Robert’s cream of the crop

Jun 24 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

BRIDGE of Allan businessman Robert Graham has scooped top prize in a competition involving entrepreneurs.

Mr Graham who is the managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy, was named a regional winner at the Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Awards.

He fought off competition from 30 of Scotland’s leading businessmen and women to pick up the award at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. He will now progress to the UK final which takes place in October along with 11 other regional finalists from Scotland.

Robert Graham joined the family business in 1991, after graduating with a degree in accountancy and finance from Heriot-Watt University. In 1996, he succeeded his father, Robert senior, as managing director.

His award was in recognition of his ability to provide strong direction to his family business over the past 16 years as it continues to drive market share in a competitive market.

Commenting on his award, he said: “To be named a regional winner at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is a huge honour, both for my family and everyone connected with our dairy.

“We passionately believe in continuing to offer our discerning customers the highest quality of milk, cream, butter and ice cream dairy products.

“I am confident this approach and our constant drive to offer our customers innovative dairy products, including the recent launch of our first range of luxury vanilla ice cream, will continue to see Graham’s The Family Dairy prosper.”

The independent chair of the judging panel, Sir Bill Gammell of Cairn Energy Plc, commented: “Since taking the reins of the family business, Robert has shown himself to be a true entrepreneur and leader, totally committed to the business and prepared to be innovative around introducing new products in a very established market.”

Jim Bishop, Ernst and Young partner and leader of Entrepreneur of the Year in Scotland, said: “The success achieved by Robert highlights the drive and determination of Scottish companies to succeed in today’s global climate and we wish him well in the national finals.”