The Profitable Baker Podcast

Annie Bennett

The Profitable Baker — for bakers who mean business with Annie Bennett You bake beautifully. But running a profitable baking business? That’s where things can get messy. Each week, business mentor and baking industry expert Annie Bennett helps home bakers move beyond “just getting by” and start building a real, sustainable business. Inside every episode, you’ll hear practical strategies, honest conversations, and inspiring stories from bakers who’ve turned their passion into profit. From pricing and visibility to mindset and marketing, Annie breaks down what really works — without the fluff or overwhelm. If you’re ready to feel confident, charge your worth, and finally think like a business owner (not just a baker), you’re in the right place. From Annie Bennett at The Home Baking Business Academy Helping bakers to start and grow a profitable Home Baking Business. https://anniebennett.co.uk/

  1. 9h ago

    Episode 47: Inside the Judging Room with Cake International's Head Judges

    Send us Fan Mail What really happens when the judges walk up to your entry? This week I'm joined by David Close and Jane Hatton, Head Judges of Cake and Bake International, for a rare look behind the judging table. David and Jane share how they each found their way into judging, what the role of Head Judge actually involves, and the advice they'd give anyone entering the competition this year. Whether you're polishing your first entry or you've competed before, this is the conversation to listen to before you pack your cake box for the NEC. Cake International takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 6th to 8th November 2026. This episode is part of our Cake International series. Catch up on earlier conversations with Melanie Underwood (Ep45) and Natalie Porter (Ep46). Tickets to Cake International: https://www.cakeinternational.co.uk/birmingham-2026/ Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 25 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 47: Inside the Judging Room with Cake International's Head Judges
  2. Oct 14

    Episode 46: with special guest Natalie Porter of Immaculate Confections

    Send us Fan Mail This week I'm joined by Natalie Porter, the sugar artist behind Immaculate Confections. We talk about how her cake journey began, how she fell for sugar flowers, and how she built a reputation for detailed, lifelike floral work. Natalie also shares her experience with Cake International: what it's really like behind the scenes, what competing and being involved has done for her skills and visibility, and her advice for any baker wondering whether it's for them. This episode is part of our Cake International series. If you missed last week's conversation with Melanie Underwood, head of Cake and Bake International, go back and give it a listen. Win tickets to Cake International 2026: I'm giving away 5 pairs of tickets. CLICK HERE for details to enter. The draw closes 19th October. Connect with Natalie: Instagram: @immaculateconfectionsuk Website: https://immaculateconfections.co.uk/ Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 25 free resources to support your baking business Now with pricing guide: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 46: with special guest Natalie Porter of Immaculate Confections
  3. Oct 7

    EPISODE 45: Inside Cake International: A Conversation with Melanie Underwood

    Send us Fan Mail What really happens behind the scenes at the world's biggest cake show? And what does it mean for your business if you enter? This week I'm joined by Melanie Underwood, head of Cake and Bake International, for the first episode in our Cake International Guests series. We talk about how the show started, and how it has developed over the years. Cake International returns to the NEC Birmingham from 6th to 8th November 2026. All information about Cake and Bake International: https://www.cakeinternational.co.uk/ Coming next week: Natalie Porte of Immaculate Confections. Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    EPISODE 45: Inside Cake International: A Conversation with Melanie Underwood
  4. Sep 30

    Episode 44: Why Competitions Are Great for Visibility (Even If You Don't Win)

    Send us Fan Mail Could a cake competition be the most underused marketing tool in your business? In this episode, Annie makes the business case for entering competitions, and it has very little to do with medals. It's the opening taster for our Cake and Bake International series, leading up to the show at the NEC Birmingham, 6 to 8 November. In this episode, you'll learn: Why visibility, not your product, is often what's keeping good bakers smallHow competitions give you "borrowed credibility" that your own marketing can'tWhy the business value starts long before the results are announcedHow competing can make it easier to charge (and stand behind) your pricesThe four questions to answer before you enter anythingComing next week: Episode 45 with Melanie Underwood, head of Cake and Bake International. Join The Profitable Baker Academy for weekly live sessions on visibility, pricing, selling and more, for £30 a month: anniebennett.co.uk Links:  Cake International: cakeinternational.co.uk Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 44: Why Competitions Are Great for Visibility (Even If You Don't Win)
  5. Sep 23

    Episode 43: Why Saying No Is a Business Strategy, Not a Personality Flaw

    Send us Fan Mail Struggling to turn down rush orders, discount requests, or endless revisions? This episode makes the business case for saying no, and gives you the exact language to do it without the guilt spiral. You'll learn: Why "small yeses" are quietly costing you money and burnoutThe difference between the decision to say no and the delivery of itTwo ready-to-use scripts for turning down rush jobs and discount requestsA five-minute exercise to write your own non-negotiables before you need themReady to build the habits and confidence to run your business on your terms? Join The Profitable Baker Academy membership, link below. The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 43: Why Saying No Is a Business Strategy, Not a Personality Flaw
  6. Sep 16

    Episode 42 with special guest Suzanne Booth

    Send us Fan Mail Suzanne Booth is a Craft Business Mentor & Strategist for makers.  After 20+ years of selling textile-based craft to teaching in schools, she now helps and mentors makers who already sell their work to build more sustainable craft businesses.  Looking in particular at ways to add income streams beyond the making itself with things like workshops, courses and digital products, using a combination of her own creative experience and teaching knowledge. Connect with Suzanne here: Website: https://suzannebooth.co.uk/ Instagram @suzannebooth.creative Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership - and join in with The Great Bake Caper in October!! https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 42 with special guest Suzanne Booth
  7. Sep 9

    Episode 41: with special guest Claudia Sheena

    Send us Fan Mail Claudia Sheena FCA is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ experience, providing hands-on, proactive financial leadership to growing businesses. Claudia believes accountancy should be about far more than filing accounts and telling business owners what happened last year. She works closely with her clients throughout the year, helping them understand their numbers, plan ahead and make confident decisions about growth, profitability, cash flow and the future of their business.  Having built and grown her own accountancy practice, Claudia understands first-hand the challenges that come with running and scaling a business. Known for her approachable, plain-English style and responsive service, she aims to become a trusted financial partner to her clients, supported by her experienced UK-based team. Her focus is simple: helping business owners feel in control of their finances and giving them the financial insight and support they need to build the business they want. Claudia Sheena FCA Claudia Sheena Accountancy Services Ltd 07973 504 511 Please book a call with her here or have a look at her website.   Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 41: with special guest Claudia Sheena
  8. Sep 2

    Episode 40: The Q4 Reset: Why Your Best Quarter Starts With Looking Back

    Send us Fan Mail If the last few weeks have felt a bit foggy, school runs, no headspace, admin piling up, this episode is your reset.  Annie walks through why looking back briefly (not a deep post-mortem, just a 15-minute audit) sets you up for a much stronger Q4 than jumping straight to goal-setting. She also busts the "Q4 = Christmas" myth and shares three questions to get your own plan started today. In this episode: Why the "summer fog" is normal — and September is the right moment to clear itThe two-question business audit: what's worked, what hasn'tWhy Q4 is bigger than Christmas (engagement season, gift vouchers, classes)Reconnecting with why you started your business before you set targetsThree questions to kickstart your own Q4 plan today Connect with Annie: The Free Profitable Baker Bundle: 21 free resources to support your baking business: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-bundle/ Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakercommunity Annie’s Best seller Food Hygiene Record book, recommended by EHOs https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-books/ For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Profitable Baker Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-profitable-baker-academy-membership/ For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablebakeracademy/ https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablebakeracademy https://www.tiktok.com/@profitablebakeracademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-pba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk Support the show

    Episode 40: The Q4 Reset: Why Your Best Quarter Starts With Looking Back

About

The Profitable Baker — for bakers who mean business with Annie Bennett You bake beautifully. But running a profitable baking business? That’s where things can get messy. Each week, business mentor and baking industry expert Annie Bennett helps home bakers move beyond “just getting by” and start building a real, sustainable business. Inside every episode, you’ll hear practical strategies, honest conversations, and inspiring stories from bakers who’ve turned their passion into profit. From pricing and visibility to mindset and marketing, Annie breaks down what really works — without the fluff or overwhelm. If you’re ready to feel confident, charge your worth, and finally think like a business owner (not just a baker), you’re in the right place. From Annie Bennett at The Home Baking Business Academy Helping bakers to start and grow a profitable Home Baking Business. https://anniebennett.co.uk/

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