A BUSINESS owner from Rhuddlan is hoping to become the ‘big cheese’ in her industry by expanding into a nearby town.

Gemma Williams, founder of ‘The Little Cheesemonger’ is busy running her multiple award winning business, whilst also in the process of setting up another large shop in Prestatyn which she describes as ‘next level cheese mongery’.

The Little Cheese Company has been operating in Rhuddlan for about four years.

The second site will located opposite Home Bargains on the High Street.

Gemma describes her plans for the future as 'epic'. She said there will be a cheese maturing room and windows for customers to view a 'cheese cave' and delve into the world of cheese affinage.

Gemma said: “I am passionate and determined to sell fabulous cheese. It makes me happy to see people bowled over by cheese which they may never have experienced before.

“When I get the chance to build cheese wedding towers for my clients’ wedding, it’s an honour. I’m a curd nerd and I enjoy sharing my passion and excitement with other people who also love cheese as much as I do”.

The Little Cheesemonger is one of the businesses supporting Denbighshire County Council’s Winter Shopping Campaign set up to encourage people to support businesses in the locality over the coming months.

Gemma feels the pandemic has brought the community closer together.

She added: “I think people understand more than ever that the power is in their purses. Where people choose to shop will have a massive impact in helping local businesses. Shopping local and supporting your community will help avoid any more shop closures.

“Small business give their heart and soul. We welcome the elderly and lonely and remember our customer by name and get concerned for them if they don’t visit. We don’t just provide a product or service, we are the foundation of the community, the high streets and the local economy.’

Gemma added: “We have a fantastic relationship with the local community and that is primarily why we decided to keep the Rhuddlan shop open and trading while we expand in to a new larger shop in Prestatyn.

"We have invested in tailor made specialist equipment to prime the shop for the perfect counter top storage.

"In 2021 we will be developing butter and cheese on the premises and as soon as we can, we will run in house cheese and wine tasting events."

For further information about the campaign, follow Denbighshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the #lovelivelocal social media account.