Bakers Delight offer business opportunity to young guns

Retail bakery franchise company, Bakers Delight , is providing 50 young hopefuls the opportunity to take control of their destiny and operate their own bakery within 12 months, through an innovative new recruitment program called Manage to Own.

During September 2009 Bakers Delight will kick off its recruitment campaign to recruit a select group of highly motivated individuals to complete the program. The retail franchise company is looking for people who have the competency and desire to own their own bakery, but lack the startup capital required.  No former bakery experience is required.

Lesley Gillespie, Co-Founder and CEO of the bakery franchise group, said, “We are very pleased to be able to offer 50 people such an exciting foot-up in their careers and the chance to get ahead in business that they probably never thought or dreamed was possible.

“Energy and enthusiasm counts for a lot and young people play a fundamental role in our business’ success. The Manage to Own program will help ensure we continue to have the very best franchisees in the Bakers Delight network.”  

The successful Manage to Own applicants will each receive five months of paid on-the-job training, followed by six months experience managing a retail bakery franchise. Bakers Delight will then help them take the next step to purchasing a bakery through a combination of financial assistance – possibly including working capital, vendor finance and bonus schemes – as well as ongoing advice, training and operational support.

The selection criteria is broad, however those with a background in retail, hospitality or management may be especially suited to the program. “More than anything we’re looking for people with the right attitude, drive and self belief to carve out a successful and profitable career with Bakers Delight,” Lesley explained.

Bakers Delight boasts a franchise success rate of over 90 per cent. So successful is its franchise model that 40 per cent of its bakeries are owned by franchisees with more than one site.   

The Manage to Own program will play an important role in Bakers Delight’s growth strategy and financial success through the injection of fresh new talent into the business.