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GEW2024 The Scots entrepreneur making cheese easy

For Global Entrepreneurship Week we spoke to Ailsa Proverbs MBE about how’s she’s grown her cheese making kit business

What inspired you to start The Big Cheese Making Kit?

“It all began with my love for cheese and a frustration with how inaccessible and complicated cheesemaking seemed. I wanted to create something fun and simple that could bring cheesemaking into everyone’s home. The idea grew from there, and soon I was testing kits in my own kitchen.”

What challenges did you face?

“Oh, there were plenty! One of the biggest challenges was finding suppliers who understood my vision. I wanted high-quality ingredients in manageable quantities, which isn’t always easy. I also had to learn the ins and outs of packaging, marketing, and sales while staying within a tight budget.”

How did you fund your business in the beginning?

“I started with a very small personal investment and reinvested every penny I earned back into the business. It was lean, but it worked. Eventually, I sought support through local business grants and competitions, which gave me both funding and confidence.”

How did people initially respond to the idea of cheesemaking kits?

“People loved it, they were intrigued and excited by the idea of making cheese at home. I think the combination of a quirky, fun product and the growing trend of homemade, artisan food worked in my favour. Plus, cheese is universally loved—it’s hard to resist!”

Was there a turning point for the business where you felt it really took off?

“Definitely when we started gaining media attention. Features in magazines, local news, and even national publications gave us exposure that I couldn’t have achieved otherwise. Word-of-mouth was also a big driver for growth.”

Would you call yourself an entrepreneur?

“I would use ‘business owner’ - I don't think I've ever personally referred to myself as an entrepreneur because I think that comes with a kind of serial element to it.”

How has the Royal Bank helped your business?

“The Accelerator has definitely a big impact. I made the decision to run the business single-handedly - I didn't want to have staff, so you do definitely find yourself working in a bit of a silo. So, getting into the Accelerator programme and being with different entrepreneurs and business owners has been great. It’s been really helpful for getting me to think about my next steps.”

Be prepared to learn constantly, and don’t be shy about asking for help. Most importantly, stay true to your passion!

How do you maintain a balance between work and personal life?

“Balance is tricky, especially in the early days. I learned to set boundaries—like switching off my phone in the evenings and dedicating weekends to family and friends. Delegating tasks and building a supportive team has also been a lifesaver.”

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?

“Start small and don’t be afraid to test your idea on a small scale before going all in. Be prepared to learn constantly, and don’t be shy about asking for help. Most importantly, stay true to your passion—it’s what will keep you going through the tough times.”

What’s next for The Big Cheese Making Kit?

“We’re always exploring new ideas and products to expand the range. Sustainability and customer engagement are at the forefront of our plans. It’s all about continuing to bring joy and creativity to people’s kitchens.”

Has your entrepreneurial journey changed you personally?

“It’s been transformative. Running a business has taught me resilience, problem-solving, and how

to adapt to the unexpected. Most of all, it’s shown me the power of pursuing a dream and believing in yourself.”

To find out more about how the Royal Bank Accelerator could help your business grow, visit our Entrepreneur Hub

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