Bakers Basco, the membership scheme formed by the UK’s leading plant bakers and dedicated to managing bakery equipment has escalated its enforcement efforts in response to widespread unauthorised use of its Omega baskets and dollies.
A recent recovery operation in Northern Ireland uncovered significant levels of misuse across multiple businesses, leading to over £10,000 in charges issued and the retrieval of more than 2,000 pieces of bakery equipment.
The company, founded by five of the UK’s plant bakers including Allied Bakeries, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, Hovis and Warburtons, has been working closely with retailers, wholesalers and supply chain partners to curb losses and prevent disruption. However, continued instances of unauthorised use and unlawful retention pose a serious risk to equipment attrition rates and overall operational efficiency.
Recent inspections revealed that bakeries in Northern Ireland have been using Omega baskets and dollies for unauthorised deliveries, impacting multiple retailers in Dundonald, Garvagh, Ballymena and Carrickfergus.
“The misuse of our equipment is not just a financial burden, it disrupts the entire supply chain, causing unnecessary delays and inefficiencies for the very businesses we aim to support,” said Stacey Brown, National Investigations Manager at Bakers Basco. “Our increased enforcement efforts are essential in protecting our resources and ensuring that bakery equipment is available for its intended use – transporting bread efficiently and securely across Northern Ireland and the UK.”
Bakers Basco’s investment in GPS tracking technology has been a crucial factor in the success of its recovery operations. By closely monitoring equipment movements, the team has been able to pinpoint misuse hotspots, trace missing assets and take swift action. In addition, the organisation has launched targeted awareness campaigns to educate businesses about the correct handling and return of bakery equipment, helping to prevent future misuse.
The company is also working in closer collaboration with bakery stakeholders to tackle attrition rates. Regular audits, driver briefings and cross-team coordination have led to significant improvements, ensuring that both operations and investigations teams are aligned in their approach to managing and recovering equipment.
Looking ahead, Bakers Basco will continue to engage with businesses found misusing equipment and take firm legal action where necessary. The company is also urging shareholders and supply chain partners to ensure that all equipment usage is reported accurately to mitigate further losses.
“This is an industry-wide issue that requires a collective effort to resolve,” added Brown. “By continuing to drive awareness, technology investment and enforcing responsible usage, we can protect the bakery supply chain and ensure that essential equipment remains where it’s needed most.”
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