Local business gets into the Soapbox spirit

The Barrow Soapbox Derby returned to the town centre on Saturday 15th August, bringing thousands of spectators into the town centre for a great day out.

Barrow BID organises a calendar of events throughout the year, designed to boost footfall in the town centre. As visitors enjoy the free entertainment, they are encouraged to explore the high street and shop, eat and drink at our local businesses.

One business that always embraces the events is Purdy’s Bakehouse, situated on Dalton Road. The team throws itself into the theme of every event, from pumpkin spice cakes for Autumn Fest and doggy cupcakes at Pooch Fest, to a changing window display and photo backdrop for every event. They are experts at creating experiences that encourage visitors to step inside, even down to the smallest details like their packaging.

Opening every Saturday with a fully stocked counter packed with blondies, brownies and cakes, this year’s Soapbox Derby brought all their usual treats, alongside some new additions. Their newly introduced cake jars gave visitors even more reason to stop by, while a huge Soapbox themed photo backdrop greeted customers as they entered.

Creating an interactive experience gives customers more than just delicious cakes to take home. Visitors can also capture photos and share their experience on social media, helping to showcase the business to their followers and reach even more potential customers.

Joe Purdy, owner of Purdy’s Bakehouse, said: “The Soapbox Derby is our busiest day of the year. We sold double the amount we would on a normal Saturday this year, and it was amazing to see the town so busy.”

Purdy’s involvement shows how local businesses can make the most of town centre events, even through something as simple as a photo backdrop. By getting involved and creating an experience around the event, customers feel part of the occasion while also discovering what local businesses have to offer.

Barrow BID’s events are designed to support town centre businesses by increasing footfall and bringing more visitors into the area, so it’s fantastic to see businesses like Purdy’s Bakehouse getting involved, embracing the theme and making the most of the opportunities they create.