Greggs strengthens roots with Chamber partnership

A national high street baker is strengthening its North East roots through a new regional partnership.

Newcastle-headquartered pasty and sausage roll maker Greggs has joined the North East Chamber of Commerce as a Partner member, working alongside businesses and organisations to influence policy, share expertise and contribute to discussions around the region’s economic future.

The move builds on the company’s long-standing ties to the region, having grown from a single bakery on Gosforth High Street in 1951 to a nationwide business with more than 2700 shops and annual sales exceeding £2 billion.

Despite its expansion across the UK, Greggs retains its headquarters in Newcastle and continues to invest in employment, skills and communities across the North East.

Its new partnership will support the Chamber’s Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan, which focuses on priorities including creating quality jobs, strengthening communities and establishing the conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Bosses say Greggs’ work around employment, community wellbeing and skills development closely aligns with those ambitions.

As one of the UK’s largest retail employers, the company provides employment opportunities across the region while supporting wider social initiatives through The Greggs Pledge.

The programme aims to strengthen communities by supporting charitable partnerships, increasing access to healthier food and investing in projects designed to tackle inequality and help people facing financial pressures.

Greggs also donates one per cent of its annual profits to The Greggs Foundation, which supports schools, families and community organisations through programmes including Feeding Brighter Futures and hardship relief grants.

Its charitable activity includes a relationship spanning more than four decades with Children’s Cancer North, helping raise millions of pounds for research and support for families.

Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, said: “Greggs has proudly called the North East home since our beginnings on Gosforth High Street in 1951. 

“While we’ve grown into a national business, our roots remain firmly in this region and we’re passionate about supporting its future success. 

“Joining the North East Chamber of Commerce as a Partner member allows us to work even more closely with organisations that share our ambition to create opportunity, support communities and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.

“The North East has played a vital role in Greggs’ story, and we’re looking forward to contributing our voice, experience and support to the Chamber’s work as it champions businesses and helps unlock the region’s full potential.” 

The Chamber says the addition of Greggs to its Partner network comes at an important time for the regional economy, with greater collaboration between businesses, policymakers and other organisations viewed as key to unlocking future growth.

Through the partnership, Greggs will contribute its experience as a major regional employer and national retailer to conversations around creating stronger communities, thriving high streets and greater economic opportunities across the North East.

Erin Newey, strategic partnerships manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Greggs is one of the North East’s most iconic businesses and a company whose values closely align with our vision for a stronger, more inclusive regional economy. 

“Their commitment to creating quality employment, investing in future talent and supporting healthier communities makes them a fantastic addition to our growing community of Partner members. 

“Having a business with such strong regional roots and national influence around the table will strengthen the conversations we’re leading on behalf of members. 

“We look forward to working together to champion the North East and create the conditions for businesses and communities to thrive.” 

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