Retail bakery franchise, Bakers Delight, is giving 50 young hopefuls the opportunity to operate their own bakery within 12 months, through a new recruitment program called Manage to Own.
During September 2009 Bakers Delight will kick off its recruitment campaign to recruit a select group of individuals to complete the program. The company is looking for people who have the competency and desire to own their own bakery, but lack the start-up capital required. No former bakery experience is required.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer 50 people such an exciting foot-up in their careers and the chance to get ahead in business that they probably never thought or dreamed was possible,” said co-founder and CEO of Bakers Delight, Lesley Gillespie.
“Energy and enthusiasm counts for a lot and young people play a fundamental role in our business’ success. The Manage to Own program will help ensure we continue to have the very best franchisees in the Bakers Delight network.
The successful Manage to Own applicants will each receive five months of paid on-the-job training, followed by six months experience managing a retail bakery.
Bakes Delight will then help them take the next step to purchasing a bakery through a combination of financial assistance – possibly including working capital, vendor finance and bonus schemes – as well as ongoing advice, training and operational support.
The selection criteria is broad, however, those with a background in retail, hospitality or management may be especially suited to the program.
“More than anything we’re looking for people with the right attitude, drive and self belief to carve out a successful and profitable career with Bakers Delight,” explained Gillespie.
Bakers Delight boasts a franchise success rate of over 90 per cent, with 40 per cent of its bakeries owned by franchisees with more than one site.
The company posted global revenues of $591 million in FY09 and is expected to increase this to $608 million this financial year.