Policeman turns pie-man in career switch
A FORMER policeman is earning his stripes with a return to his first love of cooking.
Neil Broomfield, who originally trained as a chef before joining Greater Manchester Police, set up The Great Northern Pie Company in 2008, but only left his job with the police last year to focus on the business.
The Bramhall, Stockport-based businessman is now earning himself a national reputation after winning four awards – including two ‘golds’ at the British Pie Awards.
He currently sells his products at farmers’ markets and food fayres across the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Yorkshire.
He said: “I am really passionate about food and cooking – I don’t want to be the biggest pie-maker, but I aspire to be the best. I only use the best ingredients and the reponse to the products has been great.
“I had eight years with the police in Longsight and Moss Side which was great. Cooking is my passion though and although making pies was af first a hobby, it got to the point where I felt I could make it work full time.”
Mr Broomfield uses locally-sourced ingredients in his products – such as Cheshire beef and Lancashire cheese, while the ale in his steak and ale pie comes from the Red Willow Brewery in Macclesfield.
He is being supported in his venture by his family and friends, and his girlfriend, Sarah Carey, formerly a manager at Living Ventures, joined him in the business in January.
