Bakers Delight has its sights set on the west coast, a move prompted by recent figures that highlight a significant portion of Western Australians are seeking a career change.  

A recent survey conducted by Pure Profile for the bakery chain revealed nearly half of WA men aged between 30 and 45 are considering a career change in the near future.

Bakers Delight has also found that over the last 12 months, 85 percent of new franchisee applications in WA came from people with backgrounds in industries other than baking – they hail from sectors such as mining, finance and retail, among others.

Bakers Delight is on the look-out for franchisees to take on 12 new sites across the metro, southwest, northwest and Goldfields regions.

The company’s co-founder, executive director and joint CEO, Roger Gillespie reiterated it isn’t essential that new franchisees have a background in baking.  

“There are clear skills we look for in our franchisees, but baking isn’t necessarily always one of them. WA is a strong growth area for us and we’re looking for candidates who are interested in owning and building their own successful business but may not have the confidence or resources to go about it on their own right now,” he said. 

“Being part of a continually-growing network like Bakers Delight, offers the opportunity for business ownership but with the added bonus of having a safe, supportive and growing network behind you.” 

Geraldton-based Bakers Delight franchisee Andrew Golding, who was previously employed as a business finance manager, is evidence of the trend. 

“I was advising clients about buying businesses. I’d always considered being a business owner, although I never imagined it would be a bakery. I looked over the numbers and realised the potential straightaway,” he said.

“I wanted a change, to do something different where I’d be challenged. I’d never baked before, but knew my appreciation for numbers would help me run a business and remain profitable.”