Project D moves into huge new bakery

Winner of Marketing Derby's Innovation Week, Project D, has announced it is moving into a huge new bakery in the city creating 100 new jobs.

The firm, which produces hand-made artisan doughnuts, is moving to a unit in Spondon. The new base is 11 times bigger than its previous home and will be the central hub for further expansion across the country.

Co-owner Max Poynton said: “This is a really big step for Project D, but the time is definitely right.

“We just can’t keep up with the demand in the bakery we have at the moment and we get enquiries all the time from areas outside of our current delivery routes, so we know the market is there.”

Staff in the 11,000 sq ft Spondon unit will operate 24 hours a day, producing enough doughnuts to expand the company’s delivery service nationwide, which already covers a region from Birmingham to Leeds.

The company has also secured a lease on a unit in Leeds, which will create a further 20 new jobs and act as a distribution hub for the north of England.

The firm also plans to open premises in London and Manchester by April next year.

Max said: “We are already interviewing for new bakers and delivery drivers and we anticipate that we will need more and more in the run up to Christmas. It’s going to be all hand’s on deck.”

The expansion comes following the announcement that Project D had won Marketing Derby's Innovation Week.

The company was handed the award after impressing Derby business leaders with its innovation during lockdown – changing Project D’s business model to a delivery and pop-up sales service, as well as supplying essential goods to those in need during a national shortage.

Max said: “This is a really exciting time for Project D and we are really grateful the people of Derby for supporting us.

“We are all from Derby ourselves and this will always be Project D’s home – but we’re definitely ready for the next step and to take on the rest of the UK.”