Student business bringing sweet treats to Horowhenua

Boxes of treats offered by Bakers Box, a company started by Year 13 business studies students from Horowhenua College.

Enterprising students from Horowhenua College have created a business offering boxes of baked goodies to locals, with part of their proceeds going to charity.

The Year 13 business studies group has been hard at work on an assessment project that has led to the launch of Bakers Box, a business selling mixed boxes of baked treats that can be delivered to local addresses.

College head boy and group spokesperson Josh Madgwick said the concept behind the business was to spread happiness and commit to supporting mental health initiatives.

"We looked at what issues were in society and how we could help fix them," he said.
"Our aim is to create a happier New Zealand."

Madgwick said they had initially committed to donating 10 per cent of their profits to a mental health charity, with the potential to increase this if the business does well.

Bakers Box has been launched online and offers two box sizes, for $10.99 and $19.99.

Each contains doughnuts and mixed slices that the group have sourced from quality local suppliers to ensure the products are always fresh.

The larger box also contains a jar of lollies.

"It's definitely good value," Madgwick said.

Boxes of baking can be delivered by student business Bakers Box by ordering at www.bakersbox.co.nz

Website design, marketing, planning and financials have all been part of the assessment criteria for the group, which consists of Madgwick, Devon Martin, Tasman Bruce, Mayville Wootton, Sam Nguyen and Bennett Collings.

The group currently aimed their marketing at younger people but were also looking into the idea of promoting it to other local businesses that may want to buy the boxes for an office shout, morning tea or similar.

"The response has been good so far," Madgwick said. "We've had a lot of positive feedback."

Students from Horowhenua College Year 13 business studies class who have launched an online business selling boxes of baking.

The group hoped to continue the business until at least the end of the school year and possibly beyond if it becomes a successful endeavour, he said.

"It's been great fun and [business studies] is probably our favourite class."

"Our goal is creating a happier New Zealand, one box of baked goodness at a time."

For more information visit www.bakersbox.co.nz or follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bakersboxnz or Instagram at @bakersboxnz