Is 2024 going to be a big year for your baking business? Are you looking for some inspiration to raise the roof on your business? Are you looking for ways to work on your business rather than in your business? If you answered yes to these three questions we have compiled a list of resources, tools, and templates that can help you grow and succeed in your baking business in 2024.
We’ve created a list of areas specific to baking businesses that you can revise or implement to get your business in tip top shape. As experienced bakers or prior business owners the NBIA team are here to assist you, please feel free to reach out for assistance.
The Baking Business Growth Checklist
> Attend industry events
The baking industry has many events you can attend to network with fellow baking business owners, source ingredients, or learn about new equipment. The NBIA also holds quartly industry discussions if you are interested in attending contact us.
> Reach out to a baking business mentor
The NBIA team are available to assist NBIA Members with advice in business, marketing, and recipe trouble shooting or kitchen issues. Our team are highly experienced bakers or business owners and can provide a wealth of knowledge.
> Keep intouch with your industry
We recommend visiting other bakeries and learning how they run their business. They may have a solution to a problem that you are encountering. Sign up to our weekly eNewsletter and follow us on social media to keep up with industry news, trends, and more.
> Learn about your customers
Learn about your customers demographic, where they are exposed to your business, and what their needs are. Once you recognise the problem you can provide the solution.
> Formulate a marketing plan
Consider opportunities such as social media, local PR, influencers, online ordering, and advertising, and more. Login to the NBIA Members Portal to browse some baking business marketing ideas, NBIA Members can also contact us for assistance in this area.
> Reassess your business structure
Changes to your business structure may require you to update government agencies. This includes the Australian Business Register which will need to be informed of any changes within 28 days.
> Revise or create a business plan
A business plan is an organic document about your business. Revising it regularly can help guage areas that need attention and keep you on track with your original business goals.
> Protect your business
Understand where your business stands when it comes to licences and permits so that you are safeguarded against any legal action. Also revise your insurances, food safety compliance, workplace health and safety compliance, and ensure your business is protected from cyber attacks.
> Recognise and document processes
Understanding and knowing who does what in your business is essential. Reviewing your processes regularly can help you to recognise areas that need improvement and gaps in your staff skill set.
> Update your policies
Keeping your policies up-to-date helps your staff know and understand what is expected of them. The NBIA has a broad selection of policies that have been formulated with baking businesses in mind. Visit the NBIA Membership Portal to order laminated copies of these for your bakery.
> Invest in professional development
Keeping skills up-to-date can help with injury prevention, increase staff moral, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Consider apprenticeships, recognision of prior learning (RPL), and traineeships contact the NBIA or login to the NBIA Members Portal to learn more about training in the baking industry.
> Know your obligations
Avoid legal action by understanding and knowing your obligations when running a business. This includes staff contracts, wages, and conditions of employment. NBIA members receive unlimited industrial relations phone and email support. Call 1300 557 022 to discuss your IR needs with our consultant.
> Find ways to grow your business
Be innovative, move to a larger premises, explore online opportunities, or research baking equipment that can increase production. There have been many technological advancements in the baking industry over the past few years.
> Hire staff
Hiring staff can introduce new skills to your business which may result in productivity growth or highlight unutilised skills in other staff members. NBIA has provided a job board to advertise and promote your baking jobs within the industry.
At the National Baking Industry Association our mission is for a thriving baking industry. This means we are here to support you and the Australian baking industry in your pursuit for success. Contact us via phone (1300 557 022) or email for assistance.