Latest news with #IâlBakery
Leader Live
29-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Ella is a student at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery Wrexham
Presented by the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees (ABST), Ella Muddiman received the Hugh Weeks Award, which honours the memory of Hugh Weeks, a former ABST President and influential figure in the bakery and confectionery industry. It is given to a student who not only excels in their craft but also shows outstanding commitment to the industry and their peers. The ceremony took place at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, where Sara Autton, Executive Committee Member and past ABST President, presented the prize on behalf of the organisation. Read more: "Ella has a mentoring approach for others that guides and leads rather than dictates and demands," said Sara. "She is an advocate not only for the Tasty Careers Campaign (which seeks to promote food industry education and careers) but also The Burnt Chef Project as it provides support for, and awareness of mental health issues in the high-pressure environment of the hospitality and catering industries. "In all that she has achieved so far, Ella has embodied the true spirit of the Hugh Weeks Award. She is proactive in her pursuit of learning, and not afraid of taking a leap of faith into diverse opportunities that may have been daunting for her only a few years ago." Sara Autton, Executive Committee Member, presented the Hugh Weeks Award to baker Ella Muddiman. She added: "Her charitable activities and advocacy for mental health awareness; along with her encouragement of less experienced students are attributes that were deeply valued by Hugh, and I am sure he would heartily endorse the ABST Council's decision to present his special award to such an exceptional person." Ella was presented with the Hugh Weeks Cup, a £250 cash prize and a set of expert baking textbooks from the Richemont Centre of Excellence. Read more: Tributes paid to landlord of Wrexham pub after tragic sudden death Reacting to the prize, she said: "I'm incredibly proud and honoured to receive such a prestigious award. I'd particularly like to thank Sara for all her continued support and the ABST Council for awarding me. I'm absolutely thrilled!" Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria, praised Ella's rise over past years and said: "We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ella's exceptional achievement in winning the prestigious Hugh Weeks Award. This honour is a testament to her continued commitment to the baking industry and her unwavering dedication to charity work within the baking community. Read more: Faith digs deep for new career after national media award win "Having Ella as part of our Iâl Bakery team is a true privilege, and her ongoing success, including previous accolades, inspires us all. She is a shining example of the talent and dedication we champion here at the College, and we couldn't be more thrilled for her." • Visit for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria. For more on Iâl Bakery, visit: or follow them on social media.
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Young achievers from Coleg Cambria celebrated at awards
The North East Wales college saw five of its students reach the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Nicola Culkin, a quality manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, took home the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, was highly commended in the Rising Star category. Other finalists included Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery, and Belinda Rossouw from Maelor Foods, all of whom were nominated in the same category. Kate Muddiman, work-based learning manager at Coleg Cambria, said: "They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them. "It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour." The ceremony celebrated some of the most innovative food and drink producers in Wales, with categories designed to showcase the diversity and talent within the sector. Rhys Iley, chair of judges, said: "It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. "Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals." The Wales Food and Drink Awards were co-founded by Liz Brookes, director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. In a related event, Ms Muddiman recently served as a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were tasked with designing food products that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins. READ MORE: Meet the couple behind Wrexham's vibrant community farm Things are definitely looking so bright as talented Airbus squad takes shape Ms Muddiman said: "It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year. "The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. "The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. "An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career." The Wales Food and Drink Awards will return in 2026. Further information can be found at
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards
Nicola with presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Arwyn Watkins OBE (Cambrian Training). Credit: Wales Food and Drink Awards. Coleg Cambria rose to the occasion at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Learners from the college – which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi – excelled in reaching the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards. Nicola Culkin, a Quality Manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, won the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven – lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham – was highly commended for Rising Star. Also representing Cambria were Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, a baker and pastry chef, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery and Maelor Foods' Belinda Rossouw, all nominated in the Rising Star category. Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman congratulated the quintet for the hard work and dedication they have shown in being included among the sector's best. 'They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them,' she added. 'It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour.' The ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the industry in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. Chair of Judges Rhys Iley said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Meanwhile, Kate was recently a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were challenged to design food products and dishes that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins, impressing the judges with concept, taste and sustainability. 'It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year,' said Kate. 'The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. 'The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career.'
