Warrens Bakery – the South West-based firm – has announced that Melksham will be the next home for its traditional bakes and its first franchise in Wiltshire.
The new bakery, which officially opens on Wednesday 14 November, is centrally located on Melksham High Street and creates five jobs for local residents.
Opening in partnership with Julie and Trevor Kerby – a couple from north Devon – the takeaway bakery will showcase its artisan range of bread, “iconic” pasties, freshly made sandwiches, sweet and savoury treats, speciality Cornish delicacies and on-the-go snacks.
Julie and Trevor, who trade under Acorn Holdings (SW) Ltd, used a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK to help them to set up their first Warrens Bakery franchise. The funding has been used to refurbish the premises in Melksham, which has been fitted out with the equipment needed to run the new bakery.
The couple will also draw on support from HSBC UK as they look to extend their number of franchises in the coming months, with another two sites set to open in Trowbridge and Devizes.
Established in 1860, Warrens Bakery claims to be the oldest bakery in Cornwall and is recognised as the “oldest Cornish pasty maker in the world.”
Last month saw the company scoop the ‘Craft Bakery Business Award’ at the National Baking Industry Awards.
Julie said: “Melksham is a market town with traditional values. As Cornwall’s oldest bakery, Warrens Bakery, is founded on traditional values too. They are a perfect fit! We are excited to bring a slice of Cornish tradition to the heart of Wiltshire and open the very first Warrens Bakery in the county.”
Mark Self, HSBC UK’s area director for Devon, Somerset and Cornwall, said: “We’re delighted to have supported Trevor and Julie in setting up their first Warrens Bakery franchise. We wish them the best of luck in their new venture and look forward to supporting them as they grow their business.”
Since opening their first franchised store last year, the Cornwall-based brand claims it has experienced “rapid growth” and plans to open hundreds of new stores nationally in the next five years.
