''The Big Cheese''
Blaenavon cheese-makers prove that ‘Welsh is best’, as their belief in promoting local trade and tourism earns them two coveted awards.
Based in the World Heritage site of Blaenavon, specialist cheese producer, the Blaenavon Cheddar Company could not be better positioned to champion traditional Welsh food and local history.
The small Welsh firm is operated by Susan Fiander-Woodhouse and her husband Gerry, and produces eight distinctive cheddars and four goat’s cheeses. The cheeses are flavoured with fine local ingredients sourced from across South Wales including popular Penderyn Whisky. The pair also organise guided walks and help arrange cycle rides featuring free return transport to the town, including specially adapted bikes for disabled cyclists.
Since launching in December 2006, the business has been recognised for the quality of its cheeses, and for its success in promoting local tourism within Blaenavon and Torfaen. The natural goats cheese has been awarded the True Taste of Wales Award, while Susan has been named Entrepreneur of the Year in the National Tourism Awards for Wales. Most recently, Susan was short-listed as a finalist in the prestigious Welsh Woman of the Year Awards.
Assistance to start and grow the business came from Newport & Gwent Enterprise Business Adviser, Craig Tamplin, who provided support with the business planning process and marketing of the business. Mr Tamplin said: “With Susan’s flair for innovation, business acumen and her links in promoting the local area, the future looks very positive. The Awards that Susan has achieved are recognition of this and the hard work she has put in.”
As the company’s first birthday approaches, Susan recalls an eventful year. “After surveying visitors to Big Pit to find out if a local cheese shop would be of interest, we approached the owners of Big Pit who agreed to let us to sell our cheeses from the underground museum shop. Now our Pwll Mawr cheddar is matured at the bottom of the mine shaft using methods dating from the 18th and 19th Centuries. This has helped to create a great link between Big Pit and Blaenavon town.”
“During the last twelve months our cheeses have gained lots of recognition. Big name wholesalers have begun asking to stock them, helping us to increase our customer base. Our cheeses were even enjoyed by VIP guests at the recent Joe Calzaghe title match at the Millennium Stadium recently, and have been specially requested for the new restaurant of the Senedd National Assembly building”, said Susan.
Future plans for the cheese-makers combine growing their business with boosting local tourism, with further support from Newport & Gwent Enterprise. Susan said: “We aimed to reach capacity in three years but have already hit our target. We hope to enter the World Cheese Awards next year, and plan to continue using and promoting fantastic Welsh produce at every opportunity. |
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