Bakers Basco, a leading cooperative venture established in 2006 by Allied Bakeries, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, Hovis, and Warburtons, to manage its equipment has officially extended its services to Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to curb the mismanagement and misuse of equipment.
The cooperative venture aims to buy, manage, and police the use of a standard basket for the delivery of bread to retailers and wholesalers. Currently managing an equipment pool of approximately four million Omega Baskets and 500,000 dollies, Bakers Basco plays an important role in the circular economy, with each piece of equipment recycled potentially 400 times.
Basco has now appointed dedicated investigation teams in Northern Ireland and Scotland to conduct site visits and monitor the regions for misplaced Omega baskets on behalf of its members. The team says it is committed to managing Bakers Basco’s equipment pool, working in tandem with the audit teams. Its primary focus includes addressing illegal activities, baker misuse, third-party misuse, retail misuse, and instances where equipment is taken and resold on social media platforms.
Stacey Brown, national investigations manager for Bakers Basco, emphasised the importance of this expansion, stating: “Our commitment to managing and policing the use of our equipment extends beyond England. By establishing a presence in Northern Ireland and Scotland, we aim to strengthen our efforts in preventing misuse and ensuring the longevity of our equipment and to keep it in the circular economy.”
During the team’s initial outing in Northern Ireland covering Belfast, Antrim, Londonderry, Cookstown, and Bangor, Bakers Basco’s investigation manager reported significant findings. A total of 1,328 baskets (a mix of Omega, Allied, and Hovis) and 675 dollies were recovered from unsecure locations and bakeries where the equipment should not have been present. This underscores the necessity of actively addressing misuse in these areas.
Bakers Basco has enlisted legal teams to work on cases in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Worthingtons Law will be handling cases in Northern Ireland, while Livingstone Brown will oversee legal matters in Scotland. Basco said this strategic move demonstrates its commitment to taking legal action against misuse and ensuring compliance with equipment management policies.
Originally published Shelf Life | January 2024