Lottie Shaw’s family bakery in West Yorkshire have reshaped their business over recent weeks in response to the challenges during the Coronavirus crisis.
Based in Brighouse, the company were forced to restructure after Government measures on social distancing were implemented and have since worked hard to continue to offer a select range of products to lift the spirits of those self-isolating at home.
Approximately 90% of the award-winning bakery’s businesses, which included supplying local cafes, airlines, leisure attractions and schools was lost over night, however the resilient team were able to continue to work using a skeleton staff and continue to produce a range of baked treats available both online and to local shops who were still able to open.
Owners Ian & Charlotte Shaw said: “We felt it was important to keep baking but needed to ensure our team was safe. With a reduced number of bakers and packers, we’ve been able to implement social distancing and staggered shifts as well as changes to the way products are delivered and dispatched. As a result we’re still able to produce a limited range of products and are working closely with DPD on distribution.
“We’ve also been able to work with a number of new partners including Milk & More who we’re supplying with a considerable amount of biscuits and a number of our farm shops and local community shops, including Bert’s Barrow near Selby, who have opened drive-thru options for customers to keep their businesses running and in turn are able to support suppliers like ourselves.”
The Lottie Shaw’s team have also created the Stay at Home Treats Hamper, available online offering customers an easier way to buy a selection of their products and lift the spirits during the lock down period!
The team had invested significantly in their online platform over the last year which has enabled them to weather the current storm and extend their online sales during the lock down period.
Charlotte continues: “Through our online sales we’ve been able to send baked treats to wholesale customers and consumers alike, helping to keep friends and families connected across the country. The online orders have increased significantly over recent weeks and it’s been a real challenge, but we’ve received some lovely messages from our customers which has been fabulous and it’s great to be able to send a little happiness to people’s homes at this uncertain time from the heart of Yorkshire!”
Lottie Shaw’s range of award-winning products are available online and at selected retailers. For more information visit their website www.lottieshaws.co.ukor call: 01484 905227