NATIONAL retailer Marks and Spencer is trialling a new software solution for its in-store bakeries which has been created by a York-based developer.

The CyBake range of bakery management solutions has been developed by RedBlack Software, which has served wholesale and retail bakeries across the UK and Ireland for 17 years from its offices in King Street.

Marks and Spencer could now join 90 existing retail premises in the UK to use CyBake after initiating trials of the software as part of its commitments to its sustainability programme Plan A.

By using CyBake, the high street retailer is able to more accurately predict demand, which will help reduce products going to waste, while ensuring product freshness is maintained by baking in a timely manner.

Jane Tyler, managing director of RedBlack said: "We are delighted to be working with M&S, one of Britain’s best-loved brands. I am really pleased that we can put our experience with automated sales-based ordering to the test at an enterprise level."

Lance Bennett, senior IT project manager at Marks and Spencer, said: "For this trial, we wanted to work with a specialist bakery sector provider.

"The proposal by the CyBake team fitted the bill perfectly. I have been impressed with their agility when it comes to development and their rapid responsiveness to our suggestions."

Redblack Software now counts restaurants, delis, take-aways, food service providers and wholesalers among its customers.