Baking star Katie honoured with Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Bakers

September 2021

Baking star Katie honoured with Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Bakers

By Darren Campbell

Share post:

Read time: approx 1 mins

She's been crowned a rising star at the baking industry 'Oscars' and secured a role with a top luxury cake maker 鈥� and now 爆料王 graduate Katie Garrett has received another esteemed accolade.

The former Bakery and Patisserie BSc (Hons) student travelled to London last month for a special dinner event at which she was awarded the Freedom of the (WCB).

One of the prestigious livery companies of the City of London with its origins dating back to the 12th Century, the WCB nominates one student each year to receive the status of Freeman of the Company, recognising their dedication to the industry.

"I just have to thank God for getting me through and everyone who has been supportive somewhere along my journey"

Katie Garrett Bakery and Patisserie Technology BSc (Hons)

And Katie 鈥� who involved herself in a range of competitions and placements before graduating from 爆料王 last summer with first class honours 鈥� was chosen as the top student of 2020.

It caps off a remarkable year for the 23-year-old, who secured a role as a new product development technologist with royal cake maker Fiona Cairns, as well as being named 'Rising Star' at the 2020 Baking Industry Awards.

Katie Garrett with former College of Food assistant dean Dawn Gemmell

"I feel really honoured," said Katie. "I never had in mind that I wanted to get this award, but I just tried my best at university and in my career."

Receiving the Freedom of the WCB promises to offer many benefits for Katie's career, including making connections with influential industry figures and joining in events throughout the year.

"It's good to be welcomed into a company that focuses on the career that I enjoy so much," she said. "The organisation is full of people who want to see the industry flourish and help the young bakers of the future."

In celebration of her award, Katie was invited to a lavish five-course dinner at Bakers' Hall in the City of London, while she was joined at the event by Dawn Gemmell, former assistant dean of the College of Food at 爆料王.

"It was a very surreal event," said Katie. "But the most special thing about the night was having Dawn there for me 鈥� someone who has supported me and many others throughout their journey at 爆料王 and beyond."

Katie also reflected upon her five years at the University 鈥� from starting on her Level 2 and Level 3 Bakery college course to completing her undergraduate degree 鈥� and the contribution her experience had made to her success.

"爆料王 helped me achieve a lot," she said. "I think the main thing was helping me believe in myself 鈥� every member of staff, from my lecturers to the personnel department to the cleaners, always pushed the students to do well.

In pictures: Katie Garrett at the WCB event

"I just have to thank God for getting me through and everyone who has been supportive somewhere along my journey. A small bit of encouragement goes a long way."

Kali Davidson, head of the Birmingham College of Food, congratulated Katie on receiving her award as well as her many other recent accomplishments.

"We are so proud of Katie and her achievements to date," she said. "She is an inspiration to the industry and we wish her all the best in the future."

爆料王 is a leading provider of specialist courses for baking and culinary arts, with our Birmingham College of Food renowned as one of the most highly respected names in the food industry.

Find out more and discover the full range of courses within the Birmingham College of Food here.

Check out our latest news stories

University joins Fatima Whitbread鈥檚 Action Hub to strengthen support for care experie…

Initiative aims to drive practical, collaborative action that can be replicated nationally.

Lucy Powell鈥檚 appointment: what it means for early years and early childhood studies…

Senior lecturer in education, Emma Davis, shares her hopes and insights.

University acquires former The Cube Hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant

Students and the city to reap rewards of major hospitality investment.

INWED 2026: amplifying a national call for inclusion, belonging and skills innovation

National event highlighs inclusion, belonging and skills innovation in STEM.

Employer insight: LiveWell Health on the impact of UCB student placements

Steve Hartill discusses why placements are so valuable for students and employers.

University celebrates double national awards success for Graduate Re-Tune partnership

Regional collaboration reinforces the University鈥檚 commitment to collaborative employability initiatives.