THE former owners of the two Parkers bakeries in Launceston, Nigel and Jo Pethick, have admitted that it’s ‘time for a change’ after selling the business.

Jo’s parents — Terry and Maureen Parker — bought the bakery on Southgate Street in May 1986 and later opened the Westgate Street bakery and coffee shop in September 1990.

Nigel and Jo took the business on in 2002, once they had retired.

Since then, they have put their heart and soul into the business, each of them working long hours — Nigel at night and Jo during the day. However with their three children now grown up, they decided a change was needed.

Jo said: “Nigel and I have ran it ourselves since 2002 and my parents bought it in May 1986. I’ve worked here ever since my parents took it on and Nigel came in 1990.

“However, because of the hard work and the long hours we decided that we wanted a better work/life balance so we decided to sell up. We were working six or seven days a week, about 12 hour shifts. Nigel would work through the night and I’d do the days. We employ 22 as well. We put it on the market in April 2017 and then Mr and Mrs Bielby took over in January and they’ll run it alongside their own business.”

Although the long hours meant it was hard work, Jo always enjoyed the job.

She said: “I really enjoyed the baking side of it and experimenting with different recipes. We’ve also got lots of really nice customers and staff who we’re still friends with now. But it was time for a change. Our three children have now grown up and none of them have any interest in taking it on so we thought it was a good time to sell it and take life a bit easier.

“However we’ve been staying on helping and I’ll work there until the end of February to ensure that there’s a smooth transition. Nigel’s already finished but we wanted to make it carry on like it was and that the staff are happy.”

Looking ahead, the Pethicks aren’t entirely sure what the future holds.

Jo said: “We haven’t made any definite plans as such. We’re looking forward to taking a bit of time out and going on holiday and enjoying taking life a little bit easier.

“However, we’d like to thank all of the customers for their support over the years and to the staff for everything they’ve done. We’d also like to wish Paul and Debbie every success for the future.”