| Judy Bell Judy is the Chief Executive of Shepherds Purse. When her four children were growing up, she started to learn the art of cheese making in her farmhouse kitchen - where she can still be found developing new ideas and recipes. Judy is passionate about her products. She is a firm believer in the health aspects of ewes' milk, which is one of the reasons Shepherds purse was established. As well as overseeing the business of Shepherds Purse, Judy is a qualified lecturer in Advanced Food Hygiene training. She is also a member of the Regional Food Innovation Board and Chairman of the Supply Chain Network, both of which are concerned with developing the food Industry in Yorkshire and Humberside and is recently the immediate past chairman of the Yorkshire Pantry, which is the regional food group. On her very rare weekends off, you can find Judy relaxing in the garden, an activity she referrers to as her "thinking time". Judy's "out of work" interests include keeping a close eye on her competition horses, Managing the family household, entertaining her young grandchildren and lots of Fresh air therapy - watching her girls play rugby! |
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| Nigel Bell Nigel is a member of the board of directors at Shepherds Purse, as well as running the family arable farm where the company is based. From the appearance of the first cheese mould in the kitchen, Nigel has supported Judy 100% in her venture to build Shepherds Purse and freely admits to be Yorkshire Blue's biggest fan. Ideally in the winter Nigel likes to jet off to Africa with Judy, where they are totally uncontactable! When in this country Nigel enjoys all sports especially football (Middlesbrough, well someone has to support them), tennis and spectating with Judy as their daughters play rugby. |
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| Justin Bell Justin, Judy and Nigel's eldest child, is also a director of the business, although he has been known to step in as the cheesemaker if needed. Not only does he have cheesemaking skills, Justin is able to work on new product development and branding. Would you believe that due to his addiction to coffee, Crème Café arose? He also oversees all maintenance on site and ensures that all health and safety standards are maintained. Justin is not only skilled with his hands. He also manages to set up all computer systems in the offices and the stores. When Justin is not at Shepherds Purse (which is not very often), he likes to relax at home in the garden with his three young children and his wife. He is a car fanatic, totally Grand Prix mad! His love for music shines in his collection, which would put HMV to shame, although it's maybe not quite as up to date! Justin enjoys a round of Golf with friends at the local course and lives close to the family farm near Thirsk. |
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| Katie Bell Katie, Judy & Nigel's eldest daughter joined Shepherds Purse in sales and marketing, after leaving Bishop Burton Agricultural College in 1998, but has since moved on to management of the production team. Katie has been interested in the business since being at school. In her holidays she was always involved in the shows and promotional events. Katie is based on site and deals with the day to day challenges of working with a multi - disciplinary team. She thoroughly enjoys her job, finding it challenging, interesting and a great way to meet new people (when she gets out of the factory!). "Being involved in the cheese Industry is like having a second family, everyone knows everyone, and people are so friendly" says Katie. In her spare time, you will find Katie at the local gym where she is a member. Keeping fit and healthy is very important to her as she plays rugby for Thirsk Sharks and has been selected to represent the North East of England as well as for the England High Performance Academy. Another passion for Katie (which she shares with her mother) is horses and event riding. Although she reluctantly admits that her rugby is slowly taking over! |
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John Kerwin In his spare time John enjoys playing golf . |
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| Annie Hesketh Annie has been with Shepherds Purse for just over two years, joining as a general assistant but quickly adapting to most areas in the Dairy. Taught by Sandra, Annie now is responsible for the waxing and presentation of all Yorkshire Feta which leaves Shepherds Purse. She has definitely found her niche! Annie comes from a horsey background, studying at Bishop Burton Agricultural College and then going on to groom for some of Yorkshires leading event riders. She heard about the job through word of mouth and before she knew it she was part of the team, admitting though that she never thought she would have an “inside” job! |
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| Debbie Robson Debbie arrived at Shepherds Purse in 2001 taking on the role of General Assistant. Since joining the dairy, she has worked in most areas from the production side to the packing but is generally found leading the pre pack department for our new pre pack range. Debbie has just bought a house with her boyfriend a couple of miles from the farm. In her free time she enjoys walking and reading. |
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Shepherds Purse . Leachfield Grange . Newsham . Thirsk . North Yorkshire YO7 4DJ . England
Telephone: 01845 587220 . Fax: 01845 587717
