Stellar cake maker wins regional award

The Frostery wedding cake business in Uppermill won NW Wedding Cake award. PIC shows L-R: Suzanne Thorp (owner), Stella Collins and Kim Newton.

A WEDDING cake business that includes TV and film industry clients among its customers has landed a top regional award, based on the votes of newly-wed couples.

The Frostery, based in Uppermill, was named Wedding Cake Designer/Maker of the Year at the north west regional heat of the Wedding Industry Awards.

The regional ceremony was held at Mitton Hall in Clitheroe and, due to its success, the Uppermill business went through to the national finals, held at the Cafe de Paris in London on January 12.

The Frostery is run by Suzanne Thorp, who has made wedding cakes professionally for many years. The Uppermill shop has been established for five years. In the past six months, the firm has made wedding cakes for Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie and Nick Park, the multiple Oscar-winning film-maker and creator of Wallace and Gromit.

Suzanne said: "We are delighted to have won this award. It is based on the votes of genuine wedding clients from the previous year, based on cakes and service, followed by the scrutiny of industry experts.

"The awards are all about quality, allowing wedding suppliers of all shapes and sizes to compete on a level playing field."

Suzanne grew up in Stalybridge and attended Copley High School. During her school holidays, she used to work at a bakery in Ashton, Trifles, that was run by her mum and dad, Roger and Florence Ratcliffe. The business made a lot of celebration cakes for people at Granada TV, establishing a link with TV and film clients that has developed over the years.

Suzanne said her family has various connections to Saddleworth, including Greenfield and Grasscroft. Her mum is from Greenfield and Suzanne was keen to establish her cake shop in the area.

Staff at the Uppermill shop include Stella Collins and Kimberley Newton, while Suzanne's husband, James, also helps out.