I believe that trades and skills are essential to a strong community, economy and society, so I do everything that I can to ensure that they are as vibrant and resilient as possible. Whether by training people in my own fields of qualifications - baking and cookery - or by being a voice and advocate for trades with government and training providers. By educating everyone and anyone I can, from primary school demonstrations to university and public lectures, about how food is (or at least can be) made, I know that I am arming them with tools for life. Hopefully, along the way, some of the passion I have for the topic is passed on.Business is tough and, while I freely admit I don't know it all, I have learnt more than enough on running an SME (by actually running one) to help others. Helping and mentoring businesses, in the food industry, has been massively rewarding for me, I have been with people as they have navigated their business through tough times or significant changes and as they identify areas of concern and potential in their 'baby'.By speaking or demonstrating at international events and conferences or judging at competitions, I continue to learn about the industry I love and that chose me and I make sure that, when I return to New Zealand, I share that knowledge so that the industry can grow.I also put that knowledge into practice by running a bakery in Dunedin with my wife, Esther.