During 2021 we had the pleasure of meeting a local Torquay resident who needed some help to get his bakery business up and running. Alain was already an experienced baker but struggling to establish a business model that suited his needs He joined the Ready for Work programme in Torbay, funded by Torbay Council, in partnership with the TDA. During the six-week programme, where Alain had one to one coaching to help him work towards his aim of running his own business, Alain also began to sell his bakery products at a networking event held at St Magadelene Church in Torquay. This proved to be very successful, and his lovely bread sold out extremely quickly. The event also allowed Alain to make some useful contacts for future sales.
Motiv-8 continued to support Alain and our employer engagement coach helped him with ongoing personal and business support. To begin with he became self-employed and started to run his business from home. But it soon became obvious that space was an issue, however, he used this time to sort out all his regulatory requirements and search for a space that would be suitable to run his business from.
Eventually, Alain’s hard work and perseverance paid off and he found a suitable premises, which was carefully refurbished, he focused on managing the funds available and diligently prioritised the necessities for a safe and proud opening of the Pan Au Levain Bakery, alongside the bustling Torquay Harbourside, in August 2021.
We are so proud of Alain and what he has achieved, and it is so wonderful to be a part of his success story!
If you are unemployed and live in Torquay, Brixham or Paignton then contact Motiv-8 to find out about the FREE courses that are available to get you on the right track to get back into work.
