HIGHBRIDGE MP James Heappey got an insight into how cheesecakes are made during a visit to Bakkavor Desserts.

Mr Heappey visited staff at the Highbridge based dessert manufacturer’s factory earlier this month and was given a tour inside the factory where the chilled desserts were being made.

Bakkavor staff explained how the business meets customers, how it supports careers of local young talent and the expertise needed for a smooth-running, safe manufacturing process.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Heappey said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Bakkavor Desserts and was impressed at not only the quality of the delicious puddings but also the expertise and passion amongst the staff.

“I was particularly impressed with Bakkavor’s partnership with King Alfred’s School.

“It was great to see how energised the apprentices were in learning invaluable skills for the workplace.”

Bakkavor, which makes over 700,000 cheesecakes a week, as well as trifles and other chilled desserts, is a major employer in the area with over 540 employees working at the site.

Mr Heappey also met with Hannah Sainsbury, a process apprentice at the desserts business, who explained that through her apprenticeship she was learning about the key business areas of food safety and product quality.

And he was also lucky enough to be able to see and taste a number of new desserts the team has in the pipeline for Christmas.

John Bowman, head of site operations at Bakkkavor Desserts thanked Mr Heappey for his visit.

“It was great to welcome James to our business as we are a proud Somerset employer and we wanted to show him that the delicious desserts eaten by people across the UK are made right here in Highbridge, “ Mr Bowman said.

“It also gave us the opportunity to stress the importance we place on young local talent through our apprenticeships and schools programme and I would like to congratulate Caitlin on her winning cheesecake.”

Last week the Bakkavor team spent an afternoon with pupils from The King Alfred School judging the Bakkavor Cheesecake Challenge.

The desserts manufacturer has teamed up with the Highbridge secondary school as part of its commitment to the IGD Feeding Britain’s Future programme, which provides employability skills training to students.

A Strawberry Eton Mess cheesecake made by star baker Caitlin Hopkins was named as the winner by the judges.

Caitlin will get to see her creation made at the factory later this year.