A WEE COUNTY cake baker has fought off some fierce competition to become a finalist in this year’s official Scottish Wedding Awards – just weeks after expanding into her first High Street premises.

Carolyn Wilson, of Buttercream Dream, is one of seven wedding cake producers to be shortlisted in the coveted Cake Decorator of the Year (Central) category.

Having started to sell her creations seven years ago on Facebook, the former full-time mum built a large customer base quickly, producing cakes for all occasions including weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

At the end of last year, the cake supplier for The Royal Hotel in Bridge of Allan, Inglewood House and Spa, and The Parsonage at Dunmore Park had outgrown her home kitchen.

And after completing renovations, she moved into her first premises in 85 Stirling Street, Alva.

Carolyn said: "Being shortlisted for the Scottish Wedding Awards is a huge boost and highlights that customers are extremely happy with the cakes I bake and decorate.

"It’s a real privilege to work with couples to make the wedding cake of their dreams and I’ve everything crossed that the judges will crown me the winner at the awards ceremony on February 26.

"Moving into my own premises was a big step to take – I could have stayed in my kitchen and kept the business as is or moved so that I could grow.

"I’m so happy that I moved as I’ve been able to turn the shop into my perfect workspace, a place where I can meet customers and bake and decorate cakes. On Fridays and Saturdays, people can even pop into buy a cupcake treat."

With help from Business Gateway Clackmannanshire, the talented baker is set to launch a website and grow her customer base further after benefitting from one-to-one advice from a digital expert through the DigitalBoost programme funded by Digital Scotland.

Carolyn added: "Taking on a premises was step one in my plans, step two is getting a website up and running and that’s where Business Gateway’s help has already proven invaluable.

"My adviser has helped me successfully access expert support and additional funding that will allow me to have a website built that I can then update easily myself."

Alison Davidson, of Business Gateway, said: "Carolyn has established a very successful business that has five-star reviews on Facebook and lots of happy customers whose votes helped her reach the final in Scotland’s top wedding awards.

"She has a real desire to grow her business and by coming to us we have been able to help her access funding through Expert Help, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, as well as DigitalBoost support to launch a website that will allow her to showcase her catalogue of designs online."

To find out how Business Gateway Clackmannanshire can help your business call 01259 208426 or visit bgateway.com/clackmannanshire