I went on to study at Pibwrlwyd Catering College and Neath Bakery & Confectionery College, developing the skills and knowledge that would form the foundations of my career.
About Mark
Hello, I’m Mark, the cake designer behind Design a Cake by Mark Clement.
I am married with three children and live near Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
My passion for baking began when I was young, long before I entered professional training. I was fascinated by the creativity and skill involved in turning simple ingredients into something special, and that early interest developed into a lifelong passion for cooking, baking, confectionery and cake artistry.
The early years
The foundations of a career
During my training, I competed in culinary and confectionery competitions, achieving Gold and Silver awards and being named Student of the Year on two occasions.
My achievements during this time led to me winning the Renshaw Cup in 1989 and being given the opportunity to undertake specialist training at the Richemont Bakery School in Lucerne, Switzerland — an experience that further broadened my knowledge and appreciation of professional baking and confectionery.
One of these competitions was judged by Roger Sweetman of Sweetman’s Bakery, a well-established Welsh bakery and confectionery business.
From training to teaching
Building a life in cake
From 1986 to 1995, I worked as a Chef in hotels and restaurants, while also developing my skills as a Celebration Cake Decorator at Sweetman’s ‘Sweet Creations’, gaining valuable early experience in wedding and celebration cakes.
In 1987, I established Design a Cake by Mark Clement, with a vision to create personalised wedding and celebration cakes with the WOW factor.
I went on to Cardiff to study Advanced Confectionery Design, further developing my skills in Sugarcraft and Cake Decoration, before completing my PGCE at the University of Wales College of Newport (UWCN).
I began my teaching career at Swansea College in 1995, where I have taught for 31 years and held a number of leadership roles, including Head of the Hospitality, Tourism, Independent Living Skills and the Hair & Beauty Department. Throughout this time, I have continued to bring my industry experience and contemporary techniques into the classroom.
Four decades of craft
Mark through the years
I am a qualified Chef, Baker, Confectioner and Chocolatier, a trained Florist, and an experienced lecturer of 31 years in Hospitality, Patisserie, Cake Decoration and Sugarcraft.
Craft, creativity and change
A style that keeps evolving
For me, cake is both craft and art. Alongside my work in Further Education, I continue to pursue my passion for cake artistry, transforming initial concepts into distinctive creations.
I continually explore emerging techniques, new materials and trends, allowing me to evolve my style while embracing innovation in cake design.
The skills I developed in the late 1980s in classic piped Royal Icing continue to influence my work today, from Vintage Lambeth and contemporary textured designs to Sugarpaste, Belgian chocolate, handmade sugar flowers, edible lace and wafer paper. I have seen many trends come and go — and, in some cases, come around again!
Recent recognition
Trusted experience, award-winning work
My work has been trusted by thousands of customers and recommended by local businesses and fellow wedding professionals.
More recently, I have been recognised with two consecutive Wales Wedding Cake Designer of the Year awards at The Wedding Industry Awards and named among the Top 10 Cake Designers in the UK.
Designed to be remembered
Your celebration, brought to life
My aim is always to create a cake that is as memorable to look at as it is to enjoy — a distinctive centrepiece for your celebration.I look forward to creating your own piece of Dramatic Confectionery Architecture.
