Young Wirral entrepreneur nominated for national award

A young baker from Prenton who started her own business last year so she could attend Wirral's first ever Youth Market, has been nominated for a national award that recognises young entrepreneurs.

Jess Lord, started her business The Possible Kitchen at last July's market in Liscard and did such a roaring trade, she set up stall again at the second Youth Market in New Brighton in May. Her business, which specialises in gluten and dairy-free cakes, was recognised as one of the 'stand-out traders' at the event, so she was invited to attend the National Market Traders Federation regional final, held in Bolton.

The organisers were so impressed with her ambition and enthusiasm, not to mention her delicious cakes, she received a 'Highly Commended Award' which means she'll be heading to the national finals in August, which take place in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Jess said: "I had such a lovely time and it was amazing to receive the award."

Jess's love for baking started as a child. She said: "I have fond memories of baking with my Nan and my Mum is a great baker too so you could say that I've had the best teachers!"

Her business idea came about when she noticed that her partner, who is coeliac and dairy-free, had limited or no options for desserts at restaurants. Jess said: "I knew with some simple swaps I'd be able to make delicious gluten and dairy free cakes."

When she saw posters advertising Wirral's first Youth Market in July, she realised this was her chance to see if people enjoyed her baked goods... and the answer was a resounding yes.

Jess, who would love to open her own bakery in the future, continued: "Without the Youth Market, I would never have had the courage to start The Possible Kitchen. The two markets have helped me massively as they're the perfect platform to test out a business idea. I would encourage any young entrepreneurs to apply."

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With a healthy dollop of initiative, Jess created her own cake especially for Saturday's event, celebrating a notable link between Wirral and Bolton.

Jess said: "I discovered that William Lever was born in Bolton and together with his brother established Lever Brothers, one of the first companies to manufacture soap from vegetable oils. It was named 'Sunlight soap', which is how Port Sunlight got its name! So I created my own 'Lever cake' which has a refreshing lemon flavour, to symbolise the cleanliness and innovation associated with Lever Brothers' soap products. Bolton's Mayor particularly enjoyed it!"

Wirral Council will soon be announcing details of their third Youth Market, which will be open to young traders aged 13-29.