About the Business
Luke Evans Bakery is a family-run business with a remarkable heritage dating back to 1804. Founded by the Evans family, the bakery has been passed down through generations, maintaining its commitment to traditional baking techniques while embracing modern innovation.
Based in Riddings, Amber Valley, Luke Evans Bakery specialises in the manufacture of high-quality bread and confectionery for both retail and wholesale customers. The business has built a loyal customer base, supplying freshly baked goods to local businesses, independent retailers, and the wider community from their website and onsite bakery shop.
Challenges Faced
Like many businesses, Luke Evans Bakery has encountered several challenges that have impacted its ability to scale and improve efficiency. Rising wage bills, ingredient costs, utilities, and overall living costs have put the pressure on.
Additionally, the bakery has been eager to adopt new technologies and improve manufacturing processes but has faced limitations due to space constraints and the high cost of upgrading equipment. Recruitment and staff retention have also been ongoing concerns, particularly with reduced access to government-funded training programs and a decline in individuals pursuing traditional bakery skills.
The solution and Impact
Managing Director Helen Yates took proactive steps to address these challenges by engaging with the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) and participating in the Amber Valley Accelerator program, delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
Through EMMN, Helen has gained valuable peer networking and industry insights by regularly attending Derby-based EMMN events. These meetings have provided opportunities to connect with other manufacturers, share best practices, and stay updated on key market trends and sector developments.
It was at an EMMN event that Helen was introduced to Devtank. As a result, Luke Evans Bakery secured access to funded IoT (Internet of Things) monitors as part of the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) initiative. These monitors, set to be installed in the coming weeks, will track energy usage and efficiency, allowing the business to identify potential savings and make informed decisions to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Showcasing Success
and Building Connections through East Midlands Chamber
Beyond EMMN, Helen has worked closely with Chamber Business Adviser Peter Lawrence, who has provided 1-2-1 business support and strategic guidance. Peter has played an instrumental role in connecting the bakery with relevant funding and growth opportunities.
Luke Evans was granted a free energy audit through the Accelerator project which identified cost and carbon footprint reductions the the business could implement. This audit provided useful recommendations such as solar panels, a chiller upgrade, compressed air testing and optimisation, individual machinery metering, portable heating reduction and improved heating controls.
An introduction was also made to the East Midlands Made Smarter digitalisation support which has resulted in manufacturing process road mapping and recommendations for improved production and cost savings. The opportunity for £20,000 grant funding is currently being explored to support the recommendation costs.
“Peter has an excellent understanding of what funding and support options are available and has pointed me in the right direction for opportunities we have taken advantage of, which I wasn’t aware of, or previously considered. Thank you, Peter and the Chamber. I hope there aren’t plans to stop this very valuable support.”
Helen Yates
Managing Director