Biography

Mark Borland Biography

STRATEGIC BAKING was founded by Mark Borland in 2019 to offer expert consultancy to the Baking and Allied industries worldwide. Mark is a Baker and Food Scientist with over 30 years of experience in the Baking sector.
He was educated at Glasgow College of Food Technology whilst working with SME’s and then moving into retail baking with Tesco and then ASDA in a junior management position.
Always keen to understand what controls baking quality he then moved into technical roles with Warburtons, ending up as Head of R&D, Technical Sales with DSM, Quality Director at Hovis and Global Process Development Manager with AB Mauri Global Bakery Ingredients based in Etten-Leur, Netherlands.

He first ventured into the world of consultancy in 2016.

He has worked on projects all over the world with baking companies, ingredient and equipment suppliers, research organisations and universities over the past 15 years from short-term troubleshooting through to multi-million pound, multi-year Government projects.
He has a simplistic approach to baking while understanding the scientific complexities. This is coupled with his unique approach.
Mark understands the true value of partnership and believes that providing the fundamentals are understood:

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ANY PRODUCT CAN BE IMPROVED

Glesh C

Glesh is Strategic Baking’s Social Media & Marketing Executive.
She is currently studying for her BSc at University but, crucially, understands how social media works.
Glesh is responsible for all of Strategic Baking’s social media output.

As technology has advanced, STRATEGIC BAKING has adapted as well. We have had to.

By carrying out more work remotely, moving away from the traditional ‘boots on the ground’ approach. While this traditional method is still offered, the company has invested heavily in IT infrastructure with selected partners to provide faster and more cost-effective solutions for clients.

WITH SIMPLICITY COMES EFFICIENCY AND ANY PRODUCT CAN BE IMPROVED

I’ve dealt with Mark for more than 20 years and have always been impressed with his depth of knowledge in the Industrial Bread arena from long fermentation to the Chorleywood Process.
Mark not only understands the process but the science behind the ingredients and also how to transfer it to the production line. We have implemented many of Mark’s recommendations over the years.As he has always said, “if you get the process right you can save money on ingredients”, which is the benefit we are all looking for.

Owner of large industrial Bakery

I have had the privilege of working with Mark for over 10 years. He has a unique set of skills and can combine his deep knowledge of baking with an enquiring and challenging mind.
This combination allows and encourages innovation and improvement, it also fast tracks problem solving. With this mindset and decades of bakery experience it puts him in a unique position regarding his ability to mentor, coach and train.
STRATEGIC BAKING will add significant value to any project or activity and I would highly recommend them.

Global Director of Multi National Bakery

STRATEGIC BAKING have worked for us on a consultancy basis and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Mark has a fantastic knowledge of baking principles and is always happy and willing to share this knowledge.
Mark understands baking and can work through recipes and production process changes in a calm and professional manner.

Director of Global Bakery Ingredients Manufacturer

I have known Mark for many years and we have worked on complex research and development projects. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with Mark. I have learned a great deal from him, and some of the results of our research are now state-of-the-art in dough technology for bakery products.

Senior Manager of Global Bakery Equipment Manufacturer

Mark has a fantastic way of breaking down some very complex subjects into
logical simple chunks. He constantly seeks innovative ways of working. His major
strength is with troubleshooting, whether it be process related or ingredient,
adapting his knowledge seamlessly to arrive at solutions to complex issues.

Mark’s deep expertise in breadmaking, coupled with his clear and friendly communication, makes him a pleasure to work with. He has expertly advised my teams on technology choices, ingredients, and troubleshooting, while delivering highly regarded training programmes.

Technology Manager of Multi National Industrial Bakery

Mark has a fantastic way of breaking down some very complex subjects into logical simple chunks. He constantly seeks innovative ways of working. His major strength is with troubleshooting, whether it be process related or ingredient, adapting his knowledge seamlessly to arrive at solutions to complex issues.

Head of Technology of Industrial / Artisan Bakery

From working with Mark as both a colleague and client, I know that he has profound mastery in the art of breadmaking, transforming complexity into simplicity. Keeping things simple is a key for him.

His approachable manner and straightforward style of communication make collaboration easy. As a technical advisor, Mark has been instrumental in guiding teams through intricate technology selections, ingredient nuances, and baking challenges. His training programmes are not just sessions; they are experiences that leave lasting expertise.

Director of FMCG Companies

Through embracing the latest in remote service technologies, Strategic Baking offers the flexibility of virtual consultations without compromising the hands-on support when needed. This dual approach ensures swift and cost-effective solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Mark’s expertise spans troubleshooting, mentoring, training and coaching, all while working closely with partner ingredient suppliers and engineering equipment designers.At the heart of Mark’s philosophy is ‘Baking Simplified’—removing the mystique and myth. He’s not just about baking; he’s about breaking things down into simple steps, making excellence in baking accessible to all.