‘The Cheese Champion’ secures £30k investment

Yorkshire’s largest independent cheese wholesaler is set for continued growth having secured a £30k investment from Finance Yorkshire.

Fine Cheeses Limited, which trades as Michael Lee – purveyor of fine cheese, requested for the Business Loan to assist with its expansion strategy.

The Featherstone-based business, which has leased a second unit adjacent to its existing premises, will use the investment to purchase a new refrigerated storage facility.

Fine Cheeses supplies around 600 customers, including delis, farm shops and restaurants, across the North and Midlands.

Known as ‘the cheese champion’, founder and managing director Michael Lee has more than 30 years of experience in the sourcing and supply of gourmet cheeses, having owned a deli in Beverley, worked for several leading supermarkets, and run market stalls in Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Holmfirth.

The business offers UK-produced cheeses, as well as imported cheeses from across Europe, in addition to other fine foods such as charcuterie and marinated vegetables.

Aimee Satur, finance manager at Fine Cheeses Ltd, said: “This assistance from Finance Yorkshire came at a really opportune time for the business. We are growing rapidly and larger refrigeration facilities were essential if we were to continue to supply a growing customer base.”

Melanie Reynolds of Finance Yorkshire added: “Fine Cheeses Limited has an excellent reputation in the industry, not least because of Michael Lee’s wealth of knowledge and experience. We are confident that, with additional manufacturing in place, the business will capitalise even further on its success.”

Finance Yorkshire’s investments has so far created and safeguarded 10,196 jobs across Yorkshire and the Humber, increased turnover by £309m and generated private sector leverage of £179m.

Finance Yorkshire provides seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15k to £2m to help SMEs meet their funding requirements for growth and development.

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