Eastleigh resident Katie Woodford has been awarded the bronze standard at the UK’s leading baking competition, Cake International (2-4th November).
Katie, 21, was commended for her spectacular bakes at the event in Birmingham, with her carved novelty cake catching the eye of the judges. It is the first accolade of this kind for the young baker, who creates cakes for friends and family in her limited spare time, fitting it in around her busy work schedule.
Katie was offered the help of the Lloyds Banking Group Women in the Real Economy mentoring programme earlier this year in partnership with the All Party Women in Parliament Group (APWPG) in order to help her to fulfil her ambition to open her own bakery business.
The programme, which is part of the Group’s Helping Britain Prosper plan, was first launched this year to connect talented women like Katie with influential female leaders in business and politics. It aims to help young women from all walks of life to develop their skills, abilities and confidence, so they can achieve their personal aspirations.
Katie’s mentors through this scheme are Eastleigh MP Mims Davies, who was formerly Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Parliament, and Saibh Young, Group Tax Director at Lloyds Banking Group.
Katie said:
“Working with these inspirational women has given me the tools to fulfil my dream, giving me both the self-belief and practical skills required to work towards setting up my own bakery. For example, they’ve taught me about pricing and managing the financial side of the business, as well as helping to build my confidence.
“I’ve come so far since joining the mentoring scheme, and receiving this award really is the icing on the cake!”
Saibh Young, Group Tax Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said:
“Achieving this award at such a young age is a major accomplishment and a significant endorsement for Katie’s growing business. She is incredibly talented and motivated, and I’ve no doubt this is just the start of a hugely successful bakery career.”
Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, said:
“Katie is driven to succeed and it’s a pleasure to be helping her develop her bakery business. I’m looking forward to enabling her to reach even more local residents with her fantastic creations. She should be very proud and her next big success is doubtless on the cards.”