The Profitable Baker Podcast

Annie Bennett

The Profitable Baker — for bakers who mean business with Annie Bennett Launching 14th November. 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. And you can get involved… Join the Profitable Baker Podcast group, and share your tips and stories for Annie. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakerpodcastlaunch From Annie Bennett at The Home Baking Business Academy Helping bakers to start and grow a profitable Home Baking Business. https://anniebennett.co.uk/

Episodes

  1. Episode 10: Why Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Good for Business

    FEB 4

    Episode 10: Why Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Good for Business

    Why Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Good for Business If your business feels stuck or flat, it’s often not a skills issue — it’s a comfort issue. In this episode, Annie explores why staying comfortable in business can quietly hold you back, and why real growth usually sits just outside what feels safe and familiar. This isn’t about taking reckless risks, but about making sensible decisions that lead to a more sustainable, profitable business. In this episode: Why comfort feels good but often costs you more than you realiseHow comfort shows up in home baking businessesWhy growth happens at the edge of what feels familiarWhat moving out of your comfort zone actually looks like in practiceWhy discomfort is information, not a red flagHow better boundaries and clearer decisions lead to profitAnnie also shares a personal decision, closing her long-running free Facebook group, and why choosing progress over familiarity matters if you want a business that truly works. If you have found this episode useful, please follow of subscribe on the platform that you listen on, and leave a review! Connect with Annie: For regular delves into baking business matters, including taking part in podcast episodes: https://anniebennett.co.uk/#subscribe For structured support, training and accountability: Join The Home Baking Business Academy Membership https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-academy/ For free tips, insight and real-world business talk: Follow me on social media https://www.instagram.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy/ https://www.facebook.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy https://www.tiktok.com/@hbbacademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-hbba/ For her website with all this and more: anniebennett.co.uk

    12 min
  2. Episode 8: Conversation with Claire Paylor, EHO

    JAN 14

    Episode 8: Conversation with Claire Paylor, EHO

    I was delighted to have Claire as my guest for a chat, in my facebook group, The Home Baking Business Academy Network. Thank you so much for joining me Claire. Claire tells me a little of how she became an EHO, and then answers these questions: - Can you tell us what an EHO does?  - What do you look for in a kitchen inspection? - What things will mark a baker down from a 5 rating? - Why do different EHOs seem to have different priorities/criteria? - Where should we store eggs? - What changes does a baker need to report to their EHO? E.G. new kitchen? moving house? making new products i.e. cheesecakes? savoury foods? - What illnesses might prevent a baker from trading? i.e. baker’s child has chicken pox or covid? - What should food traders do at markets when the weather is very hot or very cold? - What about handwashing at markets? - Would having a dog in the house prevent me from home baking? - Can I run a business with an open plan kitchen and lounge? - What happens when an EHO gets a complaint? - What do we put in the ‘prove it’ section of the SFBB? - Can we use food gels and sprinkles past their Best Before Date? - Does a baker need a different set of equipment for allergen free bakes? Find out more about The Home Baking Business Academy,  https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-academy/ Follow The Home Baking Business Academy: https://www.instagram.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy/ https://www.facebook.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy https://www.tiktok.com/@hbbacademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-hbba/

    36 min
  3. Episode 4: Visibility. With special guest Ziggy Li, The Flowering Baker.

    12/05/2025

    Episode 4: Visibility. With special guest Ziggy Li, The Flowering Baker.

    Ziggy Li, the Flowering Baker I’m the creator behind The Flowering Baker, based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. Once a Science Teacher, now a proud mum of two, living with my husband in the heart of the Midlands. When I’m not creating bespoke cakes, you’ll find me spending time with my family, enjoying the beauty of the countryside. My baking journey started by making birthday cakes (football themed, princess, unicorns, Harry Potter etc) for my own children and friends. However, through the love of all things flowers and, of course cake, I found myself learning the art of handpiping buttercream flowers! And in February 2024, that is when The Flowering Baker officially blossomed! It’s been a very steep learning curve with no background in business but I love to share my journey, its challenges and how ignoring my imposter syndrome for a decision opened up doors that I would have never imagined! It’s been a crazy year but I wouldn’t have had it any other way!  Website: https://thefloweringbaker.co.uk/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringbaker/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thefloweringbaker/ TIPS: Shows:  Don’t be afraid to ask for a specific location or spot at the event - make it work for you! See if it’s been well advertised so check previous years. Better advertisement better footfall and/or sales! Suppliers: Whether events suppliers (e.g. wedding suppliers, venues, services, cafes etc) tag them! Use @mention in your Stories or tag them in your posts! Collab tag suppliers so they can post your work on their platforms thereby leveraging on their audiences! TFP links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1919130158350620 https://www.facebook.com/groups/2913759308876359 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1976528095939154 Ziggy Mentioned…. The Home Baking Business Bible (previously the Home Baking Business handbook) https://amzn.eu/d/g9s3GRj The Home baking Business Food hygiene Record Book: https://amzn.eu/d/5cgKcn2 Find out more about The Home Baking Business Academy, including details for December’s goals month: https://anniebennett.co.uk/the-home-baking-business-academy/ Follow The Home Baking Business Academy: https://www.instagram.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy/ https://www.facebook.com/thehomebakingbusinessacademy https://www.tiktok.com/@hbbacademy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-bennett-hbba/

    36 min

About

The Profitable Baker — for bakers who mean business with Annie Bennett Launching 14th November. 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. And you can get involved… Join the Profitable Baker Podcast group, and share your tips and stories for Annie. https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprofitablebakerpodcastlaunch From Annie Bennett at The Home Baking Business Academy Helping bakers to start and grow a profitable Home Baking Business. https://anniebennett.co.uk/