We are pleased to share with you our second edition of Behind the Business, a series of interviews hosted by Stuart Mathews, Head of Office in Exeter.
Stuart Mathews is partner in the firm's South West Corporate Team, helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate their most significant transactions - from strategic acquisitions to complex exits. Having worked with many interesting and exciting businesses throughout the South West for over 20 years, Stuart has a real passion for championing the success of our regional enterprises and entrepreneurs.
In this series, Stuart shares with us some of these businesses, giving them a moment in the spotlight. Stuart is meeting inspiring business owners from across the region and going Behind the Business with them. In each episode, Stuart sits down with inspiring business owners and entrepreneurs to uncover the stories behind their success, the challenges they've overcome, and the opportunities shaping their future.
Series two: Cakesmiths
In this interview, Stuart meets with his long-term client, Chris Ormrod, CEO of Cakesmiths. It is a fascinating and highly successful business, providing award-winning cakes, wholesale across the UK to independent coffee shops and restaurants. Chris leads the business, taking it through a number of corporate deals and stages of growth. Baking daily from their headquarters in Bristol, the brand is now part of a European bakery business, Onoré Food Group – which itself has been acquired by IDAK, a Swiss-Italian corporation.
The interview between Stuart and Chris explores the growth and focus of Cakesmiths, the brand's values and Chris' passion for Bristol and the wider South West. Chris and Stuart also discuss the importance of looking after staff wellbeing and staying true to your customers.
A full audio recording of this interview will shortly be available on this page, and further videos will be posted on Stuart's LinkedIn profile throughout March 2026.
