Marian Baker, co-founder of the Brentwood-based printing company Baker Labels, has passed away, the company has announced. She died peacefully on Sunday, 30 November, at the age of 89.
With her husband, Roy Baker, she founded Baker Labels in 1973. The business began as a small husband-and-wife operation in a factory in Vale Royal, near King’s Cross in London, before expanding into the multi-division company it is today. According to the company, many of the values that continue to guide the business – such as staff support, community involvement and long-term customer relationships – were established during the Bakers’ early leadership.
During the company’s formative years, Marian Baker was responsible for maintaining handwritten sales ledgers and accounts, records that the business says it still preserves. Although she retired from day-to-day operations, she remained in close contact with staff and continued to follow the company’s development.
Ribbon cutting launch of BakPac in February 2020
Marian Baker is reported to have taken pride in the company’s growth under the leadership of her son, Steve Baker, and in the involvement of her grandsons, Harry and Tom, in the next generation of the family business.
In 2020, she officially opened the company’s BakPac facility in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She last visited the site in 2023, where she was briefed on its progress.
The company says Marian Baker played a central role in shaping its culture and that her influence remains reflected in its operations and relationships.
