Baker wins showstopper video for her business

Baker bags competition prize

A local baker has won a competition and secured a promotional online film to showcase her work.

Braintree District Council’s Economic Development team held the competition throughout December and into January.

Lucky winner Lorraine Hakes was picked at random from more than 45 entries. Lorraine, 36, started her business Lozzie Hakes Bakes in 2016 from her home kitchen in Braintree. She creates personalised cakes, cupcakes, biscuits and sweet cones for every occasion.

She said: “I started my business three years ago after dreaming about doing it for around eight years. I have been self-employed since 2011 in another industry, but making cakes was the creative job I craved. I’m a single parent so work flexibility is really important and it means I have a fairly good work/life balance. Business has grown year on year and I’m taking wedding cake bookings up until 2021! I’m just so thankful to all my customers for supporting me and allowing me to do something I truly enjoy. I am thrilled to have won this competition and I am looking forward to filming.”

Lorraine entered the competition on Braintree District Council’s Instagram channel. Businesses were asked to state why they liked doing business in the Braintree District. Her entry read ‘My business is @lozziehakesbakes and I love Braintree. I have a lovely client base and even though I’ve only lived here for five years, I feel like I’ve lived here my whole life – the people are very nice and welcoming.’

Danielle Putt, Economic Development Officer at Braintree District Council, said: “We know how important web promotion is to modern businesses and that’s why we wanted to offer this fantastic prize.”

Cllr Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “The competition has highlighted so many wonderful and hardworking businesses and I’ve loved hearing all the reasons why the people behind the businesses enjoy working here. I very much hope the film helps highlight Lorraine’s fantastic business and helps it continue to grow.”

Edward Starr of Starr Brothers Films who will produce the film said: “We are delighted Lorraine has won the competition for the online video, she has all the ingredients for a showstopper video and we can’t wait to put the cherry on top!”

The competition was open to all businesses in the Braintree District and it was promoted on the council’s social media channels, in the local media and within Braintree District Council e-newsletters.

Terms and conditions for the competition can be found here: www.braintree.gov.uk/film

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