What’s your job and what are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I am sales director for Jacksons Bakery, which is a subsidiary of the William Jackson Food Group. My day-to-day responsibilities are to manage a team of salespeople to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our customers, while also developing new business.

How did you get into the baking industry?

I became addicted to the industry as a Saturday lad and subsequently joined Jacksons Bakery as a junior salesman. There is a phrase around our business that says if you stay six months, you will be here for life. The bakery has been around since 1851 and really looks after its employees.

How has your career progressed (training, job switches, and so on)?

I have held a variety of sales positions within Jacksons, focusing on the various sectors, and I am now very proud to head up a great team for a great business.

What is the most important quality you need to have to do your job?

I would probably say honesty, decency, passion and commitment. The foodservice industry is a very demanding place to be and there is no place for sharp practice.

What is the key to success in your area of expertise?

I guess as a business it’s all about people, there are 330 people here at Jacksons Bakery, who are very focused and customer-driven. We work to only one standard, which is that of the highest quality of product and service, and with the commitment and support of these people we will continue to grow and be successful.