I am a cheesemonger who supports artisanal products and always puts customers first

From October 2021, he is behind the counter of his own shop dedicated to dairy delight.

Based at High Ash Farm in Abbots Bromley, near Rugeley, The Cheese Locker sells over 60 British and continental cheeses.

Alex caught the cheese craft bug when he was just 10 years old and helped his father, who worked in the industry for many years.

“I was going out with him selling cheeses and doing tastings. I’m on the autism spectrum and going out with my dad helped me become more confident in talking to people,” says Alex.

He decided to start his own business while studying for a degree in psychology during the pandemic, when he lost his grandmother and his father became seriously ill with Covid-19.

Alex, who himself spent time in hospital after contracting the disease, decided to set his career plans in psychology.

“It was a pretty stressful time in my life and I wanted to do something more soothing.

“Besides being passionate about psychology, I’m also passionate about cheese.

“In October 2021 I found the shop at Abbots Bromley and started trading,” explains the 27-year-old, who graduated in 2022.

He now dedicates his time to sourcing the best cheeses that the UK and Europe have to offer, and enjoys seeking out lesser known varieties for his customers to try.