Top IoD award for Northern Irish bakery boss

The managing director of one of Northern Ireland's most successful artisan bakeries has won a top UK award.

Brian McErlain, managing director of Genesis Crafty in Magherafelt, county Derry, was awarded Family Business Director of the Year in the recent Institute of Directors Awards in London.

The awards, which recognise individuals who have displayed the highest standards of leadership in business, public and third sectors, took place in Lancaster London Hotel on October 21. Genesis Crafty, originally known as McErlain's Bakery, is owned and run by six McErlain brothers, including Brian, all of them qualified bakers. The business was established by their parents.

The business is a major supplier of breads, morning goods and cakes to virtually all the main multiple retailers across the UK and Ireland.

Mr McErlain, commenting on the prestigious award, says: "This is a great accolade for the business and the family, and I thoroughly enjoyed the awards ceremony with the other successful Northern Irish directors.

"I was delighted to take away the Family Business Director of the Year award, particularly against tough competition from throughout the UK. I think the award highlights our outstanding work ethic and dedicated staff in the company."

Chairman of the IoD in Northern Ireland, Ian Sheppard, said: "The Director of the Year Awards celebrates directors at the forefront of leadership excellence and the number of local directors recognised at the ceremony proves that Northern Ireland continues to produce business men and women of the highest calibre."

"Local directors have enjoyed considerable success at the national awards in recent years and I would like to congratulate all of those who won, were highly commended and shortlisted in what has been a record for Northern Ireland."