Luke Evans Bakery MD appointed chairperson of BAKO Group

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 5 July 2021

UPDATED: 5 July 2021

MD of Derbyshire-based Luke Evans Bakery, David Yates, has been elected chairperson of bakery products distributor BAKO Group Ltd. 

BAKO is a leading supplier of bakery products and ingredients - servicing customers throughout the United Kingdom, with business units in Durham (BAKO Northern & Scotland), Preston (BAKO North Western) and Wimbledon (BAKO South Eastern). It takes pride in being owned by bakers, for bakers. 

David has served on the board since January 2018 and as deputy chairperson since December 2019. 

He said:

“The coming years present many challenges but also many reasons for huge optimism for the bakery industry. As the world and the industry recovers from the impact of Covid-19, I am really excited and honoured to have been elected as chairperson of BAKO and look forward to a bright future of innovation, diversification and positive change for the benefit of our members, partners, customers and colleagues across the baking industry.” 

Luke Evans Bakery is one of the oldest family-run bakeries in the country, with a history stretching back to 1804 when it was founded by Henry Evans and named after his brother Luke. Based in Riddings, in Derbyshire, it has been passed down seven generations and is still in the same family over 200 years later. 

The company has been a shareholder of BAKO for 35 years.

David, who took up his position in June, added:

“BAKO has been a significant partner for Luke Evans Bakery for decades and it’s an honour for myself and the Luke Evans team to have been appointed by my fellow bakers to this position, putting us in the spotlight of the baking industry nationally. 

“My aim is to ensure that BAKO is at the heart of the industry going forward – safeguarding it for the next generation of bakers.” 

BAKO Group CEO Mike Tully said:

“As a long term and valuable member of the board, we are very pleased to now welcome David as chairperson and we look forward to an on-going and productive relationship in support of all our members.” 

Outgoing chairperson Joe Hall also praised David’s appointment, saying:

“After eight fantastic years it is time to move on for me personally and I couldn’t be happier to be passing the baton over to David. As a baker for over 30 years, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our members face, and I can’t think of anyone better positioned to take BAKO forwards in support of our customers across the UK.” 

Luke Evans Bakery operates 24 hours a day, producing high quality bread and cakes for retail and foodservice across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire. 

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