carol@peakdistrictfarming.co.uk
Tel: 07772828562
HomeNewsletterSitemap
Print-friendly version
Peak District Farming > editorial and features > business and finance > Local Families Create Independent Cheese Shop

Local Families Create Independent Cheese Shop

Visit, Stay & Save Peak District & Derbyshire

Peakdistrictfarming has been watching the situation in Hartington as Long Clawson ditched production there in favour of its factory in Leicestershire.  With its closure we lost Hartington stilton and there was some concern about the village losing its cheese shop.  Recently the shop was sold at auction and we're delighted that two entrepreneurial local families bought it and are committed to selling cheese there. 

Peakdistrictfarming.co.uk has been finding out more about these dynamic families and their business ethos.

Claire Millner and her husband have two small children and live on a smallholding in Reapsmore and own a business in Chapel-en-le-Frith called Cheeky Monkeys whilst Helen and Jason Kidd are beef farmers from Longnor and operate an animal feed business called All Seasons - they also have two young children.  Claire describes this dynamic group as being 'very driven, hardworking individuals with bundles of enthusiasm and commitment'.

The two families have formed a limited company 'The Hartington Cheese & Wine Company Ltd' and trades as 'The Old Cheese Shop' in the original quaint cheese shop opposite the village pond in Hartington.

It's clear that Claire has a passion for keeping tradition and heritage thriving she says:  "Cheese has been synonymous with Hartington and it is famous for Stilton production. Cheese has been made in Hartington for over a hundred years and the Cheese Shop itself has been open for at least 25 years"

"Unfortunately, when Long Clawson shut the factory earlier this year it had a massive impact on the village. We wanted to retain its 'cheese' heritage."

"Our aim is to stock British produce and the more local the better! We have very strong ties now to a number of producers from the local area and not surprisingly their cheeses are the most popular with our customers but we are always on the look out for new cheeses.

"We currently stock around 50 cheeses and are just in the process of establishing a trade run for local pubs, hotels and deli's to supply our cheeses and deliver on a weekly basis. We can source any cheese from around the UK and other countries and are always keen to help."

In a move from a simple cheese outlet, the shop will combine the best of British drinks to compliment the cheese selection, Claire says "We have just obtained our License to sell alcohol and will be introducing locally produced beers and English wines"

The shop has also taken on local staff too; Claire explains "We employ three staff who used to work for Long Clawson and a business partner works in the shop every day."

So how will this dynamic team grow their business?  Claire says her ethos is to build on what is already a "famous" name for selling cheese.  They have invested time and money into purchasing and improving the shop, building relations with local businesses, setting up a website with an on-line shop, spreading the word and improving customer service. 

She says "We have met some great people and know that as long as we stock the right cheeses, offer good customer service and promote ourselves widely we can ensure the business remains a focal point of the village."

The move to traditional hats has been one quick improvement that's been a hit with customers - reintroducing tradition and creating and independent look for the shop.

Claire's business motto is "Source local where possible, serve with a smile and establish a good reputation"

The Old Cheese Shop, Hartington, Buxton Derbyshire: Open for business


 
peakdistrictfarming.co.uk the plough inn , main road , flagg , buxton , derbyshire, SK179QR, United Kingdom - Show map - Tel: 07772828562 Email: carol@peakdistrictfarming.co.uk
Copyright © peakdistrictfarming.co.uk 2010. Peak District Cottages by Peak District Online and Peak District Hotels by Peak District Online.