The ingredients to succeed in a family business will be discussed at an event next month.

The Family Business Network is offering firms the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at successful bakers Bells of Lazonby on May 16.

Part of the network’s family insights series, delegates will meet managing director Michael Bell, who will share the story of one of Cumbria’s best known brands.

Established in Lazonby in 1946 by John Bell, the firm now operates three bakery brands from premises near Penrith, which supplies the retail and food service markets.

Guests will be able to tour the Edenholme site, with its two bakeries, including their state-of-the-art gluten, wheat and milk free bakery which was the first of its kind in the UK.

Sue Howorth, founder of the Family Business Network, said: ““We’re really excited about this forthcoming family business insight event at Bells of Lazonby.

"It’s a brand that most Cumbrians will be familiar with but may not know the history behind.

“Our insight events provide a great opportunity for business owners to see how other family businesses stand the test of time, how they transition through the generations and how they cope with the range of challenges that affect many family businesses”.

Mr Bell said: “We are an established family business with a rich heritage and history to share.

"We are excited to welcome other family business owners to our bakery to showcase our successes as well as our key learnings over the 73 years we have been in business.

“We are passionate about continually developing the talent within our business and have relentlessly reinvested in our facilities.

"We hold true that the heartbeat of our business is people first, followed by innovation – preferring always to build band wagons rather than jump on them.”

The event takes place on Thursday, May 16 from 10am to 1pm and includes an insight talk, factory tour, a question-and-answer session and lunch.

Visit www.fambiznet.co.uk/events to book tickets.