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National Award for Peters Bakery

Business Solutions Award 2004

Peters Bakery have completed a remarkable comeback from the fire in April which destroyed their Dragonville facility by winning a prestigious 2004 Baking Industry Award, the industry's own Oscars.

At the Baking Industry Gala Dinner, held in London's Grosvenor House on Monday 20 September, Alan Dixon, Peters Bakery Retail Sales Development Manager, collected the industry's Business Solutions Award for the repositioning of the Peters brand which has involved the ongoing refurbishment of their 71 retail outlets, half of which have been completed, to encourage a new generation of consumers to enjoy their range of products.

Peters Bakery beat off hundreds of other entries to collect the title, even though the devastating April fire put a temporary hold on the refurbishment programme. Sylvia MacDonald, Editor of British Baker magazine, organisers of the event, said,"This is a tremendous achievement for both Alan and the whole Peters Bakery team. The shops now enjoy a brighter less formal atmosphere, designed to encourage younger people both to shop and work in Peters. The newly-fitted counters play host to a delicious array of sandwiches, cakes, savouries and pasties whilst the breakfast bars and leather sofas offer a chance to sit and enjoy fresh coffee and hot chocolate."

Alan Dixon commented,"The award is recognition by our peers in the industry of the huge amount of work done by the whole team which has changed the whole perception of Peters and what we have to offer and I'm naturally delighted to accept it on their behalf. The refurbishment programme was put on temporary hold following the fire, but we're now back on track to not only complete the remaining shops, but also introduce even more products and choice for our customers."

The company is also due to commence the rebuilding of their Dragonville bakery - a £3.5m project which should commence in early October, allowing the company to return to Durham from their temporary bakery in Peterlee.

Peters Bakery was started in December 1966 by Peter Knowles with one shop in Belmont, Co. Durham. Privately owned by the Knowles family, the company now have 71 retail outlets throughout the North East and employ some 580 full time and part time staff, with an annual turnover of £13m in 2002/2003. Now Chairman, 61 year old Peter Knowles still works at the bakery with sons, Richard, Managing Director, and Chris, Financial Director.