Family baker proves itself with further contract win

A Perth-based bakery has experienced a rise in orders by securing a 'substantial' distribution deal with Lidl to supply a range of six confectionery and bread products to 90 stores in Scotland.

Denise, Sandy and Angela McKinnon of Tower Bakery

Family-run Tower Bakery won the contract after receiving funding from Clydesdale Bank, helping it double production capacity.

It comes after the business, run by husband and wife Angela and Sandy McKinnon and their three children, was selected to supply Aldi, Co-op, Spar, Asda and Tesco.

Co-founder and director Angela McKinnon said: “Our recent spate of contract wins has been great news for the development of the business.

“We have created 20 new jobs across the firm, including bakers and drivers. We’ve also had to double our production capacity which Clydesdale Bank helped to fund.

“As part of that expansion we’ve invested a six-figure sum in new equipment.”

She also acknowledged the contribution of son David and daughters Debbie and Denise in helping drive the firm’s recent expansion, saying they have worked “tirelessly”.

She said: “My husband Sandy looked after the day-to-day running of the bakery for 35 years, but when he suffered a stroke last year we got the children more involved. It’s because of their expert handling of the business that these contracts have been won.

“The increasing demands on capacity have been hard work for us all, but it’s a very exciting time for the business.”

Richard Smith, head of Clydesdale Bank’s business and private banking centre in Dundee, said: “It’s great to see a local business like Tower Bakery achieving its growth aspirations.

“The company had to grow very quickly to meet rapidly increasing demands. We are proud to have helped Angela and her family make the purchases necessary to meet their customers’ needs and plan for future expansion.

“We look forward to supporting Tower Bakery as they continue to grow.”