Dog treats team laps up busy year after move to Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

Barking Bakery was founded by Michelle Turnbull at her home in Wesham in 2012.

But she said demand has rocketed over the past year despite the coronavirus lockdown since her move to the airport enterprise zone.

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

It 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.

Michelle and her business appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den programme last year and, while none of the dragons invested, the exposure resulted in scores of other offers and 70,000 hits on the firm’s website from interested customers.

Michelle’s team hand-bakes and decorates cup-cakes and biscuits as well as personalised ‘pawty’ cakes, exclusively for dogs.

The baked goods are distributed through top 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.

Michelle, who was previously baking from her home kitchen, said the move allowed her to expand her product line following the installation of a large commercial.

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.”

Lancashire law firm Harrison Drury, led by property lawyer Wendy Newbury, advised Michelle on the lease of the new premises.

Wendy said: “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.”