A BASINGSTOKE baking company showcased their sweet treats during a visit to Downing Street this week.

On Monday, the founders of Baked In, which was created by three friends in a bid to bring baking to the masses, met Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street.

He invited businesses which have been helped by the Government’s Start Up Loans programme to a reception at Number 10.

The programme has provided £140million worth of start up loans to over 27,000 businesses across the UK.

The company, which is based in Rankine Road, Basingstoke, produces home baking kits which include essential baking equipment such as a baking tray, baking paper and a test skewer.

They have produced several varieties for the range including a carrot and walnut cake and iced cinnamon swirls which are available to buy at a number of retailers including Selfridges and Harrods.

Co-founder Anna Bridgen said: “We were absolutely honoured to attend the Start Up Loans reception at No 10. We've come a long way as a business in the past year, from humble beginnings selling our baking kits on market stalls in the Basingstoke area, to supplying Harrods and Selfridges!

“None of this would have been possible without the Government's amazing financial support, and getting to meet David Cameron in Downing Street and thank him in person really was the icing on the cake.”

David Cameron added: “Small firms play a huge role in the economy and are absolutely key to delivering our long term economic plan.

“Supporting new companies as they get off the ground creates jobs and opportunities for hard working people.

"That’s what our Start Up Loans are all about – giving people who want to work hard and get on the tools and confidence to turn their entrepreneurial vision into a reality.”