An Aberdeenshire baker has been celebrated at the trade’s equivalent of the Oscars.
George Ross, Chairman of craft bakers JG Ross of Inverurie, was recognised with a special award for his Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry at the Baking Industry Awards 2015.
More than 800 industry guests attended the gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton, hosted by television presenter and star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Claudia Winkleman.
Guests at the event heard that Mr Ross began work in the baking industry age 10, working before and after school, and at weekends. At the age of 15, he did a four-year local apprenticeship, then borrowed money to purchase his own, small £5,000 bakery.
His drive to succeed was so strong that he worked 18-20 hours a day and, on one occasion, fell asleep at the hotplate and burnt both arms. He simply had them bandaged by his wife, Betty, and carried on working.
Ian Dobbie, Managing Director of the award’s sponsor, Delifrance, said: “The business flourished and now boasts one of the best, purpose-built, craft bakeries in Scotland, employs 310 people and turns over £11million serving its own chain of retail shops and large wholesale network.
“Outside baking, he actively supported charities and Rotary Club. He’s organised entertainment for the elderly and a WAGS dinner which raised £16,000 for charity, and he’s been honoured with a Rotary ‘Fellowship’.”
Now in its 28th year, the annual Baking Industry Awards hand out prizes across 11 categories including Speciality Bread Product, Celebration Cake Business and Bakery Manufacturer of the Year.