During these unprecedented times, we share an inspiring story of endurance. Where a business pivotal to the local economy adapted in these challenging times to help continue serve their community, team and local suppliers.
Homebaked is a little well known community owned bakery located in Anfield, just opposite Liverpool Football Club. Incorporated in 2012 by a group of local residents, today it has over 200 members all with a passion and vested interest in its success.
On a day to day basis, the bakery is managed by Angela McKay and a team of 20 people, the majority of whom live within walking distance. A pillar of the local community, this is a place where people love to meet, catch up and sample delicious award-winning pies.
Fast forward to March 2020. The bakery was a hive of activity preparing pies ahead of the Atletico Madrid v Liverpool match, ready for its busiest week of the year. The freezer was full, business was booming and there were plans in motion for securing more jobs and to continue to serve the local community.
Then Covid-19 hit. As news of a potential lockdown rippled across the country, Homebaked knew they had to do something with their stock. They advertised their pies and by the time they closed their door on the evening the lockdown came into effect their freezer stood empty.
Not to be disheartened and drawing on that community spirit and strong links with local churches, foodbanks and other local organisations, they sought out and secured funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation. Using that funding they now supply freshly baked bread to Fans Supporting Foodbanks as well as to the Liverpool Six Community Centre.
They also provide daily sandwiches and pies to the local Asda, as a treat from the manager to their hardworking staff.
But, the story doesn’t end there and neither does their planning. A newly developed website means Homebaked can now begin a delivery service for its frozen pies. Whilst the overall team has temporarily been scaled back through help from the government Furlough Scheme, 5 team members will continue to bake and serve the community. Every single day over 50 loaves will be baked, 50 sandwiches made and 100 pies prepared. A far cry from their normal operations but enough to keep the business open in these unusual circumstances.
More information can be found on the Homebaked.org.uk website or get social and join in the conversation on Facebook, and Twitter.
