Who is the Craft Bakers Association?
The Craft Bakers Association (CBA) is a member-led trade association that is at the heart of the UK’s baking industry. We have been helping our bakers grow their businesses and navigate the every day problems and opportunities that every baker faces for over 130 years – and we’d love to do the same for you.
Welcome to our family.
Founded in the late 19th century to unite bakers and promote excellence in baking, the CBA today continues that legacy as the voice of craft bakers across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. We represent hundreds of bakeries – from family-run high street bakeries to artisanal patisseries, small batch production and aspiring students just starting out – all sharing a passion for quality baking.
support - connect - inspire
Our Mission
Supporting Bakers:
We empower our members with resources to run successful bakery businesses. From cheaper insurances and break down cover, to complimentary business support services (HR, legal, food safety), we help bakers reduce overheads, overcome challenges and thrive in opportunities.
Connecting the Community:
We foster connections among bakers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Through events, networking opportunities, and soon an online community forum, we ensure that being a CBA member means you’re never alone – you’re part of a thriving community of peers all invested in one another’s success.
Influencing & Advocating:
As an influential voice in the industry, the CBA works with government bodies and trade organisations to advocate on behalf of bakers. We engage in discussions on regulations, apprenticeship standards, and industry trends to make sure our members’ interests are represented at the highest levels. When decisions are made that impact bakeries – from food safety laws to business rates – the CBA is at the table, ensuring craft bakeries are heard.
Our History
Established in 1887 (originally as the National Association of Master Bakers), the CBA has a rich history intertwined with Britain’s baking heritage. Over the decades, we have:
Evolved with the industry – from the era of coal-fired ovens to today’s modern artisan renaissance – while staying true to our core purpose of championing craft baking.
Provided vital support through two World Wars, economic ups and downs, and most recently, global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic – always doing everything we can to be there when our members need us most and help bakeries across the UK adapt and survive.
Played a key role in establishing baking qualifications and apprenticeships, ensuring the craft of baking is passed to new generations.
Today, we are proud to carry forward this tradition of service. Our members’ successes – from award-winning loaves to successful new shop openings – are the true measure of our work.
Karen Dear, CEO
110% committed to building a supportive, forward-thinking association that you can be proud to be part of.
Lisa Nicholls, Memberships
Your go-to expert for getting the most from your membership benefits and seeing you succeed.
Jan Gales, Office Administrator
Dependable and always on hand, making sure your Association is always present.
Amber Moore, Marketing & Comms
Organiser of our ever-popular Annual Business Day, along with media & comms across our channels.
Nick Harris, Chairman
A 30 year baking veteran and creator of the National Craft Baker Week initiative. A true well of members' knowledge.
Ivor McKane, National President
Successful background in sales and negotiation. Passionate and driven to succeed. Creates vision & space, inspiring individuals and teams to deliver top performance.
Daniel Carr, Deputy Chairman
A fourth generation family baker, Daniel wanted to continue the long-standing association his family has enjoyed with CBA.
John Foster MBE DL DUni, Director
A worldwide wholesale bakery director with National and Regional recognition for his services inside and outside the industry.
Lucas Fussnegger, Director
Founder & Director of Fussnegger Ltd., Past President of the ABST & Non Executive Director of the CBA.
Caroline Grant, Director
A 25 year director, Caroline values CBA's vital support – especially for smaller baking businesses.
Ask us about your business
Already paying for business insurance and machine breakdown cover? Why not pay less and get a full suite of member benefits too?
From saving money on third party services such as training and health and food safety to the HR and legal advice that’s all included. Joining the CBA makes great business sense.
Or call directly: 01920 468 061
What Our Members Say
Real stories from real bakers who've transformed their businesses with CBA membership
"The networking opportunities alone have been worth the membership fee. I’ve connected with suppliers and fellow bakers who’ve become both friends and business partners."
"From day one, I felt supported and valued. The professional development opportunities have been incredible, and I’ve gained skills I never thought possible."
"The legal advice and HR support have been invaluable for my small bakery. Having access to expert guidance has saved me both time and money on multiple occasions."
"Being part of this community has transformed my career. The workshops and training programs have kept me at the forefront of industry trends and techniques."
"Our membership allows us to use the CBA's E learning training courses, this enables us to provide engaging and well-developed courses for our team which helps cement knowledge as they learn."
"The CBA have been extraordinarily helpful over the past 12 months. In all situations, I have acted on the advice of the CBA whether it has been Health and Safety or Employment Law and achieved a great result. I would have no hesitation in recommending the CBA particularly as it comes from a one-off annual payment. No problem too thorny!"
"I have been a member of the Craft Bakers Association for decades but my reasons were always to keep up with current legislation, offers, networking etc. and for its knowledge of the industry, however, after being guided through a difficult employment issue, for me now, knowing you have the CBA's support behind you in any area of your business is priceless. Thank you."
"Referred by the Craft Bakers Association to their energy broker regarding a worrying situation with my electricity contract, the team were very helpful and attentive and the issue was successfully resolved. 5 Stars! without my membership the outcome may have been very different."
"As a management accountant with no bakery experience, I turned to Google and found The Craft Bakers Association. Their Platinum membership provided everything my client needed — from HR to Health & Safety and sourcing specific ingredients. Without their advice and guidance, I would have struggled to get the bakery off the ground."
"Our membership allows us to use the CBA's E learning training courses, this enables us to provide engaging and well-developed courses for our team which helps cement knowledge as they learn."
"The CBA have been extraordinarily helpful over the past 12 months. In all situations, I have acted on the advice of the CBA whether it has been Health and Safety or Employment Law and achieved a great result. I would have no hesitation in recommending the CBA particularly as it comes from a one-off annual payment. No problem too thorny!"
"I have been a member of the Craft Bakers Association for decades but my reasons were always to keep up with current legislation, offers, networking etc. and for its knowledge of the industry, however, after being guided through a difficult employment issue, for me now, knowing you have the CBA's support behind you in any area of your business is priceless. Thank you."
"Referred by the Craft Bakers Association to their energy broker regarding a worrying situation with my electricity contract, the team were very helpful and attentive and the issue was successfully resolved. 5 Stars! without my membership the outcome may have been very different."
"As a management accountant with no bakery experience, I turned to Google and found The Craft Bakers Association. Their Platinum membership provided everything my client needed — from HR to Health & Safety and sourcing specific ingredients. Without their advice and guidance, I would have struggled to get the bakery off the ground."
Giving back to the community
Craft Bakers Benevolent Fund
How the Fund Helps
Eligible beneficiaries can receive quarterly grants or emergency one-off support for essential needs. For example, the Benevolent Fund provides quarterly grants of £200 to those who qualify, plus a special £250 gift around Christmas for retired bakers in need. We’ve helped individuals purchase essential items like appliances or mobility equipment during difficult times, underscoring our commitment to the welfare of our community.
Education Grants
How to Apply or Contribute
Contact & Links
Address
21 Baldock Street
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9DH
Phone
01920 468 061
info@craftbakersassociation.co.uk
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