Blackpool pet bakery celebrates steady rise in business after relocation

A Blackpool-based bakery that specialises in treats for dogs has seen a steady rise in business as it celebrates its first anniversary at new premises in the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.

Barking Bakery has increased production and gained distribution contracts with several major pet outlets since moving to larger premises in October 2019.

The firm has also recruited ten new staff and now employs over 20 people in full and part-time roles at the bakery. A media and telemarketing function has been set up as the firm now seeks to trade overseas.

The brainchild of owner Michelle Turnbull, the specialist bakery hand-bakes and decorates cup-cakes and biscuits as well as personalised ‘pawty’ cakes, exclusively for dogs. The baked goods are distributed through key outlets including Pets at Home, The Range, Booths and Ocado as well as independent pet shops and garden centres and online direct to the public.

Lancashire law firm Harrison Drury, led by property lawyer Wendy Newbury, advised Michelle on the lease of the new premises which is located at Canberra Court, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool.

Michelle, who was previously baking from her home kitchen, moved to larger premises to expand her product line. The installation of a large commercial oven has enabled far greater capacity and speed of baking.

Michelle said: “I needed to relocate to meet my growth plans for the business. Demand has just grown continually. I chose the site in Blackpool’s Enterprise Zone due to its proximity to the motorway and ease of access and parking for my employees. There is also a commercial incentive for leasing in the Enterprise Zone area with access to grants and funding for manufacturing, as well as council tax relief.

“Harrison Drury was recommended to me by our accountant Alison Hulme. Wendy was extremely professional and helped to ensure a smooth transition into our new premises, securing a seven-year lease on the units at Canberra court. A year on, we are still going from strength to strength.”

Wendy added: “I am a dog lover and the idea of a business providing cakes for dogs was so unique. The minute I spoke to Michelle, I knew this was her passion and that she needed the larger premises to make the next step for her business. The location of the premises perfectly meets her current plans and I look forward to assisting her further as the business continues to grow.”