SHIPLEY-based, family run bakery, Just Desserts, has beaten stiff competition in this year’s National Bakery Awards to be named the County Winner / Best Bakery in West Yorkshire.

The bakery was recognised by judges for its sustained growth from its humble beginnings as a start up by man and wife team James and Carol O’Dwyer more than 35 years ago on a £40 pw Enterprise Allowance to a thriving business today employing more than 30 staff.  

The business’s continued investment, including its recent £160,000 expansion programme to increase the footprint of the bakery as part of its 5 year strategic growth plan, its premium quality, handcrafted product range and investment in staff were all praised.

Just Desserts is automatically entered into the National Bakery Awards grand final to be held in London on Wednesday 11 March; where it goes up against 3 other Yorkshire & the Humber based bakeries for the Regional Bakery crown and more than 65 bakeries nationally for the coveted National Bakery of the Year accolade.

Just Desserts has built a strong reputation for producing a range of more than 130 high quality, award winning desserts and patisserie for the hospitality and foodservice markets, all made using traditional artisan baking techniques.

Commenting on the award win, James O’Dwyer, managing director, Just Desserts said:

“We are extremely proud to be named as the County Winner in this year’s National Bakery Awards.  We are at an exciting time for the business, with our bakery expansion strategy well on track.  This award is testament to our hard working and creative bakery team, who always rise to any challenge and continue to deliver top notch, innovative products that our customers love.”

The National Bakery Awards are open to all UK bakeries (retail and wholesale) to celebrate the continued hard work and best in class organisations in the sector.