The creamery already pumps millions into the economy through wages, with a further £4m going to the 36 local farmers who supply the creamery with Wensleydale milk.  

There are 195 employees in the company, including 52 who run the visitors centre where people can see for themselves how the cheese is made. Production is split across two sites at Hawes and Kirkby Malzeard. As well as core staff, seasonal workers are employed at regular periods throughout the year - more staff at the visitor centre during the summer to cope with visitor numbers, and extra production staff in the run up to Christmas.

If the bid is successful, the farmers are planning to increase their herds to produce enough milk for the cheese and will benefit from increased sales. The future of the company will be secure, allowing it to grow with the prospect of more jobs and better financial security for the dale.