Do you know someone who makes the baking industry a better place to be? Then be sure to nominate them for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry award.
Part of the Baking Industry Awards, which take place on Thursday 23 October at the Royal Lancaster in London, the award seeks to recognise someone who has truly made their mark on bakery.
Sponsored by Dèlifrance, the accolade offers British Baker readers the chance to nominate an outstanding individual – someone who has gone above and beyond the boundaries of their paid salary or ownership and has made, or still is making, a special contribution to bakery.
They will support and encourage others within the sector, and possibly outside of it as well.
It’s an opportunity for you to honour the inspirational people in the bakery community who consistently strive to make the sector such a wonderful place to be. Tell us about their career highlights and standout achievements so we can surprise them on the night.
“Winning this award is often the cherry on top of an illustrious and rewarding career in the baking industry,” said British Baker editor Amy North. “Nominating an individual is an incredibly special way of honouring their efforts and helping them to get the recognition they deserve.
“They could be your boss, colleague, friend or perhaps your mentor. Either way, be sure to shine a spotlight on their achievements and nominate them for this award.”
Know someone that fits this description? The nomination process is simple, easy, and completely free, so why wait? Be sure to nominate them via our dedicated website.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our previous winners:
George Stevenson
George has been in the baking industry for nearly half a century, during which time he has delivered growth for his family business and many others like it, and helped develop a programme which has become the backbone of training at numerous Scottish bakery businesses. It is the latter which holds the key to his outstanding contribution to the baking industry. He has been instrumental in ensuring the bakery skills taught are fit for purpose and help drive the industry forward, with one testimonial describing his dedication and passion for the next generation of bakers as “unparalleled”.
Sara Autton
Sara has helped to shape the baking industry for future generations, taking an active role in many trade bodies and associations alongside her role at Lesaffre. She has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, one that has spanned nearly five decades, during which time she cemented herself as a beacon of expertise. She always gives 110%, according to one colleague, who praised the time and dedication she offered to helping students expand their skills and further their careers.
André Sarafilovic
André has enjoyed a distinguished and extended career, offering his services to various trade bodies and organisations as well as running a hugely successful business and creating a charity to help give back to the local community. He is described as a trailblazer at Stephens, having grown the business from a few shops in Dunfermline to a much larger one with 14 shops and over 160 convenience partnerships with Co-op, Scotmid, McColl’s, and independents.
Neil Woods
Neil has had an esteemed 60-year career in the baking industry, including work at various craft bakeries as well as an in-store bakery manager in his hometown of Bradford. He spent time at Renshaw as a technical sales demonstrator before joining Ireks Arkady, where he remained for 33 years. He also dedicated time to many trade associations – including the Craft Bakers Association, where he was recently president – and even leant a hand at judging various competitions for British Baker including Britain’s Best Loaf.
Dawn Gemmell
Dawn, formerly assistant dean at the College of Food (Bakery) at University College Birmingham, was awarded for her inspiration, caring attitude, and desire to tap into the very best in every individual, lecturer, or student she came across during her career. Before joining UCB, Gemmell worked in baking for several businesses and gained commercial experience at all levels. She is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers, tutor representative on the ABST, advisor on the Trailblazer bakery apprentice scheme, and has worked closely with qualification bodies such as FDQ and the National Skills Academy to improve standards.
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