A self-taught cheesemaker from near Oswestry will be launching his own business after winning a slew of international awards.

Matthew Lloyd, from Gobowen, is preparing to launch his own cheesemaking business The Rennet Works by the end of this month.

The journey started with Mr Lloyd getting a £4.99 cheesemaking kit five years ago, after which he took up the craft as a hobby and eventually entered his home made cheese into some competitions and found unexpected success.

He said: “I’m a home cheesemaker, just me and my stock pot as it were.

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“Last year I entered some of my cheese for fun into the International Cheese and Dairy awards and came away with two gold medals, one being for the best semi soft cheese with flavourings in the UK.

“Earlier this year I entered my cheeses in the prestigious British cheese awards in Shepton Mallet where I came away with silver and bronze, again just me and my stockpot knocking off some of the biggest names in cheese.

“Since then, I have been honing my art whilst quietly self-funding a small micro factory which will be up and running this month. It’s been a real roller coaster ride and I’m both very pleased and very excited to see where things go form here.

“Last week saw the internationals coming around again and I am so pleased to say I got Gold for my Halloumi style and Bronze for my smoked Gouda style.

(Image: Matthew Lloyd)

“It’s been a big contrast to my day job. Navigating a completely different world has been a real challenge, but it’s been very validating to be approached and recognised by industry professionals at these competitions.

“The Academy of Cheese has recognised me, and I have been given the new cheesemaker grant 2024 with Chiswick Cheese Markets where they are paying for my formal training and I will be assigned a top cheesemaker to mentor me for a year.

“My business will be operational within the month and will be aimed at high end delis, restaurants, and farmers markets.

“I will also be offering lessons for cheesemaking enthusiasts, who could make a start on the craft as a hobby just as I did five years ago.”