Pinkmans Bakery is an artisan bakery that produces handmade, wild yeast-based goods.
Operating from its bakery in Barton Manor, it supplies three Bristol based cafés located on Whiteladies Road, in Westbury-on-Trym, and at Bristol Cathedral. The business prioritises using traditional methods and minimising commercially manufactured processes.
The programme has had a huge impact on our business, helping us to make significant improvements and progress far quicker than we could have managed alone.
Ross, Owner, , Pinkmans Bakery
In 2019, Pinkmans Bakery faced significant challenges after a fire destroyed its main store and production site on Bristol, Park Street. With no premises, equipment, or insurance payout, the business was at risk of closure. Owner Ross sought support to restart operations, generate revenue, and create a foundation for future growth.
After discovering Made Smarter, Ross successfully applied to the program which gave him access to a wealth of support.
The process began with a site visit from the National Composites Centre (NCC), where experts assessed the production site to identify limitations and understand the business’s goals. Drawing on their extensive experience with other bakeries, the NCC pinpointed key areas for investment that would yield swift and effective productivity improvements. From this thorough assessment, Pinkmans received a bespoke digital transformation report and technology roadmap tailored to their needs, as well as a summary of potential digital solutions to tackle the identified challenges.
The NCC strongly recommended that Pinkmans apply for all three support measures available through the programme to give the business the best possible chance of recovery and growth. Taking their advice, Ross secured access to a suite of transformative opportunities.
With the financial grant, Pinkmans invested in equipment to enhance production processes. Ross also participated in a Digital Leadership and Management Training course, allowing him to sharpen his leadership skills and steer the business more effectively.
Additionally, Pinkmans hosted a fully-funded internship, where an intern developed a dashboard for real-time tracking of critical metrics such as revenue, labour costs, and sales. The intern went further, incorporating machine learning tools to refine forecasting and planning, delivering a solution that was both innovative and practical.
The support Ross received from Made Smarter proved instrumental in revitalising his business, equipping it with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
By signing up for Made Smarter, Pinkmans Bakery has experienced a range of measurable benefits that have transformed the business.
One of the most immediate impacts came from the grant, which enabled Pinkmans to purchase new production equipment. This investment significantly streamlined their processes, leading to remarkable outcomes. Labour savings freed up 45 hours of skilled labour per week—the equivalent of a full-time employee—without the need for additional hiring. Revenue also grew substantially with the introduction of a wholesale service, which now generates an additional £2,000 per week, all while maintaining the same staffing levels.
Meanwhile, the dashboard under development by their intern is set to deliver even more transformative benefits. The tool is expected to empower faster, data-driven decision-making, reduce wastage, and enhance cost management. It will also provide improved forecasting for both production and staffing needs. Reflecting on the progress, Ross remarked, “The intern is still working on the final product, but I am fully involved in its development. What I have seen is exactly what I was aspiring for. They have really understood the brief. We will have valuable data displayed cleanly and easily to make instant, informed decisions about the business in real time.”
Ross also credits the training he attended through Made Smarter with providing him invaluable skills and knowledge. The programme has equipped him to plan and manage digital transformation within the business more effectively, streamline decision-making processes, and communicate better with his team. Most importantly, it has bolstered his confidence as a leader, particularly when working with senior staff.
Reflecting on the experience, Ross shared, “The course has given me access to valuable material and information about tried-and-tested theories behind running a business and implementing change. It has highlighted the importance of planning our digital transformation and creating a roadmap for delivery that I can share and use to communicate with the wider team. Additionally, it has allowed me to connect with other business leaders from different industries, providing a unique opportunity to hear and learn from their challenges.”
Together, these initiatives have positioned Pinkmans for sustainable growth, driven by data-led decision-making, improved efficiencies, and enhanced leadership.
As a result of the support provided by Made Smarter, Pinkmans has not only recovered but is now positioned for sustainable growth, with a stronger operational and leadership framework in place.
“The programme has had a huge impact on our business, helping us to make significant improvements and progress far quicker than we could have managed alone. The support was easy to access and tailored to our needs. I’d encourage any business to explore it.”
