A cake shed operator has shared her reaction to assurances that Derbyshire councils have no plans to introduce street trading licences for such enterprises.

Marie Neville, of Moorspring Way, Old Tupton said: “The positive news is really reassuring to hear as a small, honesty-based business.”

Marie launched her cake baking business The Sweetest Bakes six years ago. She said: “We opened The Cake Shed in March 2025. What started as a small extension of the business has quickly become a big part of what I do, with a lot of time each week going into baking, prepping, stocking and keeping everything running smoothly.

"The Cake Shed works as an honesty-based set-up, which I think is really special. It allows customers to visit at their convenience, and it’s been amazing to see the level of trust and support from the local community.

Marie Neville, proprietor of The Sweetest Bakes, with her cake shed at Moorspring Way, Old Tupton.

placeholder image — Marie Neville, proprietor of The Sweetest Bakes, with her cake shed at Moorspring Way, Old Tupton.

“For me, one of the biggest benefits has been the connection it’s created with customers. Seeing people return week after week and enjoy what I make is incredibly rewarding.

"Our best sellers are definitely our signature brownies, edible cookie dough and cookie pies. We change the menu weekly and always involve our customers in deciding what they’d love to see – which keeps things fresh, exciting and really community led."

Borough and district councils in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bolsover, Amber Valley, High Peak and Erewash have said there are no plans to introduce street trading licences for cake shed operators. But such businesses must register as a food establishment and follow relevant food safety standards.

Social media posts have triggered fears that councils across the country were planning to impose such licences costing more than £1,000 per year on people selling from small set-ups on private property.

Bassetlaw Council sparked a backlash after issuing street trading notices to cake shed owners, warning that enforcement notices would be issued to those who did not have a licence, with a fine of up to £1,000 a year. The public reaction has prompted the authority to pause enforcement notices and to review its policy in the lead-up to a meeting of the council’s licensing committee in June.