Simon Danczuk breaks bread with rising business star

Simon Danczuk MP with Francesca Barker, The Barker Baker

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Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk broke bread with a young baker whose business career is on the rise.

Entrepreneur Francesca Barker invited the MP to tour The Barker Baker, her new business which recently opened on the corner of Winton Street and Church Street in Littleborough.

The 28-year-old set up the artisan bakery after successfully selling her homemade loaves at markets across the Greater Manchester area.

The new shop has proved a hit with local residents who can often been seen queuing out of the door for freshly baked goods.

Francesca’s business success comes after she turned her life around following a conviction for fraud two years ago. She’s now keen to offer others a second chance by employing other ex-offenders at The Barker Baker.

Mr Danczuk said: “As chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops, I take a real interest in visiting independent shops in Rochdale whether they are brand new or well established.

“The Barker Baker is a great small business, it offers something different and I think it is a perfect fit for Littleborough.

“Francesca’s success story is an inspiration to all budding small business owners thinking of setting up on their own.

“We have so many fantastic independent shops in Rochdale and they form the backbone of our local economy. I’d urge everyone to show their support for these businesses by shopping locally this Christmas.”