Excitement is building for the Expo

The Dairy Industries Expo is coming to the UK’s NAEC Stoneleigh on 29-30 October. It is a show not to be missed.

Gathering together at the NAEC Stoneleigh will be a selection of speakers from across the dairy space. This month, we highlight Razan Alsous, the owner of Yorkshire Dama Cheese, who has been an ongoing presence on British food television and in local groups since its startup in 2014. She continues to produce delicious halloumi-type cheeses with her husband Raghid Sandouk at their plant in Sowery Bridge.

Since speaking at our inaugural Expo in 2023 in Harrogate, she has been busy, appearing on television on Aldi’s Next Big Thing, where their company was selected for its cheese pastries to be listed in more than 1,000 stores. The Rhubarb Festival in Wakefield was the spot for Yorkshire Dama’s squeaky cheese and Hellomi Rolls in February 2025, and Alsous was also part of the panel discussion at the Advancing Manufacturing Future summit in Yorkshire, where she spoke about the importance of supporting small manufacturers, especially given the challenges they are facing. “The UK has a rich heritage in manufacturing, and ensuring that small businesses have the right support is essential for keeping that legacy alive and thriving,” she says.

A meetup at Leeds University with Dr Deema Refai, Lee Wainwright and his students followed, where she had the opportunity to share the journey of building Yorkshire Dama Cheese from the ground up. “What made this experience even more special was seeing how the students reflected on my story – by bringing it to life through LEGO creations! It was inspiring to see their interpretations, creativity, and engagement in such a unique way. Moments like these remind me why I love sharing my journey, not just to talk about business and manufacturing, but to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” she says.

So very inspiring indeed, and we look forward to her presentation at our Expo in October. Don’t miss it!