Bakery Chain Takes Over Deli

Perns of Helmsley, a family-run butchery and deli, was bought by the well-known Yorkshire retail chain earlier this month. However, the new owner has vowed to maintain the store’s high standards by continuing to source quality, local produce and offer excellent customer service.

“Having reassessed their business priorities, Andrew and Jacquie Pern invited us to purchase Perns as a growing concern, and we will continue with the same staff and the same top-quality local produce from the same top-notch local suppliers,” says John Thomas, managing director of Thomas the Baker. “This is a successful business offering a range of excellent products and we have no plans to change that,” he continues. The five butchers and five deli staff at Perns are also in safe hands, and will continue to work at the shop.

Thomas the Baker has been baking and selling bread, rolls and cakes across York, North Yorkshire and Teesside for more than 20 years. It has 34 stores and employs 450 members of staff. “As bakers, we already source up to 70% of our produce from Yorkshire producers and this remains a key priority at Perns too,” says Mr Thomas, who has lived and worked in North Yorkshire for the last 40 years.

He believes the new acquisition will also allow the company to gain valuable experience of the speciality food sector. “We are keen to expand into other food retailing activities, and this will create future opportunities for us in our other retail units,” he adds.