Leicester’s Kirtons Bakery grows workforce as sales reach £23.9m

Leicester food manufacturer Kirtons Bakery increased its average workforce from 147 to 162 during a year of rising sales, according to TheBusinessDesk.com.

The bakery, which makes confectionery baked goods for retailers, foodservice businesses and the NHS, recorded turnover of £23.9m for the year ending Saturday 18 April 2026. That was up 23.6% from £19.3m the previous year.

Higher sales did not translate into higher profits. Pre-tax profit fell 4.7% to £1.7m, compared with £1.8m previously. Kirtons said rising raw material, transport and energy costs continued to squeeze its margins.

The business sought to contain those costs through negotiations with suppliers and changes to pricing. Directors attributed its performance to steady demand and cost management, and said customers had remained loyal across its product ranges.

Alongside the 10.2% increase in average employee numbers, recruiting workers remained a challenge. Kirtons introduced employee-focused initiatives in response to what its directors described as a tight labour market.

The company also said it continued to invest in product quality and customer service to protect its competitive position.

Source: TheBusinessDesk.com