A TAMESIDE College student has been recognised as one of the UK’s most promising young bakers after being selected to take part in a prestigious national event alongside some of the industry’s biggest names.
Evelyn Hancock earned a coveted place at the 2026 Renshaw Cup, spending three days at British Bakels’ Liverpool headquarters developing her skills through technical challenges, expert masterclasses and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Held from June 30 to July 2, the event brought together talented baking students from colleges across the UK, who were chosen for their skill, creativity and attitude.
Among the experts mentoring participants was Andrew Fuller, the hyper-realism cake artist and star of Netflix’s Is It Cake?, who travelled from the United States as a Renshaw brand ambassador.
He was joined by Suzanne Thorp, a former Renshaw Cup winner, founder of wedding cake business The Frostery and star of Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers, alongside Francezka Bell, Renshaw’s in-house applications specialist.
As part of the final challenge, Evelyn worked with the ambassadors to create two showpiece bakes using products from the Renshaw range, including the company’s newly launched Big Bakes cake mixes.
Speaking about the experience, Evelyn said: “Being selected for this year’s Renshaw Cup is a huge opportunity and something I’m really proud of.
“It was great to learn from professional bakers in a commercial environment and put our skills to the test. Taking part in the challenge set by some of the biggest names in baking is an experience I’ll never forget.”
Originally launched in 1952 by John Renshaw before being revived in 2025 after a 21-year break, the Renshaw Cup has helped launch the careers of many successful bakers over the decades.
This year’s competition also paid tribute to the late John Renshaw, whose vision for supporting young talent continues to inspire the next generation of bakers more than 70 years after the competition first began.
James Cawthorne, managing director at British Bakels, said: “Giving young bakers the opportunity and resources to bake alongside the very best at the Renshaw Cup is something we’re immensely proud of.
“By backing young bakers, we’re investing in the future of the industry and reinforcing our belief that baking and sugarcraft are skills well worth protecting.”