big interview
Supporting resilient and innovative craft bakers
KBP Editor,Kiran Grewal, sits down with Karen Dear, recently named Chief Executive of the Craft Bakers Association, to share how her 23-year history with the association has geared her up for success in this role
Give us some insight into your career up until your latest appointment.
I have been fortunate enough to work for the CBA for 23 years! Prior to my appointment as chief executive, I have held a variety of positions in the organisation which has given me a fantastic insight into the craft bakery industry, the work of our members and the challenges they face. Over the last two decades I have had the pleasure of working with most of the industry leaders in the baking industry and a host of experts that we employ to ensure our members have the best possible advice – from health and safety and legal to technical and HR, to name but a few.
What excites you about the bakery industry? Where to begin?! There is so much that excites me about this amazing industry every day. From the passion the CBA team and I see from our members for their craft and the industry as a whole, to the resilience and innovation bakers have always shown. Not least during the pandemic and more recently as a result of the cost of living crisis – where the huge spike in the price of electricity and ingredients significantly impacted bakers. As a result of this I am very excited for the future of the craft baking industry.
What new innovations are you seeing?
Craft and artisan bakers have always been great at adapting to what their customers want and need. For example, during the pandemic many members began offering an online service including delivery and click and collect. We are also seeing an increasing number of bakers providing a wider choice of plant-based bakery in line with this growing trend.
How does the CBA support its members? The role of the CBA is to support our members to ensure they have the best business advice possible and to work with government and relevant organisations to secure the future of this sector.
6 Kennedy’s Bakery Production April/May 2023
Membership of the CBA includes access to advice from experts on a wide range of topics including employment law and health and food safety, as well as online training and networking opportunities. We actively communicate with our members and provide support for a range of business issues through our new website and training portal. The Training Portal offers business-critical courses, from Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness to Health and Food Safety. Members can coordinate training, track progress, and download certificates. Our new website also has a dedicated area for members to offer students work experience, promote job vacancies and find candidates
bakeryproduction.co.uk
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