Authors
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James R.A. HerriotJames R.A. Herriot was born in Berwick-upon-Tweed to an English mother and Scottish father – making him a proud Northumbrian and Borderer. Other than his name (inherited from his grandfather), his credentials as a published author were limited… until now.
James’s early life in the 1950s revolved around Horncliffe, a small village on the banks of the river Tweed. He was the third of four siblings, with two older sisters and a younger brother. Life at that time was very different, and James and his siblings loved to run wild and feral – the countryside and river being their playground. At eight years of age James was sent to boarding school, where he experienced sport and the freedom to roam (good) along with academic achievement (not so good). He then transferred to an Edinburgh public school, which he found constricting, this led to his premature departure. His next port of call was Ashington, a thriving mining community at that time. There, he learned much about life, but failed his exams due to a lack of attendance. Then a short spell at an Edinburgh crammer provided him with the necessary qualification to attend Newcastle Polytechnic. After two terms of enjoying life and learning very little academically, he departed for London in the early 1970s. James found his vocation in London on becoming a Management Trainee for Europe's first Hi-Fi department store on Tottenham Court Road. He had a meteoric rise, becoming an out-of-town store manager at just 20 years of age. He was then poached and set up a new venture for a Northern department store. Following this, he went into business independently but lost everything at 24 in an ill-conceived venture. This led to him spending a while in the wilderness, but the story has a happy ending. To cut a long story short, he set up in business with a friend, and only recently stood down as Chairman of the firm after 40 very successful years. Work and business have played a major role in James’s life, and is something that he has thrived on, but the most important aspect relates to his family and friends. With his wife of 45 years, their daughter and son, their respective husband and wife, and four grandchildren, he considers himself truly blessed. His pandemic lockdown journal, The Sabbatical, is dedicated to them, and hopefully provides a small insight to his unique approach to life. James Herriot has charted an extraordinary career path that reflects not only his expertise in kitchen design but also his unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and education within the industry. The journey began in the 1970s: a time when James was immersed in property development. However, the early 1980s marked a pivotal transition as he and his business partner, Gordon Stanger-Leathes, identified untapped opportunities in the kitchen industry. This realisation led to the birth of Callerton, a venture that would help to redefine kitchen practicality, design, and installation. Despite navigating through the tumultuous waves of recessions and market uncertainties, James and his business partner’s focus on innovation has remained steadfast. This resilience and foresight earned Callerton early recognition through winning a 'Make it in Business' award via a BBC competition, catapulting the company into the spotlight and affirming its ground-breaking approach. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Callerton stands as a testament to James’ vision and the enduring power of partnerships and collaboration. The company's success is anchored in a robust network of retailers and suppliers, all unified by a shared passion for quality and a commitment to the three pillars of successful kitchen projects: exemplary design, superior products, and efficient project management. Beyond his entrepreneurial accomplishments, James has also made significant contributions to the broader industry. As a former chairman of the KBSA, he has passionately championed education and training, to help shape the next generation of industry professionals. Recently, James has embarked on a new journey as an author, channelling his vast experiences into the literary world. His first book, The Sabbatical, is a poignant reflection, a letter to his grandchildren that interweaves the highs and lows of life. His latest work Insights to Kitchen Design, provides a comprehensive exploration of kitchen design that promises to be an invaluable resource for both industry professionals and homeowners alike. James’ transition from an industry leader to an author aligns seamlessly with the philosophy he and his long-time business partner Gordon have upheld since Callerton's inception: 'Turning Dreams to Reality'. His writings not only encapsulate his lifelong passion but also extend his legacy, offering wisdom and inspiration to a wider audience. An extract from a recent industry event where he received the ‘Services to the Industry Award’ helps provide a bit more background: 'James Herriot is more than just a visionary in the kitchen industry; he is a pioneer whose influence extends beyond the realms of design and into the hearts and minds of those he has worked with and inspired. As we celebrate his achievements today, we not only honour a career of exceptional impact but also the indelible mark he has left on the industry and beyond.' Bibliography:
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