07/06/2026
THIS.
‼️ BREAKING NEWS! Cake Shed Owners are “raking in £1,000 a week selling cakes in a shed”. ‼️
Ummm… I’d like to know WHO because I’m CLEARLY doing something wrong! 😂
There’s been a lot of scrutiny in the news recently surrounding cake sheds and the requirement for street trading licences. Some councils are reportedly charging over £1,000 a year for these licences, which seems excessive and unfair. Thankfully, my local council has been nothing but supportive and helpful throughout the process of obtaining my licence and running my business. Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the experience everywhere.
I’ve also heard claims that cake shed owners are earning £1,000 a week, with some local businesses questioning whether that’s fair because they have higher overheads. But nobody is forced to operate in a particular way. If a lower-overhead model suits a business better, that option is available to them too. We’re not taking business away from anyone—customers are free to spend their money where they choose. I’ve had the odd dig about my bake shed, but this industry is tough enough without tearing each other down. There’s room for different business models, and a little kindness goes a long way.
Speaking from my own experience, once you factor in ingredients, tax, gas, electricity, insurance, licences and ACTUALLY paying yourself a wage, the reality is very different.
And let’s not forget that I’m the only person behind my business. I’m the baker, content creator, accountant, stock controller, shopper, allergen-label maker, Saturday morning shed stocker, and the one replying to your messages.
On top of all that, I’m also a mum, a wife and a teacher. It certainly isn’t the easy money-maker some people think it is.
Most cake shed owners are simply trying to share their passion, bring a little joy to their communities, and hopefully earn a modest income doing something they love. The truth is, you have to love it, because it’s certainly not a guaranteed or stable source of income.
Of course, I can only speak for myself, but I do feel the media needs to BACK OFF and let us get on with what we enjoy most—baking and making people happy. ❤️
Love,
Gem x
