Paul and Mike Williams

Paul and Mike Williams are the father and son behind Flake Bake, a pioneering South London business that has transformed the way Caribbean food is celebrated across the UK. Known for their handmade Jamaican patties, offered in seven distinct flavours, they have built a brand that represents both authenticity and innovation. Their story is not only one of culinary success but also of heritage, resilience, and community impact, which is why they are in demand as speakers on diversity and inclusion.

The journey began with Paul, who first developed his skills in his uncle’s Jamaican bakery during the 1990s. Inspired by the craft and cultural significance of the food, Paul seized the opportunity in 2008 to reopen the bakery space after it became vacant. His son Mike soon became involved, balancing college studies with helping his father in the evenings and weekends. With academic pursuits earning him degrees in economics, politics and later management for business excellence, Mike brought a strategic vision to the family business. Between his studies, the pair launched Flake Bake, recognising the lack of representation for Jamaican patties in the UK market and the appetite for authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Together, they propelled Flake Bake into becoming South London’s largest supplier of handmade Jamaican patties. Their rise was marked by winning Aldi’s Next Big Thing in 2024, which led to sales of more than two million units nationwide. Beyond commercial success, they have demonstrated a deep commitment to social responsibility, supporting local schools and partnering with the Leaders of Tomorrow charity to provide work experience opportunities for young people. They have also launched initiatives in Brixton to feed those in need and created the UK’s first televised advertisement for Jamaican patties through winning Channel 4 and Lloyd’s Black in Business initiative. Their recognition has been widespread, with Mike appearing on HSBC and UKBBS’s Top 25 Entrepreneurs to Watch list and winning a BBBA Rising Star award. In 2025, Mike was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Potential Unlocked Awards and Flake Bake was included on the prestigious FEBE Growth 100 Watch List.

As speakers, Paul and Mike bring lived experience, cultural pride and entrepreneurial insight to every stage they step on. Their journey illustrates the importance of representation, resilience and breaking barriers, making them powerful voices in the conversation on diversity and inclusion. From championing Caribbean culture to mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, their story highlights how inclusivity drives both social progress and business success. With media appearances across major broadcasters like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, and speaking engagements such as the Black Men Business Talks, they inspire audiences by showing what is possible when ambition is matched with authenticity and community values.