and cheesecakes, supplying the catering,

restaurant and pub trade with the equivalent of 58 million slices of cake a year. “In a world of mass-produced cakes, we wanted to create a business identity that allowed us to stand out from our competitors and, at the same time, have some fun,” said Mr Ormrod. “We believe that cake shouldn’t be taken too seriously!”

The Ministry of Cake employs 181 staff on its site on the outskirts of Taunton, Somerset. Turnover is currently £15 million, a 25% increase over 2005. Recent contracts include supply deals with TGI Fridays and with British troops stationed in the Middle East.