Our People | Our History

Here at Dorringtons we pride ourselves on our strong family history and incredible staff loyalty. After 105 years, Dorringtons continues to be a family run company with the 4th generation now working within the business.

Caroline Sharples

Managing Director

Caroline, the granddaughter of founder Ernest Dorrington, studied at L’École Hôtelière in Lausanne, Switzerland and worked in restaurants and hotels including The Dorchester during the late 1970’s before opening her own restaurant and catering business during the 1980’s.

She joined Dorringtons in the early 1990’s as Director, introducing many new products and administrative systems, and became Managing Director in late November 2007 after the retirement of James Dorrington. Caroline continues to oversee and maintain Dorringtons traditional standards and quality.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Chia Bread

Sophie Gilbert

Director

Sophie has worked at Dorringtons as the Development Manager for 12 years, however, as the great-granddaughter of Ernest Dorrington, the business has always been a big part of her life.

As Development Manager Sophie looks after Celebration Cakes, the website & social media, marketing, advertising & branding and new product development. Sophie loves having the chance to be creative in her job, whether it be creating a new confectionery product for our shelves or rebuilding our website.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cake

Wilfred Dorrington

Director

As a 4th generation Dorrington and avid baker, Wilfred came to work in the business just over 7 years ago. Having spent time in the bakery creating specialist breads and cakes and travelling to various Baking Schools to learn new skills he joined the Head Office team in 2016.

Wilfred ensures our properties and 16 shops are kept well maintained and has stepped into the role of buyer for our bakery ingredients. Wilfred is also part of the accounts team and is involved in the day to day functions of the office. 

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Sausage Roll

Laura Batchelor

Director

Laura gained experience working in all of our shops as a Relief manager before joining the Head Office team in HR. Since returning from Maternity Leave, Laura has taken on the role of Health & Safety Manager ensuring the correct procedures are in place throughout our bakery and shops.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Sausage Roll

Ben Gilbert

Project Manager

Ben was responsible for the launch of our Sandwich and Snack Vans, taking our bakery to your workplace. The Snack Vans have proved very popular and Ben now has 6 Snack Vans covering Harlow, Stansted, Bishop's Stortford and Great Dunmow serving over 250 businesses.

Ben also oversees different projects within the company, for example implementing new IT solutions. Before working at Dorringtons, Ben was Manager at Euro Car Parts where he won Manager of the Year.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Mince Tart

Martin Sedgwick

Bakery Manager

Martin joined Dorringtons in January 1987 as an apprentice for 3 years whilst he studied at The National Bakery College in London. He then joined the Dorringtons team full time as a Baker and also played semi professional football from 1990 - 2004, not easy getting up for an early morning bakery shift after a mid- week match!

In 2007 Martin became Bakery Manager and manages around 30 bakery staff. Martin was awarded a scholarship to Richmont Bakery College, Switzerland in 2010 and attended the school for a short course.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Black Forest Gateau

Sonia Vincent-Hoy

Retail Manager

Sonia has worked at Dorringtons for over 20 years. She began working in the bakery as a Saturday Assistant before becoming Manager of the Bishops Stortford branch and now Retail Manager. Sonia has seen Dorringtons grow from having 6 shops to 16, and now the start of our new delivery vans, bringing fresh products to your workplace.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Black Cherry, Custard & Crumble Danish Pastry

Anthony Barnes

Assistant Bakery Manager

Anthony has worked for Dorringtons for nearly 35 years. He helps Martin with the successful day to day running of the bakery and manages the bakery when Martin is away. Anthony has worked for four generations of the Dorringtons family, beginning at the age of 14 helping Ernest Dorrington's wife, Eileen, at her home and in the garden.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Prawn Baguette

Matthew Eastwell

Stock Control Manager

Matthew started his journey with Dorringtons over 10 years ago when he worked with us as a delivery driver. He then left to pursue a career as a Driving Instructor and returned 10 years later to become a Snack Van Manager. Matthew is now our Stock Control Manager and as part of his role he oversees our stores ensuring all deliveries are present and correct.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Sausage Roll

Serena Jacques

Office Manager

Serena has worked within the Dorrington’s Head Office on a number of roles and responsibilities from front of house, to general confidential support to the Managing Director, to HR and more. Serena now works as our Office Manager, dealing with all office processes, customers and creating a great office environment.

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Chocolate Doughnut

Nina Holmes

Accounts Manager

Nina joined Dorringtons in July 2023 as an Office Administrator, then swiftly moved over to the Accounts department after a few months. Nina has worked in Accounts and Finance for many years so has settled in very quickly. Nina ensures that our suppliers are paid promptly and that our figures balance (amongst other things)!

Favourite Dorringtons Product: Cherry Danish