On Friday 23 January, Dawn Butler MP and London Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani visited the famous McVitie’s bakery in Harlesden, Brent in celebration of its contribution to the local community.
It first opened in 1902 and has over 500 employees, remaining at the heart of Brent’s community for over a century. Residents like to report about the sweet aroma when baking is in full swing.
Home to Britain’s most popular biscuit brand, the bakery produces 80 million biscuits per day and sells 72 million packets of biscuits every year.
They spoke with factory employees about what working there means to them and how a positive workplace culture helps deliver the highest quality biscuits.
Dawn said:
"It was a pleasure to visit the McVitie’s bakery once again and meet the inspiring team who have supported and employed hundreds of Brent residents for over 100 years.
“Throughout that time, McVitie’s has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to its workforce and to the wider Brent community. This is something I am deeply grateful for, and something that fellow Brent residents are rightly proud of, especially as we can lay claim as the biscuit capital of the world!
“I also had the honour of meeting some of the bakery long-standing employees, many of whom have worked there for decades after coming through a range of schemes and apprenticeships at the company, showcasing some truly great examples of social mobility. Hearing their experiences first-hand highlighted just how important these opportunities are in helping people build valuable skills and secure long-term careers.”
Krupesh Hirani AM, London Assembly for Brent and Harrow, said:
“I am incredibly proud that such a nationally recognised brand has for so long chosen Brent as its home. Supplying jobs and joy to hundreds of residents, this bakery is part of the beating heart of our community.
“Growing up in this area myself, Brent being home to one of Britian’s most iconic biscuit brands has always made me proud. It was a great joy to see firsthand the care and precision that go into crafting these delicious treats, beloved by people across the country.”
Fraser Jones, Factory General Manager, said:
"It was a pleasure to host Dawn Butler MP and London Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani. We are very proud of our heritage here in Harlesden and to have been a part of the community for so many years. The team really enjoyed meeting Dawn and Krupesh, and appreciated the chance to show what working here means to them and their families."
