Star Baker - Anna Herbert
Anna Herbert - Hobbs House Bakery
We asked Anna Herbert, Marketing Director at Hobbs House Bakery, to help us mark International Women's Day 2025 with an interview about her experience working in the baking industry. As a leader in both her business and her field, Anna has some brilliant insights and advice for aspiring bakers everywhere.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in baking, and how did your journey begin?
"I first met the Herbert family when I was 16, I based my A-Level business project on their marketing. A few years later, after marrying Tom, we had our first baby, Milo. When Milo was just a few months old, we opened a shop in our hometown of Nailsworth.
"Through that experience, I got to know the business inside out, working in various roles before eventually focusing on social media. Little did I know back then that I would go on to become Marketing Director—and that our son, Milo, would continue the family tradition as a sixth-generation baker."
2. As a woman in the baking industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
"Baking has historically been perceived as a male-dominated industry, but at Hobbs House, we have strong women in every role—from bakers, to drivers, to leadership positions.
"As the only woman on our board of directors, I’ve had to navigate a room full of strong (and often loud!) voices. But through creativity, persistence, and collaboration, I ensure my voice is heard and that we work together to drive the business forward."
3. What advice would you give to aspiring female bakers looking to make their mark in the industry?
"The baking industry is full of inspiring women making an impact in their own unique ways. Hannah Catley, Laura Hart, Sophia Handschuh, and Kitty Tait are just a few examples of bakers who are shaping the industry—not just by creating incredible products but by using bread as a tool to create meaningful change in their communities.
"Be inspired and learn from those around you. We often talk about "what’s the smallest thing you can do to realise your dream?" Take that first step—no matter how small—and from there, it’s just one step at a time."
4. Who is a woman that has inspired you in your career, and why?
"I’ve been lucky to grow up around strong businesswomen who have shaped my perspective. While my leadership style may differ from theirs, my determination and commitment to high standards remain the same.
"One of my greatest learning experiences has been pushing myself outside of my comfort zone—particularly in our mission to source all our grain from healthier soils by 2032. This journey has led me to work closely with Matthews to source regenerative grain from a single regional farm, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing."
Cotswold Flour would like to say a big thank you to Anna for sharing this with us, and for leading a session on Regen at our last Soil, Stone & Sourdough event too! (Anna pictured at SSS24 below).
Hobbs House Bakery
Another 100+ year old family business (like Matthews), Hobbs House is B-Corp Certified - meaning they meet the highest social and environmental standards for people and the planet. We have been working closely with customers like Hobbs House to develop our range of Regenerative Flours, making more environmentally-friendly food options available to more people across the UK. Find out more about Hobbs House here.
