Gluten-free bakery range

UK-based Glentons Bakery has started production of a gluten-free range at its unit in Morpeth, while continuing to prepare other breads, cakes and pastries in Ashington. The move required an overhaul of Glenton’s operations plan, and so the firm opted to take part in the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme delivered by business coaching specialists Oxford Innovation.

Keith explains, “There is far greater awareness now of food allergies and we were receiving daily enquiries from customers to all four of our shops for gluten-free products. However in order to comply with Food Standards Agency regulations on production we needed to review our ways of working and restructure the business accordingly. The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme was recommended to me by other local business owners who have participated and seen the benefits it brings.”

The risk of cross-contamination with other flour-based products requires gluten free production to be completely isolated from other baking.
Oxford Innovation business coach Matt Hindhaugh, who worked alongside Keith and his team, says, “Glentons was already a well-established business with a loyal customer-base but Keith saw this opportunity in the market and he’s pursued it with all of his usual passion and determination. The key was to establish an operating plan and organisation structure that would maintain quality standards at both production units in Ashington and Morpeth while ensuring compliance with Food Standards Agency regulations. Keith and his team really embraced the coaching process and I’m certain Glentons is well placed for further growth by producing good quality food for all customers.”

The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme offers established and start-up businesses in the county free support and is jointly funded by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company, Northumberland County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).