Megan Roberts wins 'Rising Star' 2019

A University College Birmingham graduate is celebrating after winning an award at one of the most prestigious events in the baking industry.

Megan Roberts was named the Rising Star at the 2019 Baking Industry Awards held at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel on Wednesday 4 September.

The BSc Bakery and Patisserie Technology graduate beat off stiff competition to scoop the prize, which recognises individuals who can contribute to shaping the future of the baking industry.

"It feels incredible to win, especially because there were such worthy finalists," said Megan.

"It was such a wonderful experience with so much support from everyone in the industry. I feel so honoured and so happy!"

Megan, who completed her studies at UCB this summer, now works as a research and development technologist for ingredients supplier AB Mauri.

"My studies helped me to get into all these wonderful opportunities and gave me the foundations that have been essential to my career," she said.

It was third time lucky for Megan, who was previously nominated for the same award in 2016 and again in 2017, when the honour was won by fellow UCB graduate Jessica Dalton.

And she was not the only contender from the University this year, with second year Bakery and Patisserie Technology student Katie Garrett also among the Rising Star finalists.

It's the latest in what is already a long line of achievements for Megan, who has previously been a finalist in Le Cordon Bleu's UK Scholarship Award and a medallist at the 2017 Salon Culinaire, as well as winning Callebaut's 'Make it Special' competition.

The annual Baking Industry Awards, in association with British Baker, have been recognising excellence in the industry since 1987.

Megan was presented with her award at Wednesday's ceremony by former Pussycat Doll and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Ashley Roberts, who hosted the event, as well as Richard Tearle, general manager at awards sponsor Rondo.

"I am so pleased for Megan," said Richard. "Her tenacity and love for the industry shone through, she is a truly gifted young lady and her future employers are very lucky to have her."

Samantha Dowle, Assistant Dean of the College of Food (Bakery) at UCB, praised Megan on winning the award as well as for her achievements throughout her time at the University.

"I am very proud, and so are all the team, of Megan's successful 'Rising Star' award," said Samantha. "Megan has progressed from Level 1 to Level 6 in bakery and will certainly have a great career ahead of her.

"This is the second time a UCB student has won the Rising Star award and demonstrates that with hard work and determination, their efforts are recognised."

It has been a successful summer for the University’s budding bakers, with UCB students bagging 28 medals at the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees (ABST) competition in June.

Find out more about our range of courses in bakery and other food-related subjects at UCB's College of Food here.

Photo credit: British Baker