The Rebel Baker produces more than 10,000 cookies a day, which are all free from the 14 major allergens, and supplies cafes and food service clients across the UK.
As the Ambassador, the business will serve as an example of what is possible with Start Up Loans, meaning they take part in events to promote the programme, and share their own experiences.
Founded by Rachel Munro, who is a single parent to a daughter with multiple food allergies, The Rebel Baker was launched in January 2024 after receiving a £15,000 loan from Virgin StartUp through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, to support equipment costs.
This expenditure was a heavy cash drain on the business and Munro was down to her last £1,000 in her bank, so the finance came just at right time.
She has grown the business substantially in its first 18 months with stockists including over 20 Glasgow and Ayrshire cafes, as well as national partners.
Before starting the bakery venture, Munro was running a café called Thyme on Ayr’s Alloway Street and appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Future Food Stars’.
Munro said: “The idea for the Rebel Baker came to me in the bath in November 2023, and by the following January, I was up and running, creating allergen-free baked goods for a range of local suppliers.
“Having seen first-hand how tricky it can be for my daughter to find tasty treats, it is so important to me that there are allergen-free options readily available which taste just as good, if not better. As the rebel name suggests, I wanted to challenge the status quo.
“Funding and support through programmes such as Start Up Loans has been a critical part of my journey so far, so it is great to be representing Scotland in this year’s Ambassadors programme. At the same time, I’m in talks about some major contracts with retailers and catering companies, so it is a really exciting time for The Rebel Baker.”
Barry McCulloch, senior manager of the UK network for Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “We are incredibly proud to mark ten years of Start Up Loans Ambassadors, which continues to highlight the achievements of extraordinary UK entrepreneurs who have brought their business ideas to life with the help of our government-backed scheme.
“Over the past decade, our Ambassadors have embodied the resilience, creativity and determination it takes to succeed in business, while inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. I have no doubt that Rachel will encourage other aspiring business owners to bring their start-up plans to life.”
Chloe Fenn, start up lead at Virgin StartUp, added: “We’re incredibly proud to support Rebel Bakery at this exciting stage of growth. With a strong brand and clear traction in the market, it was evident that Rachel had a fantastic route to success. The Start Up Loan has provided her with the backing she needed to propel the business forward.”
Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has delivered more than 8,000 loans to business owners across Scotland, amounting to more than £82m of funding.
