Representatives from two prominent Lanarkshire food firms have been elected to the board of trade association Scottish Bakers.
JB Christie managing director Andrew Chisholm and Lees of Scotland operations director Shirley Simson are to “further strengthen the team” through their appointments.
Scottish Bakers president Ian McGhee said they “bring a wealth of knowledge, passion and commitment to the organisation which has supported our interests for so long”.
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Andrew has owned JB Christie, which has branches in Airdrie and Coatbridge and its bakery at Flowerhill industrial estate, for a decade and will next year mark four decades in the industry.
Scottish Bakers say: “He has mainly been in management and technical roles for the past 30 years, working on many larger projects as well as the day-to-day running of departments and whole businesses.
“His vast experience has placed him in the position that he now feels that he can offer assistance in the future flow of the Scottish baking industry, wherever he may be needed.
Shirley, of Coatbridge-based Lees, has been employed in the bakery, biscuit and confectionery sector for more than 30 years and previously worked for firms including McVities, Burtons and Baynes.
Described as bringing “a wealth of experience across multiple functions including production, supply chain, safety and HR”, she has already previously served on the trade board and said: “It is a privilege to do so again.”
The organisation added: “Shirley is passionate about empowering the workforce through training, and engaging with the community to encourage the younger generation to join the baking and confectionery trade for a rewarding career.”
It represents 300 bakery businesses across Scotland who employ 12,000 people, with the industry contributing more than £1 billion into the economy.
Scottish Bakers chief executive Alasdair Smith said: “The appointments have come at a crucial time – we are facing an existential crisis from cost-of-living impacts on energy and ingredient costs, coupled with recruitment and skills challenges and the possibility of less government investment.
“We welcome Andrew and Shirley to help us chart these choppy waters while still celebrating the incredible skills and very real contribution to the economy that our sector delivers.”
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