The Llanelli-based Jenkins Bakery business has proved yet again that it knows that people are at the heart of every good business.
“It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but it is a proven fact that investment in people pays dividends,” said Russell Jenkins, the operations director of the Jenkins Bakery.
One of the key planks in the company’s philosophy is rewarding long service employees with an annual lunch at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli.
“This year, our 90th in business, we have more than 40 people who are celebrating 10 years or more service with the company.
“I think that’s quite an achievement in this modern-day world when many businesses struggle to retain staff.
“Out of our long service employees, a total of 34 were able to attend our lunch and it’s just one way in which we like to thank staff for their loyal service.”
Mr Jenkins added: “We view people as our prime assets and are fortunate to have a relatively stable workforce thus giving the business a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“Our success relies on the fact that our people are very open to change, able to adopt new methods of working and be enthusiastic about the development of the company.
“We pride ourselves on being a ‘family’ business. As in all ‘families’, we offer people the chance to grow and develop in a safe, friendly environment. Staff turnover is low, with full-time positions seldom becoming vacant.”
Mr Jenkins continued: “This year is also an extra special one for us at Jenkins, as we are a third generation family business currently celebrating 90 years in business.
“During the course of the year, we are marking our anniversary in a number of ways. For example, at the start of the year we played host to a conference for the British Confectioners’ Association, the leading forum in the national bakery industry.”
The Jenkins bakery employs 300 people, full and part-time, across 25 different stores in South Wales.
The company has the Gold Standard Welsh Food Hygiene Award and the Investors in People award.
The business employs 70 people at its Trostre HQ, while the Jenkins shop network stretches from Carmarthen to Bridgend. There are 13 shops in Carmarthenshire and even one as far afield as Powys.
