News
.jpg){kind=link}
Home Truths with.... Linda Hill
In Episode 7 of Home Truths, we hear from Linda Hill - formerly of the famous Murray's the Bakers
Can you tell us a little bit about what you are doing with yourself now that you have sold such an iconic business in Perth?
Selling the business was an absolute rollercoaster for me, crazy busy days and trying to do it all whilst working and the emotions of was I doing the right thing definitely crossed my mind a few times! But it has meant we are able to spend proper time at our house in Spain now, we drive over with our dog Luca and stay for 6 weeks at a time, I love it. It’s so relaxing, a different pace of life altogether. I was doing regular gym work at KCPT for the first year but as I explain in another comment I now have long COVID so had to give it up unfortunately. I have recently been asked to join the board of Cash for Kids in Tayside which I have accepted and I will help with assessing any applications 3 times a year so I am looking forward to that and I will be helping with any fundraising as and when. I spend time with my Mum and take her out for lunch etc. I love getting out with the dog if am able although Steve does the majority of the walks. Visiting various cafes for coffee and scones is always a favourite thing to do! Love looking at the property market and seeing what’s up for sale and helping any friends look for houses, it’s a hobby of mine and am sure I should actually have been an estate agent. I love finding the right house for someone
What was the first job you ever had?
Apart from working in Murrays tearoom in the school holidays my first job on leaving school was in Ellerman Travel. I really enjoyed it but then I received an offer to go to the Royal Bank of Scotland where I stayed for 3 years before my Dad asked if I wanted to come and work with him in Murrays, up to then it hadn’t been on the cards at all.
Who has been the biggest influence on your own career?
My Dad had a huge influence on me, his work ethic (although days off would have been good back then !) his loyalty to staff and his dedication to Murrays rubbed off on me! In the bakery industry there have been a few people who have inspired me too. I love hearing about a business that has gone from one little bakery shop to a multi million pound business, it always intrigues me to hear about their journey. Joining the board of Scottish bakers had a huge impact on me and I loved every minute of it and becoming President was the ultimate accolade. But I take my hat off to anyone running their own business it’s not easy and all consuming but the rewards can be so worth it.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read crime books and psychological stuff, I am an avid reader. Meeting friends for coffee and cake. Loved going to the gym at Kevin Cuthbert's, it was the first gym that I actually enjoyed and wanted to go but after I was left with long Covid/ME I unfortunately have had to put this on hold for the last 2 and a half years. Long covid has curtailed a lot of what I would like to be doing and have had to learn to pace myself. Something I found very hard to do as I was always a busy person before. I like live music and going to concerts. Socialising with friends. I love a good massage and a bit of a pamper.
What’s one bit of advice you have received that still resonates with you?
Learn to work on your business not always in it! In the early days I was crazy busy working in the front shop, dealing with the bakery, doing the wages, the bookkeeping, the ordering, any staff issues. It was non stop. Delegating was the best thing I ever did and bringing in managers for the front shop and the bakery made my life so much easier.
What is your personal definition of success?
Winning The World Scotch Pie Championship for me was the ultimate success for me and for all my staff. It made everything worthwhile and the recognition for a product we always were so proud of. Success isn’t always how much money you have it’s the satisfaction of getting it right and being honoured by your peers.
If you could go back and give your younger self some words of wisdom what would they be?
Take time off when it’s needed, the business will always be there, making yourself ill doesn’t help anyone long term. Learn who to trust as not everyone has your best interest at heart. And enjoy it.
For our accompanying video interview with Linda, please visit our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Bringing over 20 years of local estate agency experience, Possible are Perthshire's only company who are solely dedicated to selling properties. We cover the entire Perthshire area and over the years have helped hundreds of clients in locations such as Perth, Scone, Bridge of Earn, Auchterarder, Crieff, Blairgowrie, Luncarty, Bankfoot, Pitlochry and everywhere else in between.
Powered by 