Changes at ‘Royal’ bakery in King’s Lynn
Smiths the Bakers on London Road in King's Lynn - From left, Cheryl Rix, Sue Cobb, Cliff Banham, Julie Smith with Paul and Teresa Brandon who have taken over the business. Picture: Matthew Usher.
A long-established bakery, which supplies bread and cakes to the Royal family at Sandringham House, is under new management.
Smiths the Bakers in London Road, King's Lynn, started in Saddlebow Road in the 1930s with Clifford Smith at the helm, supported by his sons Alf, Wilf and Norman.
After relocating, Norman and his wife Betty opened their new shop and bakery in London Road in 1971 which was known as N&B Smiths.
On retirement they handed over the business to children Sue, Wendy, Paul and Stephen and it was renamed Smiths the Bakers.
Stephen left the business to set up his own bakery in Terrington St Clement, leaving Paul in charge. Paul died three years ago, and his widow Julie feels it is time for a change.
She said: 'The business needs to move forward.
'I don't have the enthusiasm to bring to fruition ideas Paul was working on.'
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New majority shareholder Paul Brandon, who has worked at the business for 40 years, said: 'We have a number of ideas including hosting children's birthday parties when they can make and decorate gingerbread people, along with decorating cup cakes.'
Norman's daughter Sue Cobb will keep up the Smith connection, and the business will relocate to purpose-built premises on Lynn's Hardwick Narrows industrial estate next month.
They will keep the shop in London Road, which will have a full refit.
Clifford Banham, who has served the Smith family for 30 years, will head up the new bakery.
He said: 'The emphasis will still be on providing traditionally made products and quality service. With new ovens and equipment it will allow us to provide a wider and better variety of products.'
Is your business relocating or under new management? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
