With the launch of this year's Sussex Business Awards (SBAs) just around the corner The Argus revisited one of last year's winners to find the key to success.

Confectionary maker Kate's Cakes took the coveted Company of the Year Award at the SBAs 2005-2006 in recognition of 17 years of innovation and growth.

Since 2000 the company, based in Ashington, near Horsham, has achieved 35 per cent year on year growth by wooing major retailers and developing new product lines.

Kate's Cakes now employs 370 staff in 50,000sqft of factory space.

Established in 1989, the privately-owned company is now one of the most renowned and innovative hand-crafted cake companies in the UK.

Almost 90 per cent of the company's turnover comes from "unbranded" items it makes for the likes of Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Marks & Spencer and Pret A Manger.

But it is now focusing on breathing new life into the Kate's Cakes brand, which sells through wholesalers to independent coffee shops and the Upper Crust chain. The Kate's Cakes product range includes cake slices, flapjacks, brownies, wedge packs, whole 8in cakes and traybakes.

The Company ethos is simple - to make the best-tasting cakes by sourcing and using only the finest ingredients and avoiding the use of additives, artificial flavourings and preservatives.

Steve Greenhalgh, managing director of Kate's Cakes, said winning the Company of the Year Award had "impressed our staff, our customers and our suppliers".

He said: "It has become a really positive talking point within the company and externally which is important as we work closely with the local community.

"It's great to receive such public recognition of our achievements from the Sussex business community and I'd like to thank everyone involved."

Businesses are invited to attend the Sussex Business Awards launch on May 10 at the Brighton Royal Pavilion, when all the categories for 2006 - 2007 will be announced.

For further information on the launch and the Sussex Business Awards contact the awards office on 01273 207155 or visit www.sussex-businessawards.co.uk and register your interest. The awards are organised by Brighton-based public relations company The Priory Partnership.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006