Doncaster bakery rises with £250,000 loan boost

A long-established Doncaster bakery is set for growth under new ownership, backed by a £250,000 loan from Finance for Enterprise.

Rhodes of Thorne, a 60-year-old bakery with two popular high street locations, has been taken over by former teacher Zobeena Amin, who succeeds previous owners Gail and Steven Jackson, who are retiring having run the business for 18 years. 

Known locally for its hot and cold sandwiches, as well as sweet and savoury treats, the business is planning to expand its offerings and reach.

Zobeena aims to grow the wholesale side of the bakery, improve supply chain efficiencies and introduce a new range of occasion cakes. She is also exploring additional store locations while maintaining the existing 15 jobs across the two outlets.

She said: “I am really excited about the prospect of owning my own business. 

“There are many opportunities for Rhodes of Thorne to increase its brand awareness and customer base. 

“I know from previous experience how much a website and using social media can positively impact sales and plan to use these digital marketing skills to deliver these improvements.”

Neil Wade, senior business lending manager at FFE, added: “Assisting entrepreneurs with ambitions to create jobs locally is a primary objective for FFE. 

“With Zobeena’s enthusiasm we are sure her new venture will be a huge success and create further new jobs on the high street in Doncaster.”

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