Gateshead teen starts dream baking business with help from the New Enterprise Allowance

I always had a dream to start my own baking business, but never thought it would be attainable.

Anna Dunhill, 19, was unsure of her career path after the Coronavirus pandemic forced her to leave school before sitting her A-levels. Searching for her next steps, Anna turned to a familiar pastime: baking.

Inspired by her mother and grandma, Anna spent many hours in her family kitchen cooking and baking during her teen years. A passion for creation and a love for sharing her own recipes led Anna to start her own baking business during lockdown with help from Business Gateshead.

Anna explained, "After contacting Gateshead Council about the necessary requirements for starting a food business, they pointed me in the direction of the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

"The scheme has helped me tremendously in setting up my business. The support and guidance I have received from my advisor made the whole start up process run so smoothly, and they were always on hand to answer any question I may have had.

"At 19 years old, I am delighted to be able to run my own business and fulfil my dream of owning my own baking business. I couldn't have done it without the help of the New Enterprise Allowance scheme and the amazing advisors they work with."

Beginning with bespoke cakes for neighbours' birthdays, Bakehouse 15 has now grown to have an array of repeat clients as well as a stream of new clients after special hand-crafted celebration cakes or smaller sweet treats since its start in December 2020.

Follow Anna's baking journey on Facebook (@Bakehouse15) or Instagram (@Bakehouse.15).

The New Enterprise Allowance is a government-backed schemed designed to help the unemployed become self-employed. For more information, contact your Jobcentre advisor.

Business Gateshead offers business advice, 1-2-1 support, and information on how to build and evolve a business. To find out more about the support we offer start-ups, click here. You can also get in touch with our team directly.