Calling all bakers! You had better sit down and prepare yourselves because National Cupcake Week 2014 is just a week away.

From next Monday (15 September) we will all be catapulted into a week-long celebration of the famous mini cake and it is up to bakers to make the most of it.


Point-of sale material can now be downloaded from www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk to help you spread awareness and generate excitement among your customers. It includes cupcake-themed bunting, posters and printable ‘specials boards’ to put up your cupcake flavour of the day, so download and print them early and decorate your store.


British Baker recommends that bakers go to town for National Cupcake Week, with cupcakes of the day, special promotions and plenty of signage to tempt customers into your stores. If you have space, you could also involve customers directly by inviting them to decorate their own cupcakes or asking them to vote on their favourite flavour from the range you offer.


Representatives from the magazine will be talking about how to get involved in National Cupcake Week on Headline London next Friday (12 September) at 12pm, as well as disclosing our findings on how much people really love cupcakes. The show is produced by The Evening Standard. But you can create your own media storm by contacting local newspapers and getting them involved in all the activity in your store, creating a real buzz around the Week.


Also, don’t forget to tell us at British Baker about your activities and send us pictures via @BritishBaker or bb@wrbm.com.


Meanwhile, the entries for the National Cupcake Championship are in and judging has commenced. Stay tuned to bakeryinfo.co.uk to be among the first to see our finalists revealed. We will shortlist eight entrants in each of eight categories: Classic Cupcake; Themed Cupcake; Free-from; and Made with Alcohol for both professionals and home bakers.


A winner in each category will be announced following a live judging day at Cake International on 8 November, along with the two overall winners – one from each group of competitors.


The National Cupcake Championships are sponsored by Barry Callebaut and Cater For You and partnered by charity Wellbeing for Women.