Home Boost Business Lancashire logo

Boost Q&A: Rachael Foster-Jacob, Short But Sweet

Rachael Foster Jacob

Established in 2017, Short But Sweet is an award-winning home bakery business based in Chorley. Specialising in vegan and free-from baking, founder Rachael Foster-Jacob creates celebration cakes and wholesale goods that can be purchased direct, online or through local retail outlets.

Winner in the 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS) Hospitality Industry Award, Rachael shares her business inspirations, discusses the Boost support she received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.

Why did you contact Boost? 

After a meeting with Chorley Council’s business development team, and Boost was recommended to me as I was starting the process of expanding; looking to move into my first commercial premises and employing staff in the near future.

What support did you receive from Boost and how has it helped you and your business?

I had an initial meeting with Sue Denver and met with Hayley Caine who became my business adviser and I joined Boost's Growth Catalyst programme. Hayley has been great in helping me create a financial model, cash flow forecast and profitability model to ensure I am making informed decisions. 

What piece of advice stood out the most during your Boost support?

There has been lots of little lightbulb moments which in turn have big knock-on effects to making future decisions. It’s nice to have a sounding board for ideas and talk through things to help you see it from a different perspective.

Who has been your biggest business inspiration and why?

I was inspired to start the business when Alana Spencer won the 2016 series of The Apprentice with her bakery, Ridiculously Rich by Alana. I have followed her journey closely since and have loved seeing how she has grown and expanded while still staying true to her roots.

What motivates you in business and why?

My passion for baking and the happiness it brings to people! I love seeing customers’ faces light up when they hear about the vast range of vegan and free-from bakes I offer. They can enjoy eating cakes that they have perhaps missed out on for years or never even tried, due to dietary requirements or lifestyle choices.

What are your growth plans for the next three years?

In the next six months I hope to be in my first commercial kitchen and will then begin hiring my first staff. Then I wish to take on several new wholesale customers as well as increase my celebration and wedding cake offering.

How do you like to start your working day?

A good cup of tea while I sit down and plan my baking schedule for the day ahead!

Why is Lancashire a great location for a business?

There is so much support available for business and the community of small businesses is just fantastic and thriving. You never feel isolated, there is always someone willing to help.

What would you say to someone who is considering using Boost?

Reach out and make that initial contact, it is definitely worth exploring all the options for your business and you have nothing to lose in doing so.

What is your advice for anyone looking to grow a business?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Attend networking events and ask plenty of questions, you never know who is going to be in the room and be able to take your business further.

If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.

Share

You may also like...

Boost Q&A: Emma Bolton, BoltonHR Boost Q&A Emma Bolton
22nd November 2024
 | 
Boost Q&A
Boost Q&A: Emma Bolton, BoltonHR
BoltonHR is an independent HR provider supporting businesses that either don’t have an internal HR function or businesses that do but they need an additional resource either with HR level or capacity. Here, she shares her business inspirations, discusses the Boost support she received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.
Boost Q&A: Sher Shah, Accrington Surgical Instrument Suppliers Ltd Sher Shah
29th October 2024
 | 
Boost Q&A
Boost Q&A: Sher Shah, Accrington Surgical Instrument Suppliers Ltd
Director Sher Shah has been involved in the day-to-day running of the Accrington Surgical Instrument Suppliers Ltd, a family-owned business, since graduating and completing his university studies. Here, he shares his business inspirations, discusses the Boost support he received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.

Sign up to our newsletter

For insights and events to help your business thrive.

In completing this form, you understand that Lancashire County Council (Boost) has a requirement to process your personal data. Lancashire County Council will only ever process your personal data where it has a clear lawful basis for doing so in full compliance with data protection legislation - UK GDPR and The Data Protection Act (2018). We will ensure the security and confidentiality of your personal data at all times. For full details of how Lancashire County Council handles your personal data please see our privacy notice here . Some information relating to this public funded project may be declared to third parties under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Funded by local govmt
Department for Trade and Business
Northern Powerhouse
Lancashire County Council

The website uses cookies.

Some are used for statistical purposes and others are set up by third party services. By clicking 'Accept all & close', you accept the use of cookies. For more information on how we use and manage cookies, please read our Cookie Policy.