Warburtons has teamed up with small and medium-sized business accelerator, Mission Ventures, to launch a new fund which aims to support bakery start-ups.

‘Batch Ventures’ combines equity funding together with hands-on support from successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals to support businesses producing innovative bakery led products.

The venture is designed for businesses that incorporate baking in their production process, from traditional baked goods, such as breads, crackers and biscuits to cookie dough, baking kits and baked snacks. Successful applicants will be judged on their future potential.

“As a fifth-generation family business, we are proud to be backing British enterprise during these uncertain times and this programme allows us to support the next generation of innovative bakery led brands.”

Brand owners are invited to express their interest via the Mission Ventures website, with initial selection expected over the summer. The partners expect that up to five businesses will be selected over the first twelve months.

Chairman of Warburtons, Jonathon Warburton, said: “As a fifth-generation family business, we are proud to be backing British enterprise during these uncertain times and this programme allows us to support the next generation of innovative bakery led brands.”

Paddy Willis, CEO of Mission Ventures, added: “We are excited to be partnered with Warburtons, one of the top five food brands in the UK today. We see this as a smart way for the industry to build compelling challenger brands that deliver true innovation.

“This partnership leverages my team’s experience as exited food entrepreneurs and six years of running food and drink accelerator programmes, together with the depth of industry experience that comes from Warburtons.”