Steve and Kevin will sit as Operations Directors over the two arms of the business – Steve with James T. Blakeman and Co. Ltd and Kevin with James T. Blakeman (Services) Ltd. Only 48 family businesses won their way through to the final stages of the Midlands Family Business Awards 2018. Over the past few years we have worked hard to ensure that high standards are met across all our locations and we will continue to strive for excellence.” For years these have been a staple of the Christmas dinner but in recent times they have become a much-requested add on to Sunday dinners. From those beginnings the business has grown and developed to its current position where it has a multi-million pound annual turnover and employs around 240 people. Blakemans are celebrating a fantastic double in two prestigious business awards competitions having just been announced as a finalist in the Staffordshire Chambers’ 2018 Business Awards in the Manufacturer of the Year category. ... BLAKEMANS SAUSAGE. “We are proud of the fact that the Blakeman family are still leading the business and we continue to go from strength-to-strength. The relationship established through the Greggs Foundation – which now has more than 450 Breakfast Clubs providing meals to around 27,000 children every school day - is blossoming and our staff have just paid another visit armed with lots of presents. Blakemans began its relationship with Burnwood in September 2015 and the education site’s links with the famous sausage making company are still going strong. He started small, taking a mobile refreshment bar in partnership with his brother-in-law and, at the same time, worked as a freelance sausage-meat manufacturer. "That is as impressive as Eddie", A massive well done To Eddie 'The Beast' Hall who was crowned 'The Worlds Strongest Man' in Botswana today, (28th May) the first British man to take the title in 24 Years. “It is testament to the hard work and commitment of all of the staff here at Blakemans. “The Gourmet Grill Hotdog is a firm favourite with our customers” comments Brian Barass General Manager at Uttoxeter Racecourse “Although local to the racecourse, Blakeman’s are the UK’s leading sausage manufacturer and having them on board ensures that we continue to provide high-quality food to our customers. Now in their ninth year, the not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are backed and run by The Wilson Organisation. An intrepid trio laced up their running shoes and put their best feet forward to successfully tackle the latest part of a charity challenge. Proceeds from all the events and activities during this special year for Blakemans will eventually go to the worthy cause. Jumbo Pork Sausages 800g online at Iceland. This weekend a group from the Newcastle-under-Lyme based business is tackling a 100-mile bike ride and “wild camp” between Staffordshire and Shropshire. The process from raw material to finished cooked product in less than 50 minutes reduces the lead time for customers in the James said: “We had been working on this sausage as part of a product development initiative for one of our customers. The business collected its prize at a glitzy presentation event held at the Staffordshire County Showground. A Tesco Customer 5th January 2021. I am currently renovating a house (think Homes under the Hammer!). Northern Ireland, The UK’s best up-and-coming young fish friers, announced as part of the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards, got an inside glimpse into the James T Blakeman & Co. Ltd. ‘Supreme Sausage’ factory today (8 September) as they experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of the 57,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. “Up until now, Sue and I were the only two directors involved in the day-to-day running of the business, so we are looking forward to welcoming Steve and Kevin on board. “This event – which is the second time we have organised it – is a chance for us to say ‘thank you’ and to show our appreciation of the efforts our workforce put in.”. James, Roger and Ange have already taken part in the Stoke-on-Trent hospice’s other three challenges this year – a 5k run, a Midnight Walk and a lengthy cycle ride. As well as the gruelling event this weekend, preparations are also well in hand for one of the biggest events in the Blakemans’ calendar on 21 July when the company will be holding a Family Fun Day at Newcastle Town Football Club with a packed programme of events scheduled. To get national recognition is fantastic and we are so proud.”, When Mr Philip Blakeman first met Eddie Hall he told him that he was brought up on Blakeman's sausages, so we thought it would be great to get him in and to pull the first order produced from the new £1.3 million pound cooking plant. James T. Blakeman and Co Ltd is hosting a family fun day at Newcastle Town Football Club on Saturday, 21 July. Steve added: “There are still lots of things I want to achieve within Blakemans. We all pull together as one big family.”. The scheme involved having to move into different departments every six months, and when I moved into training and HR I realised that I’d found my home. Blakeman’s celebrates National Sausage Week by serving up a special hearty breakfast to pupils at Stoke Minster Church of England Primary Academy. It is so important to me to keep improving on my weaknesses and my strengths. James Morris, Head of Business Development at the Newcastle-under-Lyme based firm, said: “We recently won the Manufacturer of the Year category in the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2018 which was a magnificent achievement and a huge honour. © 2012 - 2021 BR Foods. A pig in a blanket should have bacon wrapped all around it. Steve was interviewed by Mr Blakeman senior in 1990 and was introduced into the business by his son Phillip, who was Factory Manager at the time. Blakemans, the UK’s leading sausage manufacturer is celebrating an award win from the National Racecourse Catering Awards which were held at Ascot Racecourse on Friday, October 4th 2019. Both are extremely “proud and delighted” with the offer and opportunity for promotion but will not be savouring the rewards for their efforts for long – they are instead looking at how to keep driving the company forward and upholding the values which have been instilled into the business under the stewardship of the Blakeman family. Buy Iceland 8 (approx.) Delighted bosses say the prize is especially memorable as it has come during Blakemans’ 65th birthday celebrations. The four-strong team from Blakemans laced up their running shoes to line up alongside thousands of other people to tackle the Potters ‘Arf – one of the most iconic half marathons in the country. “We get the opportunity to say ‘thanks’ for everyone’s efforts because without our staff the business would not be what it is today.”. Staff from Blakemans have made the worthy cause their nominated charity for 2018 which is the 65th anniversary of the business being founded. James Morris, Head of Business Development commented: “We have already done some tastings with colleagues from Thatchers and it went down a treat. Good Luck Eddie from all at Blakeman's in your quest. ', The '2017 Worlds Strongest Man' Eddie Hall was invited to open the new £1.35 million production facility at the High Carr factory. Fund-raisers have completed the third phase of a four-leg charity challenge. “Each of this year’s entrants demonstrated the exceptional pedigree of the family businesses across the Midlands, and the finalists together proved the family business sector’s vital contribution to the region’s economy.”. Sunday 28th Feb 2016 10am - 4.30pm Peterborough Arena. Rusk contains: Wheat Flour, Salt. And despite it being the first time we have ever entered an awards event of any kind – we beat off stiff competition to take one of the runner-up prizes. “I would like to thank the judges for their dedication to the task and the businesses who took the time to enter. Our staff collected colouring books, pens, pencils, games and toys for the children to enjoy while they tuck into their breakfasts. You can’t always give people what they want or agree with them, but by being fair and open minded you can generally get along. Their efforts were part of the ongoing support that award-winning North Staffordshire business James T. Blakeman and Co Ltd are giving the Douglas Macmillan hospice this year. James Morris, Head of Business Development at Blakemans, said: “It was a fantastic occasion. This is a family business to the core and to join Mr Blakeman senior, Phil, Sue – and also Steve – in the board room is a fantastic feeling.”. I've been enjoying short city breaks over the last few years and this year I plan to visit Madrid with my football mad son and then later visit a Christmas Market somewhere in Europe. But the family element is much more than just about us at this business. It brin gs general and nutrition labelling together into a single r egulation to simplify and consolidate . WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Families will be encouraged to bake a cake and bring it along to whet the appetites of judges. I left Lewis’s to work for several government-funded organisations helping unemployed people get back into work, but I found that I really missed HR so moved back into this field, firstly working as a personnel manager for Wade Ceramics and then moving to Knights Solicitors as their HR and training manager before taking up my current role in 2014. In 1953, having picked up what he needed to know about the business Jim decided to set up on his own. “We have lots of people who all have family members on our workforce and for me that embodies what a family business is all about. So it feels more appropriate than ever to thank our staff because they are such a major factor in all of our success.”. The conversion of one cold store unit by McVeigh Projects, taking only 40% of its floor space, creating a manufacturing facility from raw ingredients to cooked product all contained in one auditable area. Phil Blakeman, Managing Director of the Newcastle-under-Lyme company, said: “Whilst we are obviously disappointed not to have won the title itself, we recognise it is still a terrific achievement to receive the ‘highly commended’ award. “Most people in this area will either have a family member or loved one who has been helped by the fantastic team at the hospice and it is great we can give something back by having a go at these challenges and raising funds.”. “This tour of our factory may be a first for some young fryers. Lee Penaluna (Owner and Managing Director of Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips Hirwaun, Wales). All the winners were announced at last night’s gala event which is one of the highlights on the Staffordshire business calendar and attracts hundreds of top class entries each year. The response to Staffordshire Chambers’ 2018 Business Awards has been overwhelming with hundreds of high quality entries across all categories. A leading North Staffordshire business has been shortlisted for another prestigious industry award. ... 4440 Pork & Leek Sausage 8’s Blakemans 1x4.54kg. As well as the newly-developed sausage, visitors to a Blakemans’ Gourmet Grill which is to be set up at the festival, will also be able to sample our award-winning Gourmet Cumberland hot dog and the Gourmet Gastro hot dog. “We aim a lot of these products at the food service industries and for them it is vitally important that they can produce something of quality quickly and consistently. Activities will include a football match, entertainment for children, fund-raising activities and also a barbecue. “We already have a great relationship with the DougieMac Hospice and it’s such a worthwhile local charity for us to get behind and support. • No longer waste your time looking for contact information. Over the next few years Steve showed his leadership qualities and began to progress through the ranks within the business, He said: “I take a huge amount of satisfaction from seeing the amazing things that our teams achieve each and every day. Results announced yesterday (29 October) have confirmed the Newcastle-under-Lyme manufacturer has been highly commended in the innovative and traditional categories. It’s great to work with such an established local business, which is this year celebrating its 65th anniversary. Participants and spectators will then be able to enjoy some of our delicious sausages at a barbeque laid on at the end of the course. “And I was so pleased Blakemans staff rallied round and put on a great showing among the cyclists. The company will now take part in an informal interview with the competition judges on 8 October at Castle Donington near Derby. More than 750 riders took part in the whole event which was rounded off with a free barbecue provided by Blakemans with some of their mouth-watering products handed out to riders and their families to put a spring back into their steps after their exertions on the road. “We are now planning to make this 80 per cent meat Cumberland available to our customers – both in chilled and pre-cooked. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY? The team jumped into the saddle to take part in the annual Douglas Macmillan cycle ride with the aim of raising much needed funds for the Blurton-based hospice which the company has chosen as its nominated charity for 2018 – the 65th anniversary of the Blakemans’ business. Upholding the family values, reputation for quality and consistency, as well as retaining a happy and stable work force are hugely important to Steve as these are the foundations that Blakemans was built on and will enable the business to maintain and continue to grow its successes going forward. James Morris together with Roger and Ange Whitehurst completed the Dougie Mac 10k run at the weekend. Participants were encouraged to dress in all things neon for the 10-mile or five-mile walk, which took place around Newcastle-under-Lyme which is where the Blakemans’ business is based. Philip Blakeman, said: "We wanted the young fryers to see for themselves how Blakeman’s quality products are manufactured with the utmost care and dedication. “Committing to undertake multiple events throughout the year is a real challenge but one that I know the whole team will rise to.”, Suzi Smith, Head of Fundraising at the DougieMac said: “ We are delighted that Blakemans have chosen to support the DougieMac in what is also a significant year for us, as we celebrate our 45th anniversary.”, “We can’t wait to see all of the activities the Blakemans team take on and we wish them luck in completing all of their challenges!”. The helix spiral double belted freezer system allows for better product integrity and allergen control combined with greater energy savings and boasts a product infeed temperature of +77° with an output of -30° within 30 minutes. Comply with current Allergen Legislation with access to our "The Staff Training and Development Award highlights the drive and dedication off staff within establishments to imporve their standards and policy making". This year alone the DougieMac will provide care and support to nearly 3,000 local people and their families. “Whilst on the cooked side of the business we invested significantly in the state-of-the-art frying line, giving versatility and growth. We have recently put the finishing touches to a fantastic extension which has added four new production areas, office space as well as canteen and changing facilities. After the second world war, during which he had served in the RAF, Mr Blakeman’s father James spent a short time as manufacturing supervisor with a pork butcher in Leek, Staffordshire. The final centre piece of the design can be slotted into place when the trio tackle a walk for the hospice in the coming weeks. “I’m so proud to be bringing a national award home to Northern Ireland! Many congratulations to all of our winners.”. Other fundraising activity planned during 2018 will see staff members take on the challenge of the Potters Arf Marathon, UK Cooperate games, fun days and sponsored body waxes! “A big thank you to James T Blakeman who have been sponsoring and supporting our breakfast club alongside the Greggs Foundation since January 2019. A chilling amount of  £900,000 invested is some what thawed by the efficiency and productivity gains at  James T. Blakeman (Services) & Co.Ltd cooking plant, with the installation of a double belted helix spiral freezer. He will be turning up on the day to mingle with the crowds and chat to fans. Many congratulations to all of our finalists and commended businesses.”. The response to Staffordshire Chambers’ 2018 Business Awards was overwhelming with hundreds of high quality entries across all categories. However, after college I went into retail on a management trainee scheme with Lewis’s Department Store. More than 400 guests from across the county are anticipated, where they will enjoy a delicious meal and celebrate the achievements of the Staffordshire finalists. Part of the special event also included a “Blakemans’ Bake Off Challenge” which involved staff or their loved ones showing off their culinary skills by conjuring up a cake. I hope they leave with the knowledge of how the humble sausage they serve to their customers is produced.”. Free next day delivery on orders over £35. The World’s Strongest Man is to be guest of honour when an award-winning business says a “thank you” to its entire staff and their nearest and dearest. A £1.7 million investment in a state-of-the-art frying facility at the Blakemans’ complex in Newcastle-under-Lyme has been a key to this success. It hasn’t really sunk in yet! The venue would be Hampton Court and I would like the first course to be with Henry VIII and then the main course to be with his daughter Elizabeth I. James Morris, Head of Business Development, said: “These awards are extremely competitive with all the leading brands and manufacturers present. Time pressured customers are demanding and want quality food and a fast service. Please click the following link to download and install: When you are finished installing, please return to this window and PRESS F5 to view this edition. It was a modest enterprise, supplying four retail outlets with 100 lbs of sausage per week on small, hand-operated machines. He beat the Icelandic strongman Hafpor Julius Bjornsson in to second place, who is well know for playing 'The Mountain' in Game of Thrones. The judges loved it so we are pretty sure our customers will too.”. Eddie Hall, who is the World’s Strongest Man and an ambassador for Blakemans, was among the guests and as they also had the chance of a video or photograph with the strong man. The Erudus One Nutritional Calculator is now live. Save the date! Those who attend will be encouraged to take part in a variety of fund-raising activities including the Blakemans’ Bake-Off Challenge. IF YOU COULD GO TO DINNER WITH ANYONE AT ALL, WHO WOULD IT BE? Joining the Blakeman production team at their head office in Longport before calling on his wealth of experience and moving on to the new, purpose-built, cooking facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme processing frozen and chilled cooked products. Produced and Packed in the U.K. for Iceland Foods Ltd., U.K., CH5 2NW. Following this initial success Blakeman’s relationship with the racecourse and the racing fraternity flourished, with the introduction of a pop-up BBQ tent and a branded food outlet grill in the betting hall at the course. And then James Morris and Louise Morris plus their two children Tyler and Mollie together with Roger Whitehurst, Angie Whitehurst, Delphine Rowley, Steven Morris, Jen Riley and Gareth Riley all managed to complete a nine-mile trip. Thanks to all the people of Stoke-on-Trent who are behind me in my effort to win 'The Worlds Strongest Man' title later this year. “Cyclists turned out in force, both from our business and from across the whole of the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire community to support such a great cause. They are delicious and I think they will prove a real winner with punters at the festival.”. The firm’s MD Charlotte Perkins, the third generation of the family to lead the business alongside her sister Annabel Prow, explains: “The awards are the region’s only independent initiative dedicated to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of family run and owned businesses. He started small, taking a mobile refreshment bar in partnership with his brother-in-law and, at the same time, worked as a freelance sausage/meat manufacturer. We anticipate being able to contribute about £6,500 to the total sum raised.”. All finalists had to submit a detailed entry explaining why they felt they should be recognised in a variety of categories. Blakemans are skinless pork sausages hand-rolled in cured, smoked, streaky bacon. And its partnership with another leading brand has also been recognised with a highly commended award in the “Best Manufacturer Own Brand” sausage category. Approved Marks & Spencer Supplier, Manufacturers and Suppliers of Chilled, Cooked & Frozen Quality Sausage and Meat Based Products Supplied to the Wholesale, Catering and Food Services Sector. Managing Director Phil Blakeman and his sister Susan Cope, the Finance Director, have offered to match the funds raised at the event taking the final total to around £2,300. Competition is incredibly stiff in these awards with quality levels very, very high. James Morris, Business Development Director at Blakemans commented: “As a business we have always actively supported a number of local charities and community groups through donations, but with this being such an important year for us we wanted to mark it by doing something extra special. Pedal power has helped a team from Blakemans to give a huge boost to a worthy cause. Eddie Hall delighted fans by signing autographs and posing for photographs at the event which was staged by James T. Blakeman and Co Ltd to say a big “thank you” to their workers for their efforts during the last year. 89590 Gluten Free Sausage 8’s Central Foods 8x454g. I would honestly have to say that I would still want to live in Stoke-on-Trent as that’s where my family and friends are. “Company founder James Blakeman, his son Philip and daughter Susan, are all still key players in driving our business forward and for their efforts to be recognised in this shortlisting for the Family Business Awards is the icing on the cake for our birthday celebrations.”. They also got one-on-one time with Rachel, learning tricks of the trade as they refined their sausage frying skills. “It was a beautiful sunny day which always helps and everyone seemed to have a great time. Guidance and leadership, provided by Kevin, helped to enable the Services arm of the business to achieve a spot as an M&S A list supplier and in upholding a BRC AA grade, which has been maintained for some years. The UK meatball market is a great example of this with Blakemans producing an ever-expanding and spectacular range with varieties including pork and chorizo, Aberdeen Angus, BBQ and Moroccan. And yes, it does use charcoal as an ingredient! It takes years to build up a reputation for quality and consistency and just seconds for that all to come tumbling down. Which is why Kevin Moller, Operations Director – Services, at James T. Blakeman Services Ltd in Staffordshire, has invested heavily in his quality control team. The blossoming relationship with Eddie has now seen the largest product in Blakeman's history a 12" high meat content sausage named ‘The Beast’ in honour of Eddie and his achievement. “The four of us were delighted to be involved in such a fantastic event and the money raised keeps us ticking over towards our £6,500 for the “Dougie Mac” which is our nominated charity for this special year in the history of the Blakemans’ business.”. ВКонтакте – универсальное средство для общения и поиска друзей и одноклассников, которым ежедневно пользуются десятки миллионов человек. Eddie also beat the four times winner Brian Shaw of the USA who finished in third place. As well as mingling with fans, Eddie also flexed his muscles by bending a frying pan into a metallic cube. The Potters ‘Arf is the latest in a series of events which have already taken place. Recent investment in a new, custom built production facility has enabled Kevin and his team to manufacture (using the finest ingredients and cuts of meat), fry, chill and package sausage in less than 50 minutes, enabling Services to respond quickly to customer demand.