Steve Magnall, Owner, Two Magpies Bakery Group
How did you end up working in this industry?
I graduated with a Food Science and Business Degree and spent much of my career in food and drink businesses, including a spell running a bakery for Northern Foods supplying M&S. Whilst working as CEO for St Peters Brewery, I met the owner of a small cafe/bakery shop in Southwold. This was the first Two Magpies bakery shop/cafe. The owner at the time wanted to sell, but no one was interested, so I bought a 50% stake, gave up my job and joined the business as Co-Owner. I later went on to buy out the other shareholder and created what is now the Two Magpies Bakery Group, which has 10 cafe/shops, a large central bakery, where everything is made daily by hand and last year bought a sister business in Hilton macarons, a luxury macaron business.
What’s your favourite kind of baked good?
That depends upon time of day and year. In winter it could be a warm sausage roll, using Lane farm pork meat and our mix of herbs and spices, or in summer, a summer fruit light tart.
What job would you like to do if it weren’t your current one?
I think working for yourself is the best thing and so whatever would be something I could own and build. In all my career, I have treated the business as my own, but it is slightly different when it is your own. Things like when you are concerned about cash flow and paying the next wages, which can happen with growth pains, but this is balanced by the pleasure in seeing the team develop, the customers happy and a growing Brand.
What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Usually, with my partner Lynne. This could be going for a walk, meeting friends or family or just chilling. I like running, yoga and golf as personal downtime, so if nothing planned, I will maybe get some of this in as well.
Name 3 things you love about holidays
Experiencing different cultures and foods.
Seeing things that you may otherwise overlook, because you have the time. A sunset over the sea or animals in their natural environment and the like.
Spending quality time with my partner, family or friends.
Name 3 things you love about the weekend
Saturday is a workday, so I visit some sites or do paperwork.
Sunday mornings I do a weekly email to all staff, which usually takes a couple of hours. I then have the rest of Sunday off and Monday. That’s my weekend. Mondays are my development day – so guitar lessons (been doing for 2 years now), yoga and then either swimming or golf.
Who did you admire growing up and why?
I’m older generation – so I love reading business books, so Richard Branson would be someone whom I admired, but try to learn from anyone and anything. I listen to a lot of podcasts, especially business ones – I particularly like ‘How I built This’ by Guy Rozz.
Which country would you like to visit next and why?
I was fortunate enough to get a month of in January and toured New Zealand. I would like to do the same in Southeast Asia.
How would your friends describe you?
Bouncy energy – is he really 62?
Read the full interview in our latest issue here
