Forres business Bakes You Knead started during lockdown is enjoying increased sales of delivered sweets and savouries
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A CHEF from Forres has launched his own home baking business.
Chris Gair started Bakes You Knead at his home in Caroline Street in November, using social media to build a customer base for his cakes, savouries and pies.
He explained: "The business has basically grown from a buttery recipe!
"I was out of work and got back into baking when I was given a traditional recipe for them. I initially sold my products to family and friends. They became so popular that I decided to bake other goods, including Victoria sponge, coffee cake, cinnamon swirls, mince and gravy pie, tattie and bean pies, steak pie, chicken pie, and haggis, neeps and tattie pies. I now post them all over the UK, including to Northern Ireland."
Chris started out as an apprentice baker after he left school, before entering a 30-year career in the hospitality industry, managing bars and restaurants in Aberdeen, Elgin, and Salisbury.
He eventually got into cheffing, working in Surrey, Canada and Moray.
He said: "I have all of the necessary qualifications and I've registered with Moray Council and the Environmental Health to bake from home.
"I set up a page on social media and I also use buy, swap and sell sites.
"My goods are made fresh to order so that they can be frozen by my customers. All of my products are made with good ingredients, patience and professionalism."
Chris added: "To anyone thinking about starting their own business: just do it, it's never too late. If it's something that you have a knack for and enjoy, then there's nothing stopping you!"
