As Bake Off returns one cake maker hopes her business is set to rise
A cake enthusiast is hoping her new business can capitalise on the excitement of the latest series of the Great British Bake Off and help a £120,000 crowdfunding campaign.
Paula Wilkinson wants to launch a company which makes fresh cakes to order and delivers them anywhere in the UK through a network of home-based bakers around the country – described as an Interflora for cakes.
The mother-of-two from Maidstone was inspired to launch the firm, called Mums Bake Cakes, after she could not find a local baker to make a cake and deliver it to her seriously ill niece in Wales.
She ended up making one herself and taking it 300 miles to her much loved niece, Davina Jones, who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer, aged just 44.
Mrs Wilkinson was convinced the idea of recruiting scores of independent bakers had mileage, and after a year signing up bakers across Kent, is aiming to raise cash to expand. Customers look online for a baker where they want a cake delivered, choose the product, delivery date and time, and place the order. Cakes are delivered free to any address within 10 miles.
Mrs Wilkinson and business partner Richard Watson, from Chartham, near Canterbury, have launched the firm on crowdfunding website Seedrs, with the aim of raising £120,000.
Investors can get a slice of the business for as little as £50. A total of 8% equity is for sale.
The campaign has raised £1,840 so far but the business is hoping for a boost with the Great British Bake Off getting under way on BBC1 this week.
Mrs Wilkinson said: “Everyone tells us what a great idea it is. This is the world’s opportunity to send a unique gift that can be eaten and enjoyed by all – and it’s only a click away.” Investors can pledge at www.seedrs.com/ mumsbakecakes
The campaign is open until Monday, September 19.
The Great British Bake Off is on BBC 1 on Wednesdays at 8pm.