A bakery owner has been recognised for rescuing an iconic Cambridge business.
Alison Wright – owner of Fitzbillies – revived the fortunes of the 104-year-old bakery and café, widely acknowledged as a city institution.
She won a lifetime achievement award at the Cambridge Independent Business Awards, where she recounted the inspirational story of taking on a business that – while loved – needed a radical overhaul.
Fitzbillies had already survived many challenges since opening in October 1920, including war, a devastating fire, a flood, a pandemic and bankruptcy.
Alison and her husband Tim took over the reins following a second bankruptcy in 2011, transforming the company into today’s thriving enterprise with three branches, an offsite bakery and a sizeable e-commerce operation.
With its century-old heritage, Fitzbillies joins an elite rank, as data shows only 1.3% of UK businesses make it to 50 or over.
Alison says, “I have a very strong personal connection with Fitzbillies. I grew up in Cambridge and cycled past the shop every day on the way to school.
“My father was the bursar at St Catharine’s so would treat the family to the bakery’s much celebrated Chelsea buns. Both my 18th and 21st birthday cakes were created by Fitzbillies.
“So, when I was working in London in a career in marketing and advertising and stumbled across a tweet from renowned Cambridge alumni, Stephen Fry, bemoaning the forthcoming closure of Fitzbillies, it really pulled at my heart strings.
“The journey from winning the pitch to purchase Fitzbillies, to where we are today – a business that has evolved to meet the changing needs of the consumer without losing sight of its original traditions and values – has been both challenging but also incredibly rewarding.
“I would not be receiving this award if it wasn’t for the relentless dedication and commitment of our superb bakers and excellent team of employees.
“Their efforts to ensure Fitzbillies stays put for future generations to enjoy is immeasurable. And of course, I have to say a big thank you to our customers both local and from further afield – especially now we have a national online presence.
“Without their continued loyalty, Fitzbillies would not be a member of the exclusive 100+ club!”