TMCnet News

Baker is given top role for industry [Western Mail (Wales)]
[July 22, 2014]

Baker is given top role for industry [Western Mail (Wales)]


(Western Mail (Wales) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ECONOMY Minister Edwina Hart yesterday appointed Robin Jones, managing director of fie Village Bakery, as the chairman of the new Food and Drink Wales Industry Board.

Mr Jones led the Village Bakery in Wrexham, North Wales, from a single unit business in 2000, into a company that now operates on three sites and employs more than 300 stafi. fie Village Bakery received the St David's award for enterprise in 2014.



Mr Jones will now begin the process of identifying members of the shadow Industry Board and pull together a work programme for the new body.

His appointment fol lows the recent launch of Towards Sustainable Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drink Industry 2014-2020, Which sets out how the Welsh Government will help Wales' food and drink industry grow by 30% to Pounds 7bn by 2020.


fie industry-led board will provide direction, encourage networking and share market development information with Wales' food and drink businesses.

fie Welsh Government said it will support the board during its development stage, although it will soon become independent of Government. Once established it will ofier direct advice to Welsh ministers.

Mrs Hart said: "Wales' food and farm ing industry is a signi- cant contributor to the Welsh economy, accounting for Pounds 5.2bn turnover each year. I recognise, however, that we must do more to help this important sector deliver greater protability, growth and jobs. fie creation of this new industry board has been very well received and sup"ported by the industry. "And I am condent it will provide clear leadership and a strong voice for Wales's food and drink businesses." fie Deputy Minister " for agriculture andsheries Rebecca Evans congratulated Mr Jones.

(c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]