THE SCOTTISH BAKER
INDUSTRY NEWS
NEW LOOK COMMERCIAL OPERATION WELL UNDERWAY AT FLEMING HOWDEN Fleming Howden is delighted to announce two new appointments to facilitate the growth and development of the existing commercial operation, based in Newbridge and distributing throughout Scotland.
With over 35 years of Baking Industry experience, Alan Leith brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. A member of the BCA and Aberdeen Bakers Incorporation.
Thomas Mackay; joined the business in November 2019 as Sales Manager, linking with Key Account Manager, Chris Boland; who has been in the role since April 2018. The Commercial Team was further bolstered in January 2020, with the appointment of Alan Leith, who was recruited as Technical Sales Manager.
Alan commented: “With a love of baking and a long-standing passion for the Scottish Bakery trade, I’m a great supporter of Scottish bakers. I look forward to working with our Customer base, bringing new products to market which I’m sure will excite both manufacturers and their customers.”
Thomas commented: “I am delighted to join a business that has a strong reputation in its heartland and beyond. We are fully aware of the quality and diversity that our core range of mixes can deliver to our loyal customer base. I look forward to working closely with both Chris and Alan to facilitate this notion.” Thomas continued: “We also look forward to reinforcing our focus on our Independent Scottish customer base and enhancing our overall offering.”
Alan has previously held the position of Head Baker at Macphie, where he also worked in New Product Development; Quality; Product and Field Applications. Alan expanded: “I’m experienced in many different types of Bakery: Small; Medium and Large Craft; Semi-Industrial; Industrial; Hotel and Coffee Shop. I’ve also worked around the world, from Europe to China. I’m delighted to be joining such a great Sottish bakery brand and look forward to showcasing our great products to the Scottish market. as well as being able to offer any technical advice.”
Chris Boland, Alan Leith & Thomas Mackay
AB MAURI’s Managing Director, Andrew Pollard commented: “I am thrilled to welcome someone with Alan’s Bakery Industry experience and knowledge of the Scottish market to Fleming Howden. With the backing of AB MAURI’s technical team and craft skills, we’re very confident of satisfying the future needs of all Scottish bakers.”
SUPPORT FOR SMALL BAKERIES
Funding for independent and family-run businesses. Small bakeries will benefit from £125,000 to help mitigate challenges faced by small food retailers. The Scottish Government funding has been shared among 34 independent and family-run bakers across Scotland facing competition from bigger chains. Administered by Scottish Bakers, the grant scheme will help businesses modernise facilities, improve energy efficiency and reduce waste. Among the successful applicants are Bashar Helmi and his son-in-law Mohamed Helmi who opened a Syrian patisserie on the Isle of Bute in 2018. They were awarded £5,000 to purchase new mixing equipment and a coffee machine.
Mairi Gougeon MSP visits Helmi’s on the Isle of Bute
Visiting Helmi’s patisserie in Rothesay Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “It is wonderful to see firsthand how this scheme is helping to ensure the future of independent and family-run bakeries which play such a key role on in our villages, towns and cities across Scotland. “Over recent years small bakeries have faced increasing pressures, particularly from competition from bigger chains and economic uncertainty caused by Brexit. This support
will help bakers invest in their facilities, reduce waste and improve energy efficiency within their businesses.” Mohamed Helmi said: We started our business in 2018 and since then we have grown very quickly which is great but we have plans to expand even further, This grant will help us to continue to thrive as a business which provides employment for skilled workers and also contributes to the community here in Bute.”
