Pinkmans Bakery: A resilient rise

Pinkmans Bakery is an independent, Bristol-based artisan bakery specialising in wild yeast baked goods. Offering a range of breads, pastries, and cakes, the company supplies its three cafes and wholesale customers. Following a devastating fire that destroyed their main store and production site, Pinkmans faced significant challenges.

After losing their primary business operations, Pinkmans Bakery found itself in dire straits. With no premises, equipment, or financial support from insurance, Director Ross Gibbens sought assistance to rebuild the company. Introduced to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Growth Hub, Ross was eager to access both financial support and mentorship to kickstart the recovery process.

Growth Hub provided crucial support to Pinkmans Bakery in several key areas:

Financial assistance: Through the YTKO BrisBes scheme, the bakery received funding for a new operating system and a marketing and social media contract.
The Made Smarter project provided additional funding for essential production equipment and an internship to develop a real-time business dashboard. A scale for growth fund also secured financial backing for a fourth cafe.
Mentorship and consultancy: Growth Hub also offered invaluable guidance and support through regular meetings, helping Pinkmans navigate challenges and identify opportunities.

SMEs in the West of England, like Pinkmans Bakery, often face a complex set of challenges, including economic uncertainty, intense competition, and a shortage of skilled workers. Growth Hub plays a vital role in addressing these issues by providing tailored support, access to finance, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

By working closely with Pinkmans Bakery, Growth Hub helped the business not only survive but thrive. The support provided has had a wider impact on the local community by creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening the region's food and drink sector.

Looking ahead, Pinkmans plans to open a fourth cafe in Stokes Croft and refurbish its existing cafes on Gloucester Road and Whiteladies Road. These initiatives aim to increase revenue and improve overall business performance.

Through resilience, determination, and the support of Growth Hub, Pinkmans Bakery has not only survived but thrived, demonstrating the power of collaboration in overcoming adversity.