GT – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

Not knowing what I’m doing – on a day to day basis, that is. My role is such I can be involved from attending exhibitions and being part of the ‘face’ of the company, to helping out in our packing department when the pressure’s on.

GT – Who’s inspired you most in your career?

The person who has inspired me the most is our MD, Peter Douglass. I’m not saying this just to win a pay rise, he has genuinely been an inspiration. When I joined in 2005 he had all but retired, but then the recession hit several years ago and the company was put under severe pressure. Peter came back into the business full time and with his guidance and knowledge of the market we’ve survived and are going from strength to strength.

GT – If you were an item in a supermarket, what would you be?

A cuddly toy. There’s nothing as rewarding as receiving unconditional love from someone.

GT – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?

Nothing. I’m where I am today by doing exactly what I’ve done and I wouldn’t want to change it for anything.

GT -What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?

Probably the most embarrassing thing was the result of a birthday present. My four sons decided it would be funny to buy me a Mankini. Entering into the spirit I tried it on and, you’ve guessed, photos were posted on Facebook. Imagine the embarrassment of walking into work and being ‘complimented.’

GT -Who or what makes you laugh?

My three-year old grandson. He’s at that non-stop chattering age now. It wears me out just watching him. He’s also got the ace card children his age deal – ‘Why?’ If you try and change the conversation or distract him he hits back with ‘Why?’

GT – Do you have any hidden talents?

Not so much a hidden but one I haven’t used for 30 odd years. I used to play bass guitar for a local band but before you jump to conclusions it wasn’t the Stereophonics.
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GT -Who would be your favourite party guest?

As a Liverpool fan, it would have to be Steven Gerrard.

GT -What is the greatest luxury in your life?

Not having to set the alarm at holiday time. I’m the world’s worst in the mornings and will stay in bed to the very last minute.

GT -What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. Since I hit middle age I’ve had to be careful what I eat. Chocolate seems to ‘hit the spot’.

GT – Do you have any secret ambitions?

When I was a teenager my dad had an old Standard Ensign with a 2 litre, 4-cylinder engine. One day, the engine coughed its last. During the summer holidays and, to his credit, my dad let me strip down the engine and rebuild it. I learnt a tremendous amount and would love to do the same again but with a classic car.

GT -What’s your dream holiday destination?

Alcudia Pins, Majorca. Our first family holiday abroad with our four young sons and it was magical; from the weather to the food. We’ve been back seven times since, the last time with our grandchildren, and it’s just as magical.

GT – What are your three favourite movies of all time?

Alien, The Alamo (with John Wayne) and Star Wars.

GT -What is your favourite book of all time?

Janet & John, a basic reading book in junior school back in the days before colour TV. I was extremely late learning to read and this book is my first recollection of being able to take in information from the written word. I can honestly thank tis for my currant litrussy!

GT -What’s your favourite pastime?

I love to spend time with my grandchildren. It’s only when you’ve had your own children and they are off your hands that you realise all the things you never did with them because you were too busy, too tired, etc. With grandchildren you’ve got the opportunity to do lots of the things you never got round to doing with your own children.

GT – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

I’d want to ensure that all my family were well catered for. I’d retire early but would want some form of activity to keep me occupied, so would probably set up a car restoration business for luxury/classic cars.

GT – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into this industry?

I’d recommend starting at the bottom and working up ‘through the ranks.’ In my opinion there are far too many graduates coming into the food industry with no real life experience let alone work experience. To start at the bottom and experience the good and the bad is invaluable.

WELSH HILLS BAKERY LTD.

Welsh Hills Bakery Ltd. produces a range of gluten free cakes, biscuits, cookies and fruit pies. We have been in the bakery trade for over 60 years and started producing gluten free products in 2002 for one of the leading supermarkets. In 2008 we launched our own brand – Lovemore Free From Foods – and have been steadily increasing our product portfolio ever since. We are a dedicated gluten, wheat and dairy free site, which places us in a unique position to guarantee the integrity of our products.

To take part in Quote Unquote please call: 01923 272960 or email: mail@grocerytrader.co.uk

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