Image
Homebaked Bakery

Homebaked is a co-operative bakery and community land trust, located opposite Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, serving their award-winning pies to both football fans and locals alike. 

Duration
5 Years
Cost of capital
9%
Turnover
£387,800
Amount invested
£60,100
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

Challenge

The co-operative saved their local bakery from demolition and has since grown into a thriving business and community space, with over 30 active volunteers and 15 members of staff, all with strong links to the local areas. As their business grew and the number of daily visitors to the café doubled in just two years, demand had began to outstrip supply and they needed the right equipment and more facilities to be able to scale up their production. 

Solution

The first step for Homebaked was to apply for the Reach Fund, an engagement programme that helps organisations to become ‘Investment Ready’. Upon completion, they applied for social investment from Livv Investment and were successful in their bid for blended finance (£15,500 grant and £45,500 loan). 

The process was relatively fast, meaning Homebaked could hit the ground running, plan effectively and move quickly to make the most of the demand that they were experiencing. 

Revenue     

The social investment was used to purchase a dedicated catering unit and specialised equipment, which enabled them to increase their pie production capabilities threefold. This also created new positions within the business and freed up space within the premises for more educational courses, including classes for local school children. 

Homebaked have also utilised the social investment to increase their trading activity, which now includes the Baltic Market and a stall at a charity event at Liverpool FC. 

The extra capital has not only opened up an array of new opportunities but also helped to build the beginnings of valuable and strategic partnerships.  

Impact

“Livv Investment really took the time to understand our aims as a business and support us through our application. The process was quick and the guidance we received enabled us to build a more robust business plan. Investment has given us a chance to grow, employ more people and be responsive to the great opportunities that are coming our way.”

Sally-Anne Watkiss, Treasurer, Homebaked 

“Homebaked is so much more than just a bakery and café, it’s an educational, social and training hub that is helping to bring that sense of community back to Anfield and its residents. With this in mind, we were keen to support the business with the investment and it’s been a joy to watch them continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Howard Roberts, Executive Director of Finance and Performance at Livv Investment.