Trevor Storer facts for kids

Trevor Storer (born July 11, 1930 – died July 31, 2013) was a British businessman. He started the famous Pukka Pies company in 1963. At first, it was called Trevor Storer's Home Made Pies. He even wrote a book called Bread Salesmanship. This book became a guide for Allied Bakeries in the 1960s. Trevor started making pies right in his own home. He grew the company into a huge success. He retired at 65 but stayed in charge until he passed away. By the time he died, his company was making £40 million every year!

Trevor Storer's Early Life

Trevor Storer was born in Leicester, England, on July 11, 1930. He went to Alderman Newton's School. When he was sixteen, he left school. He then started working in his family's bakery. His grandfather had started this bakery way back in 1899.

After school, Trevor joined the army for his National Service. He became an instructor at the British Army's bakery school. This means he taught others how to bake! After his time in the army, he came back to work at the family bakery.

In 1960, a bigger company called Allied Bakeries bought the family business. Trevor was asked to become a manager in training. During this time, he wrote his book, Bread Salesmanship. This book was so good that Allied Bakeries used it to train their own staff.

The Story of Pukka Pies

In 1963, Trevor decided to leave Allied Bakeries. He wanted to start his own company. To get money for his new business, he sold his sports car, an Austin-Healey Sprite. He started making pies in his home in Earl Shilton. He called his new company Trevor Storer's Home Made Pies.

In the very first week, he sold 1,200 steak and kidney pies. Most of these pies went to local pubs. Soon, he added more types of pies, like chicken and mushroom pies. In his first year, his company made £12,000!

In 1964, his wife had a great idea for a new name. She suggested "Pukka Pies." At the time, "pukka" was a popular word. It meant something was "top-notch" or excellent. The name stuck, and the company became known as Pukka Pies.

Under Trevor's leadership, Pukka Pies grew steadily. They expanded across the whole United Kingdom. The company also opened a big factory in Syston, Leicestershire.

Trevor retired in 1995 when he was 65 years old. But he still remained the chairman of the company. His two sons, Tim and Andrew, took over running the business day-to-day.

In early 2013, Pukka Pies celebrated its 50th birthday. By then, the company was selling an amazing 60 million pies every year! Trevor Storer passed away at his home on July 31, 2013. He was survived by his wife, Valerie, his two sons, Tim and Andrew, and his daughter, Susan.