South Wales-based La Crème Patisserie & Catering Co plans to expand its retail and wholesale operations having completing the purchase of a new factory unit on the Baglan Moors in Neath Port Talbot. Building work started in December on what will be the La Crème Centre of Excellence and directors Siân and Ian Hindle hope the new unit will be fully operational by March 2009. The business’ fortunes were boosted when Siân Hindle was awarded runner-up in the Puratos-sponsored Patissier of the Year category at the Baking Industry Awards 2007. The accolade “made a huge impact” on the business, said Ian Hindle. “It took us to a different level.”