Bury businesswoman Laura Read has come up with a surefire recipe for success after wracking her brains for a gift that is unique.

And now, her Cake in a Jar business is beginning to take off.

The 27-year-old has launched her new company while still holding down a professional job in Manchester.

Cake in a Jar is a simple and yet original concept.

She said: “My partner and I were deciding what would be a unique gift to take to a dinner party or some other function, rather than just a bottle of wine. And that was when Cake in a Jar was created.”

In essence, the business is an artisan baking mix, in a stylish Kilner jar.

“There are no artificial colours or flavours, just 100 per cent natural, ingredients, including Fairtrade cocoa,” said Laura, of Sheringham Drive. “All that consumers need to do is to empty out the dry ingredients and mix in the wet ingredients as per instructions on the tag. They just add eggs, butter or margarine. The product comes with labels, tags and ribbons.

“And even after the fun of making a homemade cake is over, the kilner jar can be used again for years to come.” Cake in a Jar comes in two separate mixes, Miss Roscoe’s Rich Chocolate Cake and Auntie Joyce’s Victoria Sponge.

Laura said: “The Miss Roscoe recipe dates back to the 1950s and this cake can be enjoyed as it is or served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

“The classic Auntie Joyce’s Victoria sponge has been enjoyed by my family for years. The recipe was introduced by my mum’s auntie more than 40 years ago.”

Laura, who is targeting farmers’ markets as a prime outlet for Cake in a Jar, said: “The selling point of my products is that we offer cake mixes rather than the American-influenced cookie and biscuit mixes.

“We have had positive feedback and have already secured sales through our current stockists, including Cartmel Village Shop — home of the famous sticky toffee pudding.”

Samlesbury-based Huntley’s Country Stores are now stocking the product, which will also be on sale at artisan markets in Cuerden Valley on August 25 and Ramsbottom on September 8.

Cake in a Jar retails for £9.95p.

n For more details, tweet The Cake in A Jar Company @thecakeinajarco and for further information, email laura@thecakeinajarcompany.

co.uk or visit thecakeinajar company.co.uk