On 2nd June, I had the pleasure of attending the UCB Bakers Gathering at University College Birmingham for the first time, and what an impressive event it was.
Bringing together students, lecturers and baking industry professionals, the event was a fantastic opportunity to connect the bakers of the future with those already working across the industry. More importantly, it provided students with a chance to ask questions, build relationships and gain valuable insight into the opportunities available to them as they begin their careers.
What struck me most was the confidence, maturity and enthusiasm of the students. The questions being asked throughout the day were thoughtful, insightful and demonstrated a genuine desire to learn. It was clear that many are already thinking carefully about how they can make a positive impact when they take their first steps into the baking industry.
The event featured a brilliant line-up of speakers. Martyn Robinson from Mondelez International shared his own career journey and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between education and industry. Charlotte Liddiard-Smith from The Oval Partnership provided valuable advice on what employers are looking for from graduates and the soft skills that can help set candidates apart. Jo Dainton from British Bakels gave an engaging account of her first six months in the industry, alongside practical tips on networking and building meaningful industry connections.
I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to share a little of my own passion for baking science, discussing how chemists and bakers work together to develop the next generation of ingredient technologies. We explored why understanding ingredient functionality is so important and how modern baking powders can help manufacturers address some of today’s biggest challenges, from nutrition and sustainability to clean label reformulation.
Events like the UCB Bakers Gathering are a reminder of just how bright the future of our industry is. A huge thank you to the team at University College Birmingham for organising such a worthwhile event, and to all the students who brought so much energy and curiosity to the day. I look forward to seeing where their careers take them.
