Bakers and Larners win business award

THE winner of the business development award in the 2008 EDP Business Award was Bakers & Larners of Holt.

The company has achieved its success through a commitment to traditional values, quality service and rigorous investment - and all in an environment that is becoming increasingly dominated by a quorum of national interests.

Many market towns are losing their character and individuality, but the success of this business is down to it taking social responsibility seriously, reinvesting its profits locally, using and encouraging other local services, suppliers and producers.

Bakers & Larners was established more than 275 years ago, but it is in more recent times that the company has seen accelerated and astute expansion.

The group now consists of a department store and three builders' merchants, and last year it bought the Budgens supermarket in Holt. It now has a turnover of more than £20m and employs 235 staff.

The acquisition of Budgens has broadened its appeal and cemented its position at the heart of the retail scene, and its wider appeal will be enhanced further by the recent £500,000 expansion of its food hall, otherwise known as “the Fortnum and Mason of East Anglia”.

“Winning this award is a testimony to our staff who have worked tirelessly towards the assimilation of Budgens of Holt into our group,” said Michael Baker, managing director of CT Baker.

“The board and shareholders should also receive thanks for making the funds available. Our group is now firmly established in all sectors of business in north Norfolk.”

Judges in this category, which is sponsored by Howes Percival, looked at how business development had been reflected in increased turnover, employment and profitability, as well as looking at plans to build on that success. The other finalists were E-Tech Group, based in Yarmouth, and Milltech, from Rackheath, near Norwich.

Bakers & Larners was also a finalist in the night's blue riband award, the Business of the Year.