Cinnamon Square scoop further industry awards
September 24th, 2007

Popular bakery Cinnamon Square of Church Street, was basking in the light of further success with receipt of two prestigious awards at the 2007 Baking Industry awards.

Founded and run by husband and wife team Paul and Tricia Barker, Cinnamon Square opened the store in their home town of Rickmansworth but managed to beat off competition from some of the biggest names in the business to clinch the awards at the ceremony held in London this week.

The first award was for marketing. The team had decided when opening the store two years ago to concentrate on a brand rather than a one-off entity. The judges were particularly impressed with the “off-beat name” and its brave signature product, the US-inspired Cinnamon Square itself.

Tricia says: "The success of the family-orientated business, a combination of quality coffee shop and training academy for all ages, relies on marketing its superb products and service. Customers are also encouraged to look into the kitchen to see what’s baking."

With Paul’s baking and my marketing experience, the Barkers have opened – and promoted – a very individual business and they are looking towards expansion in the future.

The second award, sponsored by Rich's, was the Skills Achievement Award which is awarded for skills, achievement, training and development. Owner Paul Barker studied in his own time, then took on a full-time technical course while working (voluntarily) one day a week at the Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association. He went on to work at Puratos and United Biscuits and the judges were impressed with the way he had effectively contributed to the growth of all his employers. Paul opened his own business two years ago and his passion for applying his acquired bakery skills helped establish a new brand. The bakery/patisserie, was described by as having a ‘City’ feel, and aimed at families. The bakery enables the opportunity for while parents enjoy a sophisticated coffee and a signature Cinnamon Square, children can decorate cookies, or even hold their own baking birthday party! Bakery courses are also offered.

Mrs Barker said: "When we opened we put a lot of faith in our cinnamon squares. Cinnamon is only really popular in the US but we were confident ours were better than anything out there. "What is really satisfying for us is that when people try them they don't just say this is nice,' they say this is amazing' and keep coming back for more. "Winning these awards is recognition for our hard work and dedication."

Address: 9 Church Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1BX,

Phone: (0)1923 778353 Web: www.cinnamonsquare.com