Finsbury muffins

Source: Finsbury Foods

A worker tops chocolate muffins at a Finsbury Foods factory

Finsbury Food Group has unveiled a brand new Commercial Graduate Scheme as part of its focus on developing early careers opportunities.

The sweet bakery manufacturer said the three-year scheme, which had been launched in partnership with the Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB), is aimed at supporting recent graduates based in Scotland as they set out on a career in the food industry.

Finsbury confirmed that applications had now closed for the scheme, with a list of successful applicants currently being decided to receive three 12-month placements at its Hamilton site that come with a £29k annual starting salary.

The scheme will see graduates gain an in-depth understanding of the commercial functions, working alongside business, category, and brand managers to develop and strengthen the customer accounts for Finsbury. They will also be offered the chance to collaborate with some well-known brands and retailers.

“Finsbury strongly believes that the next generation of commercial graduates will help shape the food manufacturing industry for years to come,” commented Grant Howell, talent acquisition partner at Finsbury Food Group.

“Attracting, and nurturing, driven individuals in their development is an important part of our early years strategy and we appreciate the need to showcase the variety of career options available. We can’t wait to start meeting applicants and helping to develop their careers, as we grow our business,” Howell added.

According to its website, Finsbury Food Group currently employs around 3,000 workers across nine different sites nationwide, including in East Kilbride, Motherwell, and Hamilton in Scotland; Sheffield, Manchester, and Salisbury in England; and Cardiff and Pontypool in Wales.

Brand loyalty

As part of its ongoing growth strategy for the UK cake market, Finsbury is continuing to invest in brand licensing partnerships. Recent NPD examples of branded lines include the Stranger Things Celebration Cake launched at Tesco stores, and the limited edition Chocolate M&M’s Easter Brownies at Asda.

England Shirt Celebration Cake - Finsbury Food Group  1998x1800

Source: Finsbury Food Group

England Shirt Shaped Cake

The supplier has also just kicked off a special promotion for its England Shirt Shaped Cake to coincide with the 2024 UEFA Euros tournament. Available in Tesco stores for £10 each until 15 July (usual price £13), the celebration cake comprises a layer of raspberry jam in between sponge cake, covered in soft icing and edible decorations that make it look like England’s retro World Cup ’98 kit.

“We have an exciting summer of sport ahead, and it doesn’t get much bigger than the European Football Championships in Germany,” said Andrew Scott, character licensing manager at Finsbury Food Group. “Finsbury is delighted to continue its partnership with the FA for its England shirt themed cake which can provide a party centrepiece for those watching at home with friends.”