Hugh Baird College Student Crowned:- 'Front of House Champion' at National Hospitality Competition

A Hugh Baird College Hospitality student, Katie Blundell, has been named:- 'Front of House (FOH) Champion' at the prestigious:- 'Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or 2025' competition. Katie's success comes after an action-packed Grand Finals Week, which took place from:- 11 May to 15 May 2025 and saw the UK's top hospitality students put through their paces across a series of real world, sustainability-focused challenges.

Katie's exceptional performance saw her shine among 6 FOH finalists, impressing a panel of industry leading judges including:- Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling MBE, FOH Director George Hersey, and hospitality professionals from across the country.

Now in its 37th year, the Toque d'Or competition aims to showcase and support the next generation of hospitality talent. Katie's win also brings a £1,000 prize fund for Hugh Baird College, part of a wider £21,200 grant awarded by the Savoy Educational Trust to support Colleges involved in the National Heats and Grand Finals.

Reflecting on her win, Katie said:- "It means everything to me, not just winning, but having the chance to improve my skills and discover what I'm truly capable of. It's been an incredible experience."

Throughout the week, Katie and her fellow FOH finalists took on a wide range of challenges, including:- pairing wines at:- Wyken Vineyards, designing a sustainable grab and go service for NHS staff, at St Bartholomew's Hospital, and exploring modern mixology at The Alchemist in London. They also learned from top industry mentors and gained invaluable experience working in high-pressure, real-world hospitality settings.

The week culminated in the:- 'Fine Dining Challenge' at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, where Katie and the finalists served a three-course sustainable menu paired with English wines to an esteemed panel of judges. Her poise, professionalism and deep understanding of the hospitality industry helped secure her title as the nation's top front-of-house student.

Katie now looks ahead to a once in a lifetime culinary trip to Italy alongside back of house champion Thomas Brassington from Loughborough College. The duo will immerse themselves in Italy's renowned food culture, exploring local cuisine, Regional ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

"Katie has been an outstanding ambassador for Hugh Baird College. Her achievement and the hard work, dedication and passion she has demonstrated throughout the competition has been incredible. Her success is a testament not only to her individual talent, but also to the strength and quality of the College's hospitality training." commented Ste Otty, Curriculum Manager for Catering at Hugh Baird College.

Ste went on to say:- "Her professionalism, commitment and drive exemplify everything we aim to instil in our students. We couldn't be more proud."

For more information about hospitality courses at Hugh Baird College, visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK.

Mayor watches final piece of new Mersey Ferry lowered into place

THE funnel of the 1st new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years was lowered into place on:- Friday, 27 June 2025; thus marking completion of the high-tech vessel's steel superstructure.

Mayor Steve Rotheram was on hand to watch the funnel slot into place on top of the 14m high Royal Daffodil at a special ceremony at APCL Cammell Laird shipyard, Birkenhead.

Standing 3.6 metres tall and weighing around 2.5 tonnes, the funnel will eventually be painted red in line with the world famous Mersey Ferries' traditional red, white and black colour scheme.

The next step in the exciting new build will be to carry out the installation of all the mechanical and electric services to bring the ferry into operation, along with completion of the interior fit out as well as:- the internal and external painting.

The Royal Daffodil is due to take to the water in 2026 and will be the 1st new addition to the Mersey Ferries fleet since the 1960s. The vessel is being designed with modern hybrid propulsion that will offer improved environmental performance, greater accessibility, and enhanced comfort for passengers; while reflecting the proud maritime history of the Mersey Ferries.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "The Mersey Ferries are more than just a way to get from:- A to B; they're a symbol of our identity, heritage, and pride. Generations have grown up with them, and I'm determined to ensure they remain part of our future, too. Today's milestone isn't just about lowering a funnel; it's about raising expectations for what transport in our Region can be: cleaner, greener, and built right here in our City Region by local workers. The new Royal Daffodil will carry the spirit of the Mersey with her, and; as my friend Gerry Marsden once said; I can't wait to see this Ferry 'Cross the Mersey."

The funnel is a crucial component of the ship, allowing exhaust from the 3 main engines to be safely expelled while supporting ventilation of the engine spaces.

Wirral shipbuilder Cammell Laird, which has played a strategic role in UK shipbuilding for the past 200 years, is constructing the £26m Royal Daffodil on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

It reflects a significant investment in modernising the ferry service, making it more sustainable and accessible, while continuing to celebrate its rich legacy.

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, said:- "This marked a significant milestone in what is a landmark project, not just for APCL Cammell Laird but for shipbuilding in the wider Merseyside Region. The installation of the funnel signals the completion of the Royal Daffodil's steel structure and brings us 1 step closer to delivering a vessel that combines innovation, heritage, and sustainability. This ferry is being built by our local workforce and apprentices, using local skills that has gone into every stage of its construction. We look forward to completing the construction of the ferry and launching her on the river Mersey."

John Drummond, Project Director at APCL Cammell Laird, said:- "Being entrusted with building the 1st new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years is a real honour; and a responsibility we take seriously. As we continue with the next phase of the build, including:- mechanical systems and interior fit out, we look forward to seeing this iconic vessel take to the water and serve future generations of passengers across the Mersey."

The Royal Daffodil will offer a world class experience for passengers thanks to improved accessibility; including:- a lift, allowing easy access to the upper deck; new seating areas and bars. The vessel will feature large open plan decks as well as:- event spaces for corporate functions and private parties.

Mersey Ferries play a key role in enhancing the tourism experience across the Liverpool City Region, contributing to the wider economic impact of over £6 billion generated by the sector in 2023. Iconic and accessible, Mersey Ferries is part of the Region's growing appeal; highlighted by a 21% rise in tourism value and over 60 million visitors.

The vessel has been designed to harness state of the art green technology, with a cutting-edge Azipod propeller system for increased fuel efficiency, along with a diesel electric hybrid ready engine.

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