This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly.
This week we spoke to Gemma Aykroyd, owner of The Cheeseboard in Harrogate.
Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.
The Cheeseboard sells more than 200 different types of cheese from around the world, with an emphasis on local food. We also sell condiments to go with them, and other deli foods.
What does it require to be successful in business?
You’ve got to be organised, patient, love your product, have a passion for it, and have an amazing team behind you to support you and come up with fresh ideas.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
When I wake up in the morning, I love coming in to work because I love cheese. I have a lot of regular customers, and a lot of visitors to the town come into the shop too, which is great because I love meeting people from all walks of life.
What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?
We survived covid, but Brexit means it’s still difficult to get hold of certain cheeses. We used to order from a French supplier on a Tuesday and we’d have the product in the shop by Thursday, just two days later. Now, we order on a Tuesday and we might get it on the Wednesday of the following week – eight days later – if we’re lucky. Our usual Dutch supplier said they could no longer supply direct to us as it had become too expensive, so now we have to go through a wholesaler large enough to be able to absorb the extra costs, and that personal relationship with the small Dutch firm has gone. It’s a real shame.
Which other local firms do you most admire and why?
We have a real rapport with Ake & Humphris. They do something similar to what we do, but with wine. I love their enthusiasm and knowledge of their product – it’s a lot like ours. We often collaborate doing cheese and wine tastings at Harrogate Cricket Club. We’ve just held one, and the next will be in the summer.
Who are the most inspiring local leaders?
I literally can’t think of anyone. I’ve drawn a blank!
What could be done locally to boost business?
Our street is a bit off the beaten track. When people talk about going into Harrogate, they usually mean somewhere near Bettys, so it would be good to get a bit more awareness for other parts of the town, like ours – Commercial Street is great for independent shops.
Also, parking charges are always on the increase and they put people off coming into town, so perhaps free parking on certain days would be a good idea.
Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?
Harrogate is such a beautiful and affluent town – we’re very lucky compared with other towns. It’s a conference town too, which draws people to us.
But perhaps the best thing is our regular customers. We have people who come over to the shop from Manchester, and a regular online customer in the Outer Hebrides.
The worst thing? I can’t think of anything.
What are your business plans for the future?
The Cheeseboard was founded in 1981 and I’m its fourth owner. I’ve had it since 2000, which means I’ve had it the longest. I have got some plans for the business, but I don’t want to say too much at this stage.
People often ask me why I don’t open another shop, but finding new premises, stocking it and hiring staff can be quite a headache. If I do expand the business, I want to work on events with other local independent businesses.
What do you like to do on your time off?
I’m engaged and getting married in July, so that’ll keep me busy. Apart from that, I like to be outdoors, keeping fit, walking my dog or playing tennis. And I like to have a few drinks too – especially wine, with cheese.
Best place to eat and drink locally?
You can’t go wrong with William & Victoria‘s on Cold Bath Road – it’s run to such a high standard. I also like Fisk, the Thai restaurant on Montpellier Mews. There’s a great atmosphere, the service is excellent, and the flavours are outstanding.
- If you know someone in business in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Nidderdale, Masham or the surrounding area and you’d like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at [email protected].
Read more:
- Business Q&A: Andy Ormrod, Flying Colours
- Business Q&A: Mona Norman, Fogal & Barnes
- Business Q&A: Simon Taylor, Boroughbridge Marina
