Food group chief steps down

Preston-based bakery supply business BAKO North Western has announced that group chief executive Mark Tomlinson has left his post.

The group’s chairman Joseph Hall said that Mr Tomlinson was leaving “for personal reasons with immediate effect.”

Paul Ogle, who is  former managing director of Johnsons Cleaners, has been named interim CEO and BAKO’s board has begun a search for Mr Tomlinson’s successor.

The group employs more than 400 workers. Turnover has increased from £66million in 2014 to more than £130m currently.

In a statement, Mr Hall said: “The board is thankful for Mark’s years of service and leadership.

“We understand and support his decision to step down and are grateful for his many accomplishments. We wish him and his family the very best for the future.

“The board of directors is confident that, working with Paul Ogle, the executive and national management teams, BAKO North Western Group will go on to enjoy continued success in the future.”

Mr Hall added: “BAKO has recently been through an important period of transformation, coupled with significant growth and we now aim to consolidate our position as the UK’s market leading bakery supplier, enhance profits and develop our teams.

“There will be a continued emphasis on quality and innovation to maximise shareholder value and customer service.”

BAKO North Western, with subsidiaries in Durham, Wimbledon and Norwich, supplies wholesale bakery ingredients, catering suppliers and food service customers throughout the UK. It was set up more than 50 years ago as a group of co-operatives to increase the purchasing power of its members and shares are still held by its North West customers.