Vice-Chancellor and alumnus Rosie Ginday receive New Year's Honours

University College Birmingham is not only celebrating its Vice-Chancellor and Principal being awarded an OBE, but also a former student – the founder of Miss Macaroon – receiving an MBE.

Professor Ray Linforth was awarded for services to further and higher education in the West Midlands in the New Year’s Honours, while Rosie Ginday was recognised for services to the community.

Prof. Linforth said: “I am both honoured and humbled that colleagues from both the further and higher education sectors nominated me for this award. Whatever I have achieved throughout my career has been with the support of so many other people, so this award is as much for them as it is for me.”

Rosie took Level 2 and Level 3 Professional Cookery at UCB and worked at Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant Purnell’s before starting her social enterprise Miss Macaroon, based in Great Western Arcade. She earned her MBE for the training and employment opportunities her company gives unemployed and disadvantaged young people.

It comes on the back of the 34-year-old being included in the 2018 WISE100 (Women in Social Enterprise 100), the first ever index to recognise and celebrate inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business.

Rosie, who attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding last year after making sweet treats for the Royal couple at an event for International Women’s Day, said: “I feel really privileged to have been awarded the honour of an MBE for my work at social enterprise Miss Macaroon.

“It’s fantastic to see the recognition of the work of our team and partners in providing training and jobs for long term unemployed, young people. It’s a challenging time with public service cuts impacting vulnerable young people and businesses that give back to the community are well-placed to address this in an innovative and sustainable way.

“I’m very much looking forward to the investiture ceremony, meeting other award winners and celebrating with my parents and partner. 2019 will be a big year for growing our social impact and supporting other social entrepreneurs to grow the sector.”

Find out more about Rosie’s experience studying at UCB here.