Prior's Court bakery, Bread and Beyond, rises to the top with two industry awards
A bakery in Hermitage has risen to the top of its game, winning two industry awards as well as appearing on TV.
Bread and Beyond, which aids young people with complex autism in working comfortably in professional environment has announced it's success in the 2021 Tiptree World Bread Awards Heroes with Brook Food.
The bakery spoke to spoke on ITV Meridian this month after it bagged both the South East region Tiptree World Bread Awards Heroes with Brook Food and the Brook Food Dream Team award.
The bakery also featured on regional television, in an ITV report, showcasing the achievements of trainee baker and resident of Prior’s Court’s young adult provision James, who talked about his favourite bakes.
Artisan Bakery manager Dylan Needham who was named in last year’s awards special mentions ‘Roll of Honour’ said: “It was wonderful for our young people to have the platform of being on TV to showcase what they can do.”
Job coaches Laura Parker and Scott Thompson have been working together with Mr Needham to help the young people, who have complex autism, develop the skills needed to get access into the working world.
Mr Needham added: “Our young bakers are as much part of the Bread and Beyond team as myself, Scott and Laura, and so any awards we receive are for them.”
Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the lockdown period was utilised by the young people who continued to harness their skills and make progress.
Prior’s Court’s education lead for post 16’s Sara Evans oversees Bread & Beyond’s operations and said: “We’ve always known we have an outstanding team, but this pair of awards really highlights that fact.
“The past year has been tough for all of us, but the dedication and passion of Dylan, Scott and Laura has never wavered and the achievements of young people from Prior’s Court are testament to that.
“A huge congratulations to the team.”
Awards judge and commercial director at Brook Food Ann Wells said judging the Food Dream Team award was an “honour” and called the winners “inspiring.”
She said: “With Bread and Beyond, they practise teamwork in its truest form.
“They were a very obvious winner and their notion is admirable.”
