last year's winner: Michael Bell, MD, Bells of Lazonby

The best thing about winning Bakery Supplier of the Year last year was that I got to kiss Joanna Lumley - it's something I've always wanted to do since I was in short trousers! Joking aside, winning the award was great exposure for Bells of Lazonby - the coverage we received in British Baker was read by everyone in the trade, including supermarket buyers who are our target customers. Just the other day, I was sat in front of a major buyer, who remarked on our success in the Baking Industry Awards. Buyers change regularly and the award is an excellent way to introduce the firm. It shows we've been reviewed by our peers and come up trumps. The cere-mony itself is a great night. I've been to lots of different awards nights and the Baking Industry Awards is definitely the best."