Charlotte Appleyard is at an exciting point in her entrepreneurial journey.
Having launched Appleyard Bakery, a small business specialising in celebratory cakes and all-things sweet, Charlotte has just had her interest-free business loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity approved.
With that, new doors have suddenly opened for Charlotte and her much-loved bakery, with funds now available to create new opportunities at the perfect time.
“My love of baking started when I was just about tall enough to reach the kitchen counter,” reflected Charlotte, thinking back to where it all began.
“Later, I attended three years of formal training at Westminster Kingsway College and decided to specialise in Patisserie within my final year,” she continued.
“This led to me working in some of London’s top hotels within their afternoon tea sections, including the Connaught Hotel – a dream job as you can imagine for someone with a love for cakes!”
With valuable experience behind her, and after a few years focusing on things outside of baking, Charlotte was drawn back and began perfecting recipes which are now proudly shared through Appleyard Bakery – based at Charlotte’s home bakery in Loughborough.
“Appleyard Bakery not only sweetens up your day with celebration cakes, wedding cakes and dessert tables, but also offers classes to show you how to create these at home for your loved ones,” she explained.
“I help busy people live out their baking dreams with bespoke orders and sweet treat deliveries at an affordable price. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to throw some sprinkles on your next get together, I’m certain I have what you’re looking for.”
Things have been going well for Appleyard Bakery, but there are always ways to grow a small business – and Charlotte reached out to STWLC to help her do just that.
“I found out about the Charity through a friend who was lucky enough to be granted one of the loans,” remembered Charlotte.
“STWLC were extremely helpful and patient during the process, which made it stress-free. A big shout out to Sarah (Hope, Clerk to Trustees), who was a great help when ensuring that the documents were all in place.
“The loan will be going towards a new car so I can attend events, wedding fairs and offer more deliveries, as well as putting money towards recording training videos and updating the website,” added Charlotte, outlining the impact the interest-free loan is set to make.
“I am currently at the start of my journey in regards to using the loan from STWLC, however I would encourage other small businesses to check what they have on offer and apply for the loans to help build their businesses.”
When Charlotte doesn’t have her oven gloves on, she also organises market events within Charnwood to help find other small businesses and give them a platform to be showcased.
“We recently held our Autumn Market and I can’t wait for our big Christmas market at Stockyard on 2nd and 3rd December. I’d love to have some other STWLC small businesses to get involved and join us at these – so please click here for further information and to register your stall interest.”
For more information on Appleyard Bakery, please visit www.appleyardbakery.co.uk
You can also find them on Instagram by following @appleyard_events
To learn more about STWLC’s interest-free business loans, available up to £20,000, please click here