In June 2026, Simply Doughnuts welcomed a visit by pupils from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College in Blackburn. They made their trip as part of a series of “industry days,” which involve seeing how local manufacturers operate, and learning about the skills they most value.
12 pupils attended, together with two members of staff. During their visit, they heard about the origins of the business and how it had grown through continuous innovation; by meeting a previously unmet need for fresh doughnuts with very long shelf-lives. Senior managers explained the importance of adapting to meet changing customer demands, and how R&D has always played a central role in Simply Doughnuts’ work.
The visit also included a tour of the factory, where the girls learned about the importance of meeting quality and hygiene standards, and where they witnessed every stage of the manufacturing operation: from mixing the dough, through the various sheeting, cutting and proving stages, to frying, sugaring and packing. They even got involved on the production line, trying their hands at separating and holing the doughnuts.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the girls and their teachers,” said managing director Shiraz Master. “They were polite, lively and attentive, and they asked intelligent questions, which we were happy to answer. They even presented our team with a thank-you card and a box of chocolates, which was a very thoughtful touch.
“I don’t know where their individual careers will take them but if they show the same interest, energy and positive attitude that we saw from them today, I’m sure they’ll be very successful, whatever they choose to do.”
Simply Doughnuts has a long history of engaging with schools and community groups, and of helping younger people to get a foot on the career ladder. It has often hosted work experience placements and regularly creates opportunities for training, employment and professional development. It has previously won industry awards for team-building, diversity and inclusion.
