Dunfermline: Stephens bakery director awarded by British Baker

Andre Sarafilovic, managing director, said he had been surprised by the recognition at an event hosted by British Baker in London earlier this month.

"It's very humbling to be recognised by my peers, it was humbling and emotional," he said.

"We all put our heads down and work hard for our business."

Having entered the industry when he was just 16, working for his own family business, Andre climbed through the ranks at Stephens in the 1980s and now manages more than 240 staff members.

During that time, he met his future wife, Rona Terris, daughter of Ian Terris, who owned the bakery at the time.

Now, Andre is on the board of the Scottish Bakers association and a member of the British Society of Baking, British Confectioners’ Association, and the Worshipful Company of Bakers.

And it is this dedication which he believes is what made him winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry award.

"When they talk about contribution, I am the longest-serving board member of Scottish Bakers," he said.

"I have always been a strong advocate for the association's motto about doing things for the good of all."

Despite it being a difficult time for firms – just last week the Wee Vegan Bakery in Townhill announced their plans to close as their electricity bills rocketed to £600 a month and the price of cooking oil to more than £8 – Stephens has expanded, boasting the UK's first standalone bakery drive-thru, with plans for more to come.

"It's a tough industry and it's not been easy," Andre added.

"It's tough for all businesses right now but next year we will enter our 150th year, I am sure there is light at the end of the tunnel."

The company now has 13 of its own shops and more than 160 partnerships with places like Co-op, Scotmid and McColl’s.

In 2018, Andre also launched the Stephens Foundation, which to date has donated around £130,000 to local good causes.