Razan Alsous

The proud Founder and Owner of Yorkshire Dama Cheese, based in the North of England.

The business was born out of a love for dairy produce and a frustration at not being able to find high quality tasting cheese – predominantly halloumi cheese in the UK.

Using my pharmacist background I decided to launch Yorkshire Dama Cheese and to produce the first halloumi cheese in the North of England. Getting started wasn’t easy, particularly as I have ensured that the products are all natural (preservative free and vegetarian friendly) but my passion and determination definitely helped and the business has gone from strength to strength.

Since humble beginnings in 2014 Yorkshire Dama Cheese has won two World Cheese awards, with the last one in 2015 being the top level Gold prize! The halloumi has also been shortlisted as Best Cheese in Yorkshire too.

Personally I have also been recognised for my achievements as 6th Entrepreneur of the Year in Yorkshire in 2014 and nominated as a key figurehead for International Women’s day in 2015 by the British Prime Minister.

Within the food industry my cheese making expertise and strong passion for great cooking is also drawing significant attention: I featured on British Celebrity Chef James Martin’s Home Comforts TV programme in January 2016 and have been commissioned for a new Channel 4 cooking programme also.