Carr’s Flour Mills managing director and former National Association of British and Irish Millers (Nabim) president Duncan Monroe has retired.

Oxford graduate Monroe started out as a trainee wheat buyer for Liverpool-based Wilson King mill in 1979. Following the takeover of the business by Spillers, he took on senior positions in Newcastle and Avonmouth before joining Carr’s and being appointed managing director of its mill at Silloth, Cumbria, in 1999.

Following the sale of Carr’s Flour Mills by Carr’s PLC, Monroe moved to the east coast of Scotland, where he lives with wife Jose.

“Looking back there have been huge changes to the industry over the past 40 years in terms of the key players, the introduction of new technology, and the massive rationalisation of the mills themselves,” he said.

“When I started out, there were probably around 60 operational mills in the UK. Now, there are only half that number.”

Monroe became president of Nabim in 2016.

“Becoming president was the highlight of my involvement, but I have been lucky enough to have worked with some fantastic people along the way,” he added.

“From the day-to-day business of supply chain management to actively encouraging the next generation of millers through its training courses, Nabim continues to support its members and the industry as a whole.”

Monroe had made a fantastic contribution to the flour milling industry, stated Nabim director general Alex Waugh.

“As Nabim president, he was determined to see the vital role of flour milling better recognised by government and people alike. Under his guidance, Nabim enhanced both the quality and depth of its work and improved communications with members and supply chain partners. We’ll be taking forward those ideals in the years to come.”

Monroe has now started a combined studies course in art history at St Andrew’s University, and will share his knowledge of flour milling with organisations such as the British Nutrition Association.

“This is a wonderful industry and I want to put something back,” he said. “If I can encourage people at home to make bread, then I’ll be delighted.”

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