Welcome to the Team: Meet tomorrow’s Industry Professionals

New ideas, insights, technologies and expertise are all crucial in the Bakels business and the same forward-thinking approach goes for new members of the Bakels team. Following their recent arrival, we sat down with Katie, Steven and Ross to discover their passions, thoughts on life at Bakels so far and their future career aspirations.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the baking industry?

For years I have had an interest in baking which grew my curiosity for the science behind the process and the way in which ingredients function to give us our favourite baked goods.

What made you join the Bakels team?

Bakels are a well-established company with good connections throughout the industry. When starting my career as a baker – Bakels ingredients were the widest used ingredients within the bakery I began in, so I have always been aware of the ingredients and the work that Bakels have been doing. I have also met many Bakels representatives at conferences and competitions over the years, who have always shown a true passion for the company and the baking industry.

What are your impressions since joining?

The support I have received so far from all departments is incredible and the friendliness of the staff has been so important to me settling down in this new company.

What’s your favourite area of product development?

My favourite area of product development here is the wide range of briefs the company brings in. From vegan & gluten free baked goods, to fillings & glazes as well as the classic lines like everyday bread mixes.

What are your career aspirations for the future?

I hope to gain as much experience and knowledge as I can within product development, with the hope to grow with the business and support the future generation of bakers.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the baking industry?

I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking since I’ve grown up. When I was in school, I took Food Technology for my GCSE. Then I followed from that into Level 1 Professional Cooking at college which I completed the full 3 levels and came out with a professional chef’s qualification. Thereafter I followed the baking side of the industry and completed a level 2 in baking apprenticeship at Simmons Bakers, after working for the company for 4 years.

What made you join the Bakels team?

I had a trip through the Worshipful Company of Bakers to Bakels, which I saw some opportunities and put myself forward for a Junior Technical Support Manager role and managed to get it!

What are your impressions since joining?

Everyone’s very friendly, great to have conversations with. A lot of knowledge from others which is great to learn from and the team are very easy-going and approachable , which makes work an enjoyable place to be.

What’s your favourite area of product development?

Being a Junior TSM it is a brilliant role to be in as you are still working hands on with the products and get to work alongside New Prodict Development, which helps you learn more about each product too. You get to work alongside other TSM’s too, which give you more knowledge on the valuable experiences they’ve had and so can help you out when you are working on new projects.

What are your career aspirations for the future?

To be able to learn as much as I can so I can help others out with their challenges and be able to get my own projects and increased responsibilities.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the baking industry?

I’ve always been into baking since a young age, I left school and joined University College Birmingham. I studied Bakery Level 2 and 3 at Further Education for 2 years, which lead me to have sufficient practical skills within baking. After that, I progressed onto University College Birmingham Higher Education degree course in Bakery and Patisserie Technology BSc (Hons). The degree went into further depth on practical bakery skills, science behind baking, product development, quality and completed my own research into the very current diet trend of Plant-Based and how this can fit into the sweet bakery market. During my studies I also completed industry placements.

What made you join the Bakels team?

I joined the Bakels Team because Bakels is a global leader in bakery ingredients and being involved in this is extremely exciting, to see the future of bakery ingredients and the range of customers be serve.

What are your impressions since joining?

My impression so far is that it is a brilliant company to work, so much to learn and experience. It is happy, friendly workplace and every day is not the same as the previous!

What’s your favourite area of product development?

I work closely on bread ingredients, as part of the Group Centre of Competence function, which British Bakels represents.

What are your career aspirations for the future?

My aspirations for the future are to progress within the NPD Team. In later career, I want to share my knowledge to ensure the longevity of the bakery industry.

Investment in the future of our industry is important to us, that’s why we continue to support societies and colleges across the UK and help aspiring baking industry professionals realise their potential.