Inspire07 Business Awards  RSS feed | About

FROM LEFT: Stacey Hedges and Julie Cheyney, both from Hampshire Cheeses, receive the Rural Business of the Year award from Rob Bishop, of Clydesdale Bank

Award sponsored by Clydesdale Bank

AN AWARD to celebrate those businesses who are tackling rural issues attracted a whole range of entries, from food processors and micro-breweries to pubs and farm B and Bs.

It was a strong category but the company that came out tops in the Rural Business of the Year, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, was Hampshire Cheeses.

Based at Herriard, the company, run by Julie Cheyney and Stacey Hedges, produces a soft white cheese full of flavour called Tunworth. It was judged to be the Supreme Champion 2006 at the British Cheese Awards, beating more than 840 entries, and has also won gold at the World Cheese Awards 2007.

Receiving the accolade, Mrs Cheyney said: "We are proud to have been nominated and it is fabulous to be standing here holding this award.

"Hampshire is a great place to start a business and we have had tremendous support from Hampshire people - and long may it continue."

The pair started the company in 2004 in Mrs Hedges' kitchen, where they decided to produce a cheese using the highest quality local milk from a traditional herd of Ayrshire cows.

Presenting the Rural Business of the Year award was Clydesdale Bank agriculture partner Rob Bishop. Before announcing the winners, he said: "Clydesdale is particularly pleased to sponsor this award because it links to what we are doing in Basingstoke with rural business, agriculture and private banking."

Print

Email this