Eighteen-year-old Daniel Arundel launched the Arundel Bakery with an event entertaining guests with an evening “of cake, bakes and a spot of bubbly”.
Speaking at the launch Arundel said: “I’ve been working hard for a long time to get the bakery to this stage and I’m thrilled to have achieved my goal of opening my own shop. I’m now looking forward to taking the business to the next level, opening more shops around the country.”
Daniel, who graduated with the highest distinction award from the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Oldham College this summer, first set up the bakery as a market stall in 2012, when he was just 16.
At 17, having opened a number of stalls across Manchester, he signed up to the academy to hone his skills and learn more about how to develop a business.
His time on the BTEC level 3 course in enterprise and entrepreneurship was so successful that he secured second place in the organisation’s National Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
In recognition of his achievements, he received £1,000 investment from the Peter Jones Foundation – which runs the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy – and was presented a cheque by star of Dragons’ Den Peter Jones CBE.
Arundel continued: “I started working at my mum’s sandwich shop when I was nine and it was there that I discovered a passion for baking. I had really bad anxiety at school, but opening my own bakery gave me something to focus on.
“The academy has really brought me out of my shell and helped me build up my confidence. Since the start of the course I’ve quadrupled my business.”
As well producing a range of delicious baked goods, Daniel works to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Peter Jones CBE said: “We are so proud of Daniel’s success and we’re looking forward to following his progress over the coming years. He worked so hard during his time on our course and deserves all the rewards that come his way. I have no doubt that Daniel will achieve great things with the Arundel Bakery.”
Launched in 2009, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is a nationwide network of colleges that delivers specialist courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
