Family pie business Bradley’s Bakery up for top national award

A FAMILY bakery whose mouth-watering pork pies are famous across Saddleworth and beyond are in the running for a prestigious national award.

p15 bradleys bakery gill and mark
FAMILY BUSINESS: Gillian and Mark

Bradley’s Bakery, based in Hurst Cross in Ashton-under-Lyne and run by Mark and Gillian Bradley, has been cooking up the delicious pies for more than 50 years.

The business prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to make its pies, which range from traditional pork to innovations such as kangaroo.

The bakery, known as ‘The Home of the Best Pork Pie’, has even launched a delivery service to reach further afield, while many customers travel from afar to sample their treats.

And now satisfied customers can help the company win a top award as Bradley’s Bakery are finalists in the North and Northern Ireland Family Business of the Year Award 2016.

The awards are organised by Family Business United to recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK and their contribution to the UK economy.

Bradley’s Bakery are shortlisted in their category with 14 other firms of all types and sizes, including Hawkshead Relish Company Ltd, Dale Lodge Hotel and Coppelia Antiques.

The results will be determined through a combination of a judging panel and an online vote, with winners to be announced on June 2 at a gala dinner at the May Fair Hotel in London.

The bakery is also listed in the Food and Drink category, competing against businesses across the country, and there is also a People’s Choice Award determined by public vote.

Paul Andrews, Founder of Family Business United, said: “We are delighted to be able to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses, some that have succeeded for numerous generations and others that are relatively young.”

Meanwhile, the bakery has recently been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

The commitment will see everyone working there receive a minimum hourly wage of £8.25 – significantly higher than the national living wage of £7.20.

Gillian explained: “We chose to apply for the accreditation after being asked to supply FC United of Manchester football club with their match day pies.

“We hadn’t heard of the Living Wage so we did some research and decided it was something we wanted to be part of.

“In our particular industry wages can be quite low and as we have a good team of staff at Bradley’s we wanted to give something back as an employer.”

For more information about Bradley’s Bakery, visit their website. For more information about the awards and to vote, visit: www.familybusinessunited.com