A FAMILY bakery in Northwich has appointed a former director of Warburtons as its new chairman.

Frank Roberts and Sons, which owns Roberts Bakery and The Little Treats Co, has welcomed Robert Higginson to its board.

He was managing director and financial director at Warburtons from 2001 to 2012 and prior to that he was at Shell UK as managing director of Shell Direct and finance director of Shell Lubricants.

A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and MBA graduate from Henley Management College, he also currently sits on the advisory board of A2e Venture Catalysts.

Mike Roberts, deputy chairman of Frank Roberts and Sons, said: “The whole family are delighted to welcome Robert to our business who brings with him both family business and bakery sector experience.”

Robert said: “I am delighted to have joined a family business with a great heritage and look forward to working with the Board in realising the ambitions for future growth.”