For Business of the Week, Jess spoke to us about her gluten-free cake business.

If you would like your business to feature as Business or Trader of the Week, email tabitha.wilson@newsquest.co.uk

What’s your full name?

Jess Gillis

What’s the name of the business?

Jess Bakes GF Cakes

What’s the address?

Jess sells gluten-free bakes (Image: Supplied)

Saxon Park, Warrington (I work on a by-order basis only, so I don’t share my exact address).

Are you the owner/manager?

Yes, it’s just me!

When did you open the business?

I’ve been baking for friends and family since 2020, and I have been fully registered since 2024.

Jess has been baking for friends and family since 2020 (Image: Supplied)

Has it always been in the same location?

Yes.

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Yes, I’ve always lived in Warrington.

Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?

I make gluten-free cakes and treats, from celebration cakes to cookies, brownies and millionaire’s shortbread.

She makes a variety of gluten-free treats (Image: Supplied)

Why did you decide to open your own business?

I started an Instagram page during lockdown to document my gluten-free bakes, and I quickly realised that I wasn’t the only person who found it difficult to find cakes and treats that are safe for coeliacs to eat – people I knew and friends of friends contacted me to ask if they could order, and things have grown from there!

What’s your business background?

This is my first business. 

I also work full-time in the Utilities industry.

Why this type of business?

I have Coeliac disease, and it is really difficult to get gluten-free sweet treats that are just like the ‘normal’ version!

Jess has Coeliac disease (Image: Supplied)

I am passionate about providing people with good-quality, tasty, and most importantly, safe treats.  

What makes your business different from others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I am genuinely passionate about being inclusive to all – although all of my bakes are gluten-free as standard, I will always do my best to accommodate different allergies and intolerances, as I understand how it feels not to have options available to you.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

I think my customers return because I help them to feel like they don’t have to miss out on nice things! 

She is passionate about inclusivity (Image: Supplied)

My bakes allow them to have treats that don’t taste like they are adapted to fit their dietary requirements. 

I also have returning customers who don’t actually require gluten-free products – I think that is a testament to how much care and dedication I put into making sure that my bakes are just like the ‘real’ thing.  

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

I’d like to continue to build on my current offering, attend more community fayres and events, and build on the postal offering, too.