A WIRRAL teacher who left the profession to open his own bakery took a 'huge gamble' with a career change that has paid off 'big time'.
Born To Bake, was founded by Mike Kerr in October 2020 during lockdown.
Based in Bromborough, the firm supplies breads, sausage rolls, pasties, pies and cakes, primarily to businesses. Customers include the likes of Liverpool Football Club, The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, The Titanic Hotel and The Orient Express.
Although Born To Bake is now established itself as one of the region’s premier bakeries, Mike said he was labelled 'crazy' by some when he decided to enter the world of baking by opening Born to Bake.
Diagnosed with Autism, Mike describes himself as a perfectionist and workaholic.
Back in 2016 he had set up Piadina Pronto, an Italian street food business he ran alongside teaching, and sought the help of baker Lee Hollywood - brother of the famous Paul Hollywood - to perfect his dough.
He soon became obsessed with baking and the rest, as they say, is history.
Mike explained: "I've always been an entrepreneur from an early age — from selling sweets as a five-year-old to convincing my dad to start a kebab business aged 10, after a visit to London.
"I actually became a computer operations analyst for a top international company before moving into teaching I.T. and computing - at secondary, further education and primary levels - and additional needs teaching."
He continued: "I'm always on the lookout for opportunities and varying circumstances prevented me from being involved in McDonalds in the UK, Pandora and the development of sat nav.
"During a visit to Italy in 2016, I discovered Piadina and saw the potential of Italian flatbread becoming as popular as pizza, so I decided to launch Piadina Pronto and this in turn led me to the art of baking."
Piadina Pronto has become a successful business in its own right, with a trailer serving at events and festivals, but after seeking dough baking advice from the Hollywoods, Mike became obsessed with perfecting baking.
In 2020, after endless hours of baking various breads, he decided to quit teaching and open Born To Bake, with the aim of supplying Piadina Pronto and other hospitality businesses.
He said: "People thought I was crazy at first, entering into something that I knew nothing about, during uncertain times with Covid, but I have Autism and one of my traits is being an obsessive perfectionist.
"When I get an idea about something I go for it! I assembled a great team and at first it was slow but as our reputation grew, the big contracts soon came in.
"Today we are thriving."
Mike's success proves that it is never too late for a career change, even if people might think it’s crazy.
Born To Bake is situated at Unit 5 Carrock Road, Croft Business Park, Bromborough.
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