What is your role
at Carr's?
Quality Manager at our Silloth Mill, where all the retail bags of Carr’s Flour and bread mixes are made. I am responsible for all the technical aspects of the mill, as well as the health and safety of the site.
How long have you
worked at Carr's?
8 years, I started as a graduate as a Laboratory Assistant then progressing quickly to Laboratory Supervisor.
Describe your work
in 5 words...
Interesting, busy, challenging, rewarding, exciting.
How did you get
into milling?
I always took an interest in the mill having grown up in Silloth, my Grandad also worked here as a fitter for 35 years, and as a young child I remember him coming home for his lunch and talking about what he had been doing in the morning. Obviously at the time I had no idea what he was going on about but it sounded interesting. It was my Mam that encouraged me to apply for the job as she said it was a great opportunity but unfortunately she died before I received the invitation for interview. This was a difficult time but it gave me the courage to continue with the application and I am so pleased I got the job and I am where I am today.
What does a normal day look like?
There is no normal day in flour milling! I usually start at 8.30am and go and speak to my team and check everyone and everything is happy. I then work through my emails and can be involved in developing new products, assess the new wheat varieties or liaising with customers. The main priority is checking raw materials and finished product quality is as expected.
What elements of
your job do you
enjoy the most?
This year, with the pandemic, retail sales have been record-breaking and probably customer satisfaction is the most rewarding element of the job. When you answer customers’ queries and they send you lovely feedback and thank you letters, it really is appreciated, and it reminds you just how important our role in feeding the nation is.
What do you feel
makes Carr's unique?
Our commitment as a business to serve our customers’ needs, whether it is a retail customer or a small bakery, we promise to produce outstanding flour. We are extremely proud of our brand, our history and the heritage. I think this is proved as people at the Silloth mill tend to stay, most people have worked at the mill for over 20 years! So, I’m hoping that I will be too!
Favourite memories
of working at Carr's?
Working with the team at Carr’s Flour, all three mills have a committed workforce, and it is a pleasure to work alongside everyone.
