The Busty Bakery, run by a team of Geordie lasses who pride themselves on homemade food. They turned to BIPC North East’s Survive & Thrive Expert, Tracy Clarkson, for support in understanding cash flow, pricing, tax, and forecasting. Tracy’s clear, practical guidance helped them simplify their systems, improve their record keeping, and build confidence in managing key business responsibilities. As a result, the business now feels organised, in control, and better equipped to plan for future growth. Read on to find out more.
Please introduce yourself and your business:
Hello, I’m Nicola, owner of The Busty Bakery.
We’re a team of Geordie lasses who believe in the magic of homemade food. Every menu we create is thoughtfully designed to suit any occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, all with our signature homemade touch and a sprinkle of Geordie warmth. We make meals that remind you of home and bring people together over the joy of good food, adding a touch of elegance, a dash of flair, and a whole lot of love. From homemade buffets to weddings, celebrations of life, and bespoke cakes, every bite takes you on a journey. No matter the event, our goal is the same: to make people smile, feel at home, and celebrate life’s special moments in style.
What was the original inspiration for your business idea or how did you come up with the idea?
I started my business during lockdown after losing my job to Covid. I’ve always loved cooking, so I started making and delivering cakes and cheesecakes for friends and family and sharing it on social media. Things snowballed from there and here we are nearly six years later, loving what I do, bringing the magic of homemade food to homes and businesses!
3. Which Expert(s) in Residence did you work with?
Tracy Clarkson – Survive and Thrive
How did the Expert(s) support you/ help you develop your business idea/your trading business?
Running my business was allowing me to do what I love but, when it comes to the numbers, I have to admit that I felt out of my depth. Cash flow, costs, tax, and forecasting became overwhelming, especially because there’s such a lot of responsibilities within a business to think about and do. That’s where Tracy came in, just at the right time! I knew I needed help to really understand my numbers and make sense of what was happening behind the scenes but also knew I wasn’t quite ready to think about working with an accountant. From day one, Tracy made everything clear and manageable. She walked me through my costs, pricing, and profit margins, and showed me how to create realistic forecasts that made sense for me and my business. We tackled things like tax deadlines, record keeping, deposits and invoicing, as well as staff contracts, all the parts I’d been putting off because they felt too complicated.
What made the biggest difference was how patient and hands-on Tracy was. She explained everything in plain English, encouraged me to ask questions, and helped me understand everything step by step. I’ve now put simple practical systems in place and feel organised, capable, and more confident to make decisions. With Tracy’s support, I went from feeling lost and overwhelmed to feeling in control and ready to grow.
What are your plans for the future in the shorter and longer term?
I now plan to bring an accountant on board. I couldn’t have done this or known the right questions to ask without Tracy’s help, building the right foundations for me. Before working with her, I didn’t really understand my numbers, now I do. I feel more confident reading my figures and knowing what to look out for. If I’m honest, I didn’t start my business because I love spreadsheets, numbers and finance was always the part I tried to avoid. Even in the consideration of appointing an accountant, Tracy has helped me understand that it’s still my responsibility to stay on top of things and know what’s happening in my business, but, at my pace and with systems and processes (manual and digital) that I feel comfortable with.
What is your advice for those who are thinking of starting their own business?
There’s never a ‘perfect’ time to start a business, and sometimes you just have to take the leap. I’ve had days when nothing seems to go right, when things have confused me, or when I’ve wondered if I’ve taken on more than I thought was possible. For me, even on the tough days, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. I get to do something I love every day, which gives me massive satisfaction and a huge sense of achievement. I’m building something that’s mine and sharing my passion for great homemade food with my customers. My advice would be to ‘go for it!’ Just take one small step toward, you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
What is your advice for those who have taken the plunge but feel that they need further support?
Having someone to help me figure out what I actually needed was key for me. It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers and often, even with the best intentions, neither do your family and friends. Tracy gave me unbiased and experienced guidance and advice. Even though numbers and finance have never been my thing, her support really changed my approach to that whole part of my business.
The sooner you get the right support, the sooner you’ll feel in control. Don’t wait, just ask.
