(Image: Safian Mahmood)
A BAKERY says being named the Bradford's best has given them a major boost as they look to expand across the UK.
Hermano Bakery, based on Great Horton Road, has been crowned the winner of the T&A's Best Bakery competition after receiving overwhelming support from customers.
Founder Safian Mahmood said he was "shocked" by the result, given there were more established businesses in the running.
From family recipes to a growing business
Hermano Bakery was founded just two years ago and has grown from supplying cakes to the family's dessert shop into a wholesale operation serving businesses across the UK.
Mr Mahmood said the bakery remains rooted in recipes and baking techniques passed down by his mother.
Today, Hermano supplies cafés, dessert shops, restaurants and retailers across the country, with deliveries reaching London, Wales and Scotland.
"Many of our recipes and techniques were passed down by my mum," he previously told the Telegraph & Argus.
"We wanted customers to be able to taste the difference that quality, freshness and care can make."
One of the cakes produced by Bradford-based Hermano Bakery, featuring biscuit toppings and fruit sauce decoration. (Image: Hermano Bakery)
'This gives me a lot of motivation'
Mr Mahmood said winning the competition has strengthened his determination to continue growing the business.
"This gives me a lot of support and gives me a lot of motivation," he said.
"We're now looking at showing people more of what happens behind the scenes and what it takes to run the bakery every day."
He added that the recognition comes at an exciting time for the company, which has recently expanded beyond Bradford.
"We opened a store in Blackburn this year," he said.
"And a bit of news that not many people know yet is that we're looking at opening another store in Wales."
Growing confidence for the future
Mr Mahmood believes the award will help introduce Hermano Bakery to new customers and support further growth.
"Sometimes people don't know who you are, and you're the new bakery on the block," he said.
"But when you get an achievement like this, it gives people confidence. This will give us a very big boost."
Despite the success, Mr Mahmood said the focus remains firmly on quality rather than mass production.
He said: "The vision was never about building a business around one cake, it was about creating a bakery built around quality."
Mr Mahmood added "We don't want to simply produce cakes that look impressive. They have to taste exceptional too."
'A huge thank you'
Mr Mahmood thanked everyone who voted for Hermano Bakery and said he was grateful for the support shown by customers.
He said: "It's amazing to see - the support has been unbelievable, and I'd like to thank everyone who voted for us."