Colin Brace, the chairman of Brace’s Bakery, has been awarded an OBE for his services to the baking industry and community in Wales.
Mr Brace, 91, has dedicated his life’s work to family firm Brace’s Bakery Ltd, based in Crumlin.
His achievements were recognised during an official ceremony at Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Penallta House headquarters on Thursday November 21, which saw Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle present Mr Brace with the OBE.
Brace’s Bakery was founded in Blackwood in 1902 by Mr Brace’s grandfather George Brace.
He joined the business in 1946 when he was demobbed following the end of World War II, and he eventually went on to take control of the company in 1974.
Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle said: “I congratulate Mr Brace on this OBE – a welcome reward for a man who has run an incredibly distinguished local bakery and has been a tremendously generous owner in supporting all sorts of local charities.”v
Over the years the company has transformed from a small local supplier to a well respected and successful bread plant manufacturer. Despite the company’s growth, Colin has managed to maintain the same ethos instilled by his grandfather more than 110 years ago, and the family firm enjoys a high level of staff retention.
Despite being in his 90s, Mr Brace still plays an active role in the business, now operated by his sons Mark and Jonathan, who are the fourth generation of the Brace family to be at the helm of the bakery.
Mr Brace said: “I’m honoured and delighted to receive this OBE under such special circumstances with my family as witnesses. I can truly say that all my achievements over the years have been done without any hardship, I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it, and I will continue to play an active role in the day to day running of Brace’s Bakery.”