Founders of Leeds based cheese pop-up Homage2Fromage win business award for diversifying during COVID-19 lockdown

The founders of Homage2Fromage, Nick Copland and Vickie Rogerson, have been named Pivot Entrepreneurs of the Year for the North West and Yorkshire region at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.

The Pivot Entrepreneur of the Year category was added in response to the outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown measures. It celebrates those who have adapted their business to ensure they survive, and even thrive after, the crisis.

Homage2Fromage was created in 2011 by the business partners who are both obsessed with cheese. It grew in popularity over the years with cheese clubs in cities across the UK, such as London, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Didsbury, York, Shipley, Bradford and Harrogate, and they attract thousands of people every month.

The business also runs cheese-based supper clubs, cheese parties, corporate events and festivals and opened Yorkshire’s first ever cheese restaurant in Leeds in 2015.

Covid-19 decimated the business as it had to cancel all its events, but the pair instead pivoted into creating a cheese experience in a box that is delivered to the door.

Each box included six cheeses all numbered but not labeled, chutney and crackers and tasting notes. There is a theme to each box whether it be British, French, Autumn or Halloween and a fun game to play with friends and family (over Zoom or in real life).

Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “Nick and Vickie have a wonderful entrepreneurial story and I’m delighted for them to win this award. They have shown exactly what it means to pivot your business.”

They won the award during a virtual award ceremony joined by finalists across every region.

The winners of each category will now go to the National Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with a date to be announced due to restrictions on large events.

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