Wrexham Woman Transforms Bakery Career through Accounting Success

A young woman from Wrexham, Lauren Ashman, has successfully transitioned from an administrative role to a key financial position at Jones Village Bakery, after qualifying as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). At just 28 years old, Ashman’s journey began a decade ago when she joined the bakery as an admin assistant straight out of Coleg Cambria.

With the company’s support, Ashman dedicated herself to her studies while working full-time. She reflected on her initial role, saying, “I came in on a business admin NVQ and learned all the admin functions, including working on reception, learning a bit about HR, and understanding what different departments did.” Her experience helped her build confidence, allowing her to engage with people more easily than she could ten years ago.

Supportive Company Culture Fuels Growth

Jones Village Bakery’s Chief Financial Officer, Abigail Richardson, praised Ashman as a prime example of the company’s commitment to employee development. She noted, “To see people growing and developing through the business is a real success story for us. We try to train and develop people as much as we can.” Richardson highlighted the challenges Ashman faced while balancing her studies and work, saying, “Her qualification is testament to her hard work and resilience.”

Human Resources Manager Jason Page echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the bakery’s ethos of nurturing talent from within. He stated, “The roots of the business is that of a family-run business, and that means we want to nurture and grow our own talent.” Page acknowledged Ashman’s potential early on, which prompted the company to invest in her career development.

He expressed pride in her achievements, saying, “She has worked fantastically hard through her qualifications and deserves this success.” Page conveyed a clear message to potential employees: “If you have the right attitude and an appetite to grow, we’re looking for talented people to join us.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Ashman’s journey illustrates the impact of supportive workplace environments on career development. Her success story not only serves as inspiration for her colleagues but also highlights the opportunities available at Jones Village Bakery. The company’s culture of promoting internal talent encourages a long-term commitment to employee growth and satisfaction.

Reflecting on her career path, Ashman expressed her pride in her accomplishments, stating, “It has been a lot of work, so I am really proud of myself.” As she continues to steer the company’s finances, her story stands as a testament to the value of dedication and support in achieving professional goals.

Jones Village Bakery, well-known in the Wrexham area, has successfully created a nurturing environment that allows its employees to thrive, ensuring both personal and organizational growth.