The Worshipful Company of Bakers has announced it is seeking a commercial partner for its quality assurance standard, The Bakers’ Marque.

The Company says a partner would take the scheme, which was launched in 2012, to the “next stage” of its development.

So far 12 bakeries from as far afield as Somerset, Yorkshire and Cheshire, as well London and the Home Counties, have been awarded the Bakers’ Marque.

The company is now in the process of identifying potential partners with the appropriate advisory, consultancy, training and quality assurance implementation skills and experience needed to build on the initial success of the project.

Commenting on the search, David Bentley, Master of the Worshipful Company of Bakers, said: “In 2011, helped by our strong bakery links, the Bakers Company identified the demand for a standard that promotes the best in quality baking in the UK. Over the past two years, we have run a pilot programme in the marketplace, staffed by volunteers, which has been a considerable success. A number of bakeries have already been awarded the Bakers’ Marque.

“We are now looking to partner with a suitable commercial organisation to expand the service and enable the Bakers’ Marque to grow to its full potential, for the benefit of high-quality bakers throughout Britain and the consumers they serve.”

He added: “The Worshipful Company of Bakers plays an active role in the baking industry and allied trades through training, scholarships and as an authoritative and independent voice. We maintain a significant programme of charitable support for the baking industry and wider community.

“The success in getting the Bakers Marque off the ground demonstrates the sort of innovative pump-priming initiative that a City of London Livery Company can achieve, and is yet another example of valuable contributions that Livery Companies make to industry and society in the 21st century.”

Commercial organisations interested in partnering in the Bakers’ Marque are invited to contact The Worshipful Company of Bakers by email for more details – clerk@bakers.co.uk.  

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