Having set out in business in 2002 David and Paul have been on a roller coaster journey, but now some 10 years on couldn’t be happier with the way things are going.
Along the journey there have been many exciting and fantastic moments, making cakes for the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Albert of Monaco, appearing on TV a few times and above all seeing customers faces when they get that extra special WOW factor cake. However, as with any business, its not all been plain sailing.
The Pro Membership is due to be launched this weekend which shows the things they did well and the mistakes they made. It’s a must see for anyone who is about to or who has started their own cake decorating business, but needs a bit of help. The mystery will be taken out of how to set up, what to charge, effective marketing and getting the right systems in place. If you’re in the UK just by understanding the rules on VAT will pay for this membership many times over.
Starting as a sole trader business in 2002 to generating a turnover of £1m with 35 staff over seven outlets including a cupcake cafe bar, concessions in large department stores like Jenners and House of Fraser, there’s been numerous learning experience gained along the way. The Pro membership will take you on the journey and help will always be on hand to help guide you through with people who have been there and done it.
As David will explain they were close to going out of business 5 years ago with the single most factor being that they weren’t charging what was needed in order to generate a profit. Perhaps the hardest decision the pair took, but they increased prices significantly, reduced costs and navigated a way through the crisis.
In recognition of their focus on Customer Service and a quality product in 2010 their company was Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier in Scotland.
David also has experience coaching young businesses in Scotland through the Prince’s Trust and has a network of experienced business people he can call upon for guidance. Being a part of the Pro membership indirectly gives you access to this network too. With the Pro members forum we are keen that members share their experiences in setting up and running their businesses.
Keep an eye on the website, Facebook and your in-box for details on how to sign up.
Here’s a quick preview….
sweets2
Hi David,
just a quick question regarding cost of Pro Membership. I recently paid £199 for my pro membership, but since reading your blog on Sep27th mentioning special offers for existing members & pro rata discounts for anyone signed up for Annual Membership. I’m wondering if I’ve paid to much. Perhaps you could clarify this for me.
Many Thanks
Sweets2
david
Hi Jgibb,
The Pro membership is aimed mainly for anyone starting from home to get the foundations for running a profitable business. I promise that if you watch all the videos and you feel that its not helped you then I will refund the fee.
I have found that a lot of people have the passion but just lack guidance to get them through the sometimes tricky setting up stages. This will give you a complete guide and if you get stuck of if there’s anything missing we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Hope this helps, but happy to talk things through if that would help. 0141 552 3457
Kind regards
David
Jgibb
Hi David,
Many thanks for that, I understand now, silly me didn’t think of that. I was wondering if you would advise me somewhat? I am 56 years old, I have a disability with my left arm which prevents me from doing certain things such as royal icing, however, I don’t let it stop me doing other stuff. I have in the past done a post grad course in business management and would dearly love to make and decorate cakes every day. I also want to work from home as I care for my autistic daughter who cannot be left alone for long periods. My question is would it be worth it to invest in the pro membership as I probably could only work from home?
Julie.
david
hi Jgibb,
The way things are set up it needs to be a one off payment. We don’t want to have anyone enter into contracts and with the Pro membership someone could easily watch all the material and download all the guides within the month, which would under value the product.
I know it seems a lot but I guarantee that if you are in business or thinking of going into business its the best investment you’ll make. We lost £££££ by doing what we thought was best, but with hindsight would have done things totally differently and its that experience that you’d be investing in.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards
David
Jgibb
Hi David, great news in this uncertain financial and political climate. I wanted to ask if the fee for pro membership is a straightforward one off payment or will you be allowing people to pay in instalments? I would like to venture into business but am on state benefits and a one off payment would be too much all at once for me.
david
Annual Pro Membership will include all the cake videos currently included in the Annual Membership and will cost £249. There will be special offers for exiting members and pro rata discounts for anyone already signed up to an Annual Membership.
emails should be out tomorrow / Saturday
Kind regards
David
Mish
Yippee!!! Pricing structure x
sandra abbott
Hi David, enjoyed your chat, great introduction to making a profit.
Sandra Abbott
david
Thanks Sandra.
Every time I think I’ve done all the videos I think of a new one.
Suppose that’s good thing!
Kind regards
David