Just four years ago, Linwood Raker comprised a small team of six industry experts and, despite challenging times ahead, decided investment in premises, high performing equipment, and innovation would be the only way to drive the company forward.
The team secured a new site in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire close to Junction 28 of the M1, only to be faced with lockdown, which meant the steady demand for products from the retail bakery, hospitality and airlines dropped by 40%.
Faced with a host of set up and logistical challenges, and associated costs, the team persevered and devised a strategy to ‘add value’ and ‘change’, by innovating a specialist service, providing knowledge and choice in the best practice of Baking Paper.
Recognising the industry’s need to focus on sustainability and, anticipated upcoming changes to waste legislation for small businesses, Linwood Raker devised the brand ‘Food Paper’, launched as the UK’s first sustainable and fully recyclable silicone baking paper.
The expert team now provides an in-demand service recommending and preparing standard and bespoke papers by size, shape, and quantity, to suit the end users’ applications and needs.
Once the product gained approval it was quickly specified for use by national bakery retailers and well-known food outlets, with hundreds of enquiries following from the baking sector to try and switch to a sustainably sourced and recyclable paper and benefit from reducing waste, without compromise on quality.
2024 has brought further expansion and growth, including newly refurbished adjoining premises at the site, and investment in new machinery to double production capacity. This has resulted in the employment of 12 additional members of staff.
Recently the business has been announced as winner of ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ alongside Greggs and Biffa at the Baking Industry Awards 2024, and also collected the ‘Fast Growth Business of the Year’ award at the East Midlands Business Masters 2024. Our Managing Director, Richard Smith has also been shortlisted for ‘Green Leader’ and ‘Manufacturing Leader’ the East Midlands Leadership Awards 2025.
Richard Smith, Owner of Linwood Raker says
“We’ve effectively doubled our turnover and then doubled it again over the last 40 months. As a manufacturing business this has meant site expansion, investment in new equipment and the recruitment, training, and retention of local talent. This incredible achievement has only been made possible by our amazing team who bring passion for the business and work incredibly hard to ensure we always deliver unbeatable service to our growing customer base. We look forward to anticipated further growth.”
More information about Linwood Raker can be found at www.linwoodraker.co.uk
Want to try Food Paper? Request your trial here
Written by Susanna Holt
