Wrexham Accountant Transforms Bakery’s Finances After 10 Years

A young woman from Wrexham has successfully transitioned from a reception role at a local bakery to a key position in the company’s finance department after qualifying as an accountant. At just 28 years old, Lauren Ashman now plays a vital role in managing the financial operations of Jones Village Bakery, a journey that began a decade ago when she joined the company as an administrative assistant.

After completing her studies at Coleg Cambria, Ashman embarked on a business administration NVQ, where she learned various administrative functions. This included working on reception, gaining insights into human resources, and providing support to the payroll department. Reflecting on her growth, Ashman shared, “That work was really good for me because I was quite shy when I was younger. Now I can see the difference in myself, speaking to people I don’t know with confidence, something I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing 10 years ago.”

With the backing of her employer, Ashman dedicated herself to further education, ultimately achieving the prestigious status of a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Her achievement is not merely a personal milestone; it represents the supportive culture at Jones Village Bakery, where employee development is a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy.

Company Support Fuels Career Growth

The Chief Financial Officer of Jones Village Bakery, Abigail Richardson, praised Ashman as a prime example of the company’s commitment to staff development. “To see people growing and developing through the business is a real success story for us,” Richardson commented. “Lauren has worked really hard through her exams. That is very challenging, and her qualification is a testament to her hard work and resilience.”

Richardson highlighted the dual challenge of studying while working full-time, a feat Ashman managed with determination. She added, “I am really pleased this kind of career development happens here, and I have witnessed Lauren develop into a well-rounded, confident, and qualified accountant.”

Alongside Richardson, Jason Page, the HR manager, emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from within the firm. He stated, “The roots of the business are that of a family-run enterprise, and that means we want to nurture and grow our own talent. Because we could see such potential in Lauren, there was a real appetite to invest in her career development.”

Page noted that Ashman’s success sends a strong message to prospective employees about the long-term opportunities available at Jones Village Bakery. “The message is always, ‘come and join us’ if you have the right attitude and an appetite to grow,” he said. “We’re looking for talented people to help us carry on with our success.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As Ashman reflects on her journey, she expresses immense pride in her accomplishments, acknowledging the hard work that came with balancing her career and studies. Her story is not just about personal achievement; it highlights a broader narrative about the potential for growth within businesses that invest in their employees.

Jones Village Bakery continues to thrive in North Wales, supported by a culture that encourages individual development. With Ashman’s success now a part of the company’s legacy, the bakery stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

As more businesses look to enhance their workforce through internal development, Lauren Ashman’s journey may inspire others to invest in their employees’ futures, paving the way for a new generation of professionals in various industries.