Schoolboy Ike’s recipe for success

A Thorpe schoolboy has set up a home-based bakery business – and his products have been selling like …hot cakes!

Ike Butcher’s culinary creations have proved so popular with visitors to the Ike Shed at his Thunder Lane house that a sold out sign he bought recently is in regular use.

SUCCESS ON A PLATE: Some of Ike’s tasty treats.

“The other week he sold out in one day. So it’s a good idea for people to visit on Saturdays if they don’t want to miss out,” said his mum Paula Butcher.

Ike said his love of baking developed during cake-making sessions with his mum. “She really likes cake and she taught me. When I’m older I would like to have a bakery with a cafe at the seaside, that sells the best cakes and I might sell them online too.”

He added: “I am very happy that my cakes have been selling out, although that means I don’t get to eat the left-overs.”

Ike’s parents helped him to register his idea as a business. “He did the food hygiene training and allergen training. Then someone from Food Standards came to check the house and speak to him. He was given the top mark!, said Paula. “He designed his logo and we managed to get it digitalised, and we advertised with leaflet drops. A cupboard was upcycled into the shed that he uses to display his goods.”

She added: “I’m really proud of Ike. He is only 12 and it’s such a commitment to keep up with, alongside all his school work and other hobbies. He has had some great feedback from customers.”

Dad Graham added: “It’s a good life lesson. He is learning so many skills – like managing his time, keeping records, managing costs   and profits etc.”

Ike  bakes on a Thursday after school        and finishes anything off on the Friday    (working around football training for Thorpe U12s) and then the Ike Shed is open   Saturday to Monday, depending on how the sales have gone.

His baking range includes: deep pan cookies, stuffed cookies, carrot cake, lemon cake, chocolate fudge cake, peanut butter flapjack, rocky road .

He also takes orders if he can manage them, depending on time. The Ike Shed will be closed over the Easter weekend. People can follow on Facebook for updates.