From Syria to the UK: Founding an Award-Winning Cheese Brand

Razan Alsous shares her journey from fleeing conflict in Syria to founding Yorkshire Dama Cheese, now one of the UK’s most celebrated artisan cheese brands.

In this episode you will learn:

How Razan started the business with just £2,500 and repurposed equipment
How she identified a gap in the market for fresh, locally made halloumi
How Yorkshire Dama has won over 65 awards, including at the World Cheese Awards
How the brand supplies Michelin-starred restaurants and top farm shops
How Razan balanced business growth with studying food technology to strengthen the company

Listen for an inspiring story of grit, vision, and building something truly special against all odds.

Katie O'Brien: Changing Culture in a 100-Year-Old Manufacturing Business

In this latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Mark welcomes Katie O’Brien, General Manager of HR at Komatsu, to discuss leadership, workplace culture and the complexities of creating change within a well-established manufacturing business.

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The Leadership Lessons Hidden Inside the Net Zero Transition

In this latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Mark Bracknall welcomes Gareth Kane, Managing Director of Terra Infirma, sustainability consultant, author, and host of the Net Zero Business Podcast, to discuss sustainability leadership, organisational change, and achieving meaningful environmental progress.

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Lessons in Leadership, Succession and Building a Loyal Team

In this latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders podcast, Mark welcomes Guy Armitage, Managing Director of York Handmade Brick, to discuss family business leadership, craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of sustainable manufacturing.

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