Dickies Butchers Launches In Leicestershire With Funding From HSBC

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 17 August 2016

UPDATED: 17 August 2016

Family-run and Leicestershire-based Orchard Farm has opened a brand new on-site butcher in the Vale of Belvoir after receiving a £16,000 loan from HSBC.

Dickies Butchers, which launched in July, will sell home-reared beef, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as locally-produced breads and cheeses, for customers in and around the Vale of Belvoir. During the open day on the 30th July guests were invited to try 'tasters' of different cuts of cooked beef and other meats including barbecued burgers and sausages.

The new venture, supported by a Flexible Business Loan from HSBC, will provide a sustained custom for Orchard Farm’s owners, Rich and Charlotte Stevens, who previously reared livestock for private trade and sale at local markets. 

The HSBC funding helped Dickies Butchers to install a cold room, purchase a refrigerated van and fit out the new shop. It also enabled the company to purchase essential equipment for the shop, including butchers blocks, meat slicers, counters, a mincer, packer and sausage filler as well as tables and a sink. 

Additionally, Dickies Butchers has been able to hire a master butcher from Leicestershire with over 25 years in the business.

Rich Stevens, owner of Dickies Butcher, said:

“The reduction in the amount of grazing land around our farm meant that we had to rethink our future in farming and innovate.  Ultimately, we had to reduce the numbers of livestock, but we were mindful that we needed a sustainable business solution.  After much consideration, we felt creating an on-site butcher for our customers to purchase their meat produce locally was an ideal way to grow our business, secure a future for our farm as well as continue providing high-quality meat to the local community.”

Dave Welch, Area Director for Business Banking in Leicestershire, commented:

“Dickies Butchers came to us earlier this year looking to diversify their business with the addition of an on-site butcher shop.  Our team worked closely with the business to put together a funding plan to best support their ambitions for the farm and its next phase of development. The Stephens have a strong vision for the future of their business and we’re pleased that HSBC is able to continue to support UK businesses like Dickies Butchers.”

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