Tyneside success story

Given its familiarity on the Scottish high street, many believe Greggs to be a home-grown business.

In fact, what is now Britain's biggest bakery chain was founded as a family firm on Tyneside in the 1930s. Since 2008, it has been headed by Scots-born chief executive Ken McMeikan.

The group currently runs about 1,450 outlets, with some 200 in Scotland, but plans to add a further 600 branches UK-wide.

Among a list of impressive statistics, Greggs serves six million customers a week and has sold seven million bacon rolls since a February launch. Its 289 "master bakers" boast 2,254 combined years of baking experience.