Roscoe, Peter; (2025) Artisanal bakery enterprises: finding a path to NetZero. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This PhD research generated new qualitative and quantitative evidence about a group of relatively energy intensive and hard to reach small businesses: artisanal bakery enterprises. It examined artisans’ energy related activity and decision making. The research gap was addressed by collecting granular detail and revealing themes that might inform policy development and further research. A grounded theory mixed-methods research design was adopted to develop and refine the approach. 12 artisans/representatives and one adviser from England and Scotland were interviewed in depth. Separately the population of artisanal bakery enterprises in Inner London was subject to an observational survey: 140 premises were found. In an innovation the survey data was matched with administrative data on the individual premises’ energy consumption and area. The research found that artisanal bakery enterprises were often using electricity energy relatively intensively, about six times greater than for the median UK SME, whilst gas usage was similar. A range of energy efficiency was observed: 40% of the interview sample had energy costs per unit twice or more those at the best performing enterprise. Three main themes explained energy-related decision-making: artisanal values, particularly in respect of renewable energy; the enterprise operational cycle in decisions about investment in equipment; standard business or economic objectives were also important for some artisans, particularly when expanding their enterprises and responding to price signals, however, under-capitalisation was a problem. The characteristics underlying the themes were analysed in a theory neutral framework (consisting of three ‘C’s (concerns, conditions, capacities) by four dimensions of influence (government, communities, the entrepreneur, the product market)) to help structure an effective policy package. It would: i) stimulate the concerns of artisans by highlighting the poor standard of their equipment and disincentivise switching to natural gas; ii) recognise the conditions that apply to the enterprise – particularly the points in the enterprise operational cycle conducive to changes in equipment and techniques; iii) support artisans’ capacities by improving access to affordable capital; iv) leverage artisanal enterprises to act as local hubs for an equitable transition to net zero.

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