Liz Exton's Trafford Park-based company, Exton Foods - which specialises in supplying grated and sliced cheese to food manufacturers and sandwich makers - has become one of Britain's largest dairy-produce purchasers.
Last month alone, the business sourced 184 tonnes of cheese from UK dairies.
It has grown from a one-woman operation to the point today where it employs 20 staff, and has ambitious growth targets.
Exton Foods has become one of the main suppliers of grated and sliced cheese to sandwich makers across Britain, and serving chains such as Costa Coffee and Shell petrol stations.
Its success has led to it being nominated in this year's Manchester Evening News Business of the Year awards in the turnover under £10m category.
Liz, 32, said: "Our financial year runs to the end of May and it gave me a fantastic sense of achievement to break through that £6m turnover barrier for the first time earlier this year.
"Our profits are also growing year on year, which is what matters most.
"Earlier this year, we also took on an extra unit where we are based in Trafford Park, to increase the amount of cold storage that we have at our disposal.
"And it is my intention to keep growing the business organically, to reinforce its strong position within the catering sector.
"As part of this process, we are constantly looking to win new contracts."
At the age of 23, Liz was involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in an ankle being severely broken in several places.
Doctors believed at one point that it might be necessary to amputate part of her leg.
But after a year spent convalescing in bed - followed by six months touring Australia - she decided that she wanted to run her own business.
Aged 24, she bought the tender for a small loss-making cheese business in Stockport for £30,000, including £10,000 of stock.
At that point, the company turned over £120,000 a year but had a host of unhappy customers who were threatening to leave.
After working 15-hour days for several years and purchasing more up-to-date equipment, Liz managed to reverse the company's fortunes.
She adds: "I sourced better quality cheese and bought a bacon slicer, as it became apparent that my clients frequently needed sliced cheese first and foremost.
"We then began winning some large contracts - including several £1m deals - and have flourished since. But it took three years of hard work to start making a profit.
"Another turning point in the company's evolution was when my sister Rachael - who had studied business at Sheffield University - joined me in the company.
"She's very much at the helm of the business with me these days and, like me, has no qualms about getting involved in all aspects of the job."
TODAY'S deadline for entries to our Business of the Year Awards has been extended due to popular demand. For details on how to apply, go to manchesterevening news.co.uk/business
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