Edinburgh store manager awarded Inspirational Young Person Runner-up Award
Youngster praised for ‘constantly putting the team and customers before himself’ as winners announced during Scottish Food & Drink September.
Craig Cameron, a 23-year-old store manager in Edinburgh, has been awarded runner-up in NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Award.
The award, which is in its sixth year, was launched by the commercial insurer in partnership with industry leading body Scotland Food & Drink. It aims to uncover and reward talented 16 to 26-year-olds who own, work or study in the food and drink industry.
A prize of £300 was given for the runner-up of the award, which not only highlights the innovation young people bring to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, but also the important contribution they make to the sector.
Runner-up Craig is the senior store manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse in Edinburgh, having started with the business in 2016 as a kitchen porter.
Craig has worked his way from a kitchen porter, to chef, to front of house supervisor to store manager and now senior store manager in the space of eight years. The 23-year-old was praised for his attention to detail and ‘constantly putting the team and customers before himself’.
Craig Cameron, this year’s runner-up, said: “It was a lovely surprise when I found out I had won the award, it’s very rewarding to have hard work recognised. I love working for Mimi's and I have to pass on thanks to all of my colleagues as well, in particular my assistant managers Gemma and Lauren who without them I wouldn't be where I am just now and of course my manager Ash for nominating me and giving me her full support over my years at Mimi's.”
Alongside Craig, this year’s winner of the 2024 award was Glasgow graduate Matt Farmer. The 23-year-old commercial development co-ordinator at Brakes Scotland has helped oversee large sales growth and continued upward trajectory of the food and drink manufacturer.
Founder of Coffee Cabin, Steven Robert Sorokaniuk (24), and 20-year-old Steven Mitchell, Business Partner at Kenmore Bakery, came joint-third. Heather Storegaard (26) and Lillian Goad (17) both received a special recognition award for their work.
Martin Malone, NFU Mutual Regional Manager and judge of the award, said: “Selecting a winner and two runners up from the high quality of entries this year was too difficult, which is why we decided on two additional awards. I am delighted to be congratulating Matt, Craig, Steven, Steven, Lillian and Heather.
“All five have not only done themselves proud, but they are also wonderful ambassadors for our world-famous food and drink industry.
“I was particularly impressed by how each of them has shown a great deal of passion and dedication in their chosen fields. I feel confident that the sector is in safe hands if they are just some examples of the young people coming forward within the wonderful range of food and drink firms in Scotland.
“A huge congratulations to our fantastic winners and a big thank you to everyone involved.”
Gemma Gillespie, from Scotland Food & Drink, added: “This year’s nominations for IYPA told incredibly positive stories about the passion, progression and impact of young people in the food, drink and hospitality sector. It has been inspiring to hear about their achievements, and a privilege to be able to recognise their wonderful contribution to the sector.”
