AN OXFORDSHIRE wedding cake maker says the wedding industry has had 'little' support from the Government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Established in 2008, Samantha Tempest runs Minster Lovell-based business The Pretty Cake Company where she bakes luxury wedding cakes for couples in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

ALSO READ: Couple postpone wedding five times amid pandemic

Usually business is steady with couples spending hundreds on perfecting their wedding cake and other sweet treats for their special day.

But with ceremonies no longer being allowed to take place, Ms Tempest's clients quickly cancelled or postponed bookings.

Oxford Mail:

The cake maker however feels there was a lack of support from the Government for businesses like hers.

She said: "Whilst many have had support through the furlough scheme and the self employed income support scheme, many fall outside the parameters and are excluded. The general feeling is that we are a forgotten industry.

"For a sector that is historically so self sufficient, that always has constant demand and is incredibly reliable, not enough support has been given, especially given the fact that venues can’t even operate in a financially viable manner."

ALSO READ: Couple get married over YouTube during coronavirus lockdown

'Little' support

Ms Tempest, who says it will likely take her two to three years to catch up on postponed bookings once restrictions are lifted, feels the wedding sector should have been offered more help.

She said: "Once restrictions ease, we will be immediately contributing, and hopefully contributing well, back to a decimated economy, but I do feel that people won’t easily forget how little industry specific support was given throughout the pandemic.

"We have lost one full wedding season in 2020 and look to lose significantly in 2021 as well. The budget didn’t mention the wedding sector once and whilst other sectors will receive recovery grants, it seems crazy that such a buoyant industry, with guaranteed work, hasn’t been protected more."

Oxford Mail:

Business switch-up

Ms Tempest sold hand-made hampers full of signature biscuits, cakes and macaroons for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day in order to keep her business afloat during lockdowns.

She said: "I thought I would diversify a bit so doing the seasonal ranges has been good for keeping my brand out there, keeping the wheels of the business going and also for my own sanity.

ALSO READ: Wantage church holds its first wedding since lockdown

"I’ve really enjoyed doing them and the responses have been amazing."

As well as her website, she has been posting photos of the hampers on her Instagram page - followed by more than 6,700 people -  which showcases hundreds of her bespoke cakes and treats.

Oxford Mail:

Wedding boom

After the Prime Minister announced that all restrictions on weddings would be lifted from June 21, Ms Tempest said she has been inundated with couples rearranging plans once again.

She said: "The last week has been crazy. Some couples for late June are wanting to postpone again as they don’t want to risk all restrictions not being lifted and others are bringing their wedding forward.

ALSO READ: Oxford bakery whose goods are selling like hot cakes

"Teamed with couples whose original suppliers can no longer do their new dates and need to find new suppliers and new enquiries for couples who are just now starting their wedding planning journey.

"The diary is quite chaotic. If all goes to plan, the last six months of the year will be very busy, but in reality it will probably take us two to three years to catch up."

For more information about The Pretty Cake Company, visit www.theprettycakecompany.com.

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