ODIHAM Cake Company is on its way to Wembley after being nominated for the Red Ribbon Awards for 2016.

The sweet treat maker will be representing the South East as a regional finalist in the Best of British category at a ceremony on July 15.

The awards are organised by Family Business Place, and are now in their seventh year. The businesses nominated ‘represent the very finest British commerce and entrepreneurship’ and ‘encapsulate all of the reasons family-owned businesses have become the engine room of the UK economy’.

Gareth Jones, chief creator at Odiham Cake Company and father of four, said: “We are really excited to have been nominated as a regional finalist representing the South East at The Red Ribbon Award in the Best of British Category.

“It all happened so quickly really, my wife nominated me, because obviously she thinks I deserved it and as usual I was very much, ‘it will never happen’. Now I’m eating my words.

“It means a lot to me and us as a family. It recognises the hard work and dedication that every family business puts.”

Gareth’s career as a supreme cake maker started over 20 years ago: “I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“My career started in the hotel trade as a chef de patisserie. It was tough and the hours were long. Those two things still haven’t changed. But I learned so much, and not just on the cooking side.

He added: “I have always baked cakes for friends and family. In 2012 I was part of a group that were made redundant and this was the catalyst for me.

“I had two options available to me; get another job or go solo. With the help from my wife and four children, Odiham Cake Company was created. In the beginning it was very slow but within three years we were creating on average 300 cakes a year. And we are looking to top that this year.”

Gareth cites his wife Emma and children as his daily inspiration: “They help me through some tough times and are always supportive. They invigorate me and provide the love I need to keep going.

“The work load is very difficult and very time consuming. Some cakes are so detailed it can take days to make and decorate them, but the rewards are worth it.

“We create cakes for footballers, rock stars, foreign royalty and we have been to some amazing places, and seen some incredible sights.”

The Red Ribbon Awards were founded in 2008 by entrepreneur, Anita Brightley-Hodges. She recognised the need for family­-owned companies to be able to meet, share and learn from each other, and tackle the unique challenges not faced by other businesses, such as succession and family dynamics.

For more information on Odiham Cake Company’s spectacular cakes, visit odihamcakecompany.co.uk or call 01256 703200.