FWP Matthews, Oxfordshire based organic flour mill

One of the longest established family-owned organic flour mills in the country, FWP Matthews ('FWP') has been milling wheat for flour and animal feeds since the 1860s.

In 1912 FWP became a limited company and the business is currently run by the fifth generation of the family, cousins Paul and Graham Matthews.

The flour mill's location next to the main Hereford to London railway line meant it was strategically positioned to supply the main biscuit manufacturers of the day, Huntley and Palmer in Reading and Peak Freans in London.

Important recent landmarks include:

• 1992: registration with the Soil Association. This means the business can officially sell its flour as ‘organic'.
• 2006: Oxfordshire Business Awards - winner of the category 'best growing business'
• 2006: shortlisted for Coutts Best Family Business

Scope and scale of the operation

FWP Matthews can produce 600 tonnes of organic flour per week and still sources as much as it can from local farmers. The mill operates 24/7 and produces a huge variety of organic flours for domestic and commercial use.

The biggest bulk of customers are ‘craft and artisan bakers', i.e. bakeries on the high street. You can also buy FWP Matthews flour from Waitrose and the Co-op as well as from the mill's own online shop.

The business currently employs 37 staff and turnover is in excess of £10m per year. There are around 36 other flour milling companies around the UK.