We love Yorkshire. The people, the places, the food, the drink, you name it! To celebrate this great county, over the next few weeks we’ll be providing you with some snapshots of some of our favourite local craftspeople, innovators, and businesses.

This week we have Zig, Phil, Lizzie, Isaac, and Hannah from the Leeds Bread Co-op (LBC). 

Not your usual company, LBC are a worker co-operative that bake 6 days a week, making sourdough and slowly fermented breads using organic, locally-sourced ingredients.

Zig, Phil, Lizzie, Isaac & Hannah, Leeds Bread Co-op

Leeds, West Yorkshire

1. So, first things first, what inspired you to set up your business?

It’s difficult to access real bread – we wanted to change this by increasing consumption, availability and knowledge of real bread. We’re also a workers co-op because we want to provide an ethical and enjoyable livelihood and workplace for ourselves. 

2. How did you learn all things bread?

All the bakers here have come with different experiences and expertise, having worked or trained in different places, bringing different motivations and passions for the bread to the co-op.

3. What does it mean to you to be an independent business?

Being a worker cooperative is empowering – we don’t have any bosses! We make decisions by consensus and use a flat wage structure.

4. What’s been your proudest moment so far?

There are many moments – it is great to see Leeds Bread Co-op stickers on a number of excellent food outlets across Leeds, to be able to support wonderful non-for-profits across Leeds by providing bread, and to have made it as a competitive bread producer that still preserves quality above all else is a real achievement.

5. What motivates you most?

Hearing how much people love the bread! We would love to see more people eating real bread – it’s more nutritious, easier to digest and tastier. Making this bread also means supporting local and organic businesses, which is so important as our food systems become increasingly precarious and damaging to the environment.

6. Any advice to aspiring craftspeople and business owners out there?

You have to start somewhere – follow your heart and your gut and give it a go!

7. Describe your perfect Yorkshire day out.

Definitely a trip to the Moors or the Dales – with a wild swim in a hidden spot somewhere! Accompanied by a bread-based picnic of course ;)

8. What are your top tastes of Yorkshire?

Might have to go with chips, salt and vinegar by the seaside!

9. How would you define the Yorkshire spirit?

Friendly and down to earth.

Want to know more? You can find Leeds Bread Co-op on the web (www.leedsbread.coop), Twitter (@LeedsBreadCoop), Facebook (facebook.com/LeedsBreadCoop) and Instagram (@leedsbreadcoop).

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a real craving for a slice of sourdough toast…