Butcher of prime meats for the Catering Sector For Sale in East London- Business 4 Sale .co.uk

Business Summary

This business has its roots going back decades. After successfully joining his fathers’ butchery firm from apprenticeship in the 1970’s, the vendor decided to branch out and run his own business in 1984. Taking over the operations of this business, which was originally owned and operated by a different proprietor since 1973, the vendor quickly established an excellent reputation for the supply of pre-packed, top-quality, prime-cut meats to the professional catering sector. With a focus on flexible, on-time next day delivery, the direction the business took, immediately appealed to smaller independent private Restaurants, Hotels, and Private Clubs, with a particular focus on the higher end of the market. There are a number of corporate clients also, such as a well known retailer of home furnishings, whose staff catering operations utilise the businesses produce. Over the years, due to the movement of professionals in the industry, who always use the company as their first option for quality meat supply, the business has grown an extensive list of clients across the M25 and surrounding area.

The business has an EEC stamp number for the supply of meat, and is inspected bi-monthly to assure all guidelines are met. The business prides itself on the quality of the facilities, and the professional approach to all they do. Meat is bought in from around 6 or 7 EEC Licensed Abattoirs, and from regular visits to Smithfield market. The business has excellent relationships with their suppliers allowing them to obtain the best products at competitive prices. The meat is butchered into prime-cuts that the menu’s of high end restaurants and the chefs dictate, pre-pack on-site and store for delivery. Orders are processed daily for next day or weekly delivery dependent on the customer’s requirements. This next-day delivery service appeals to clients, allowing them to offer fresh meat to their customers daily without wastage.

Property Information

	Property:	Leasehold

	Lease Terms:	The premises are leasehold with a 1 year break due at the end of 2011, on a fully renewable 5 year lease. The business occupies around 2,500 sq ft, with the around 1000 sq ft devoted to food preparation, and 1000 sq ft for the walk-in chiller with freezer area. The remaining area houses a small staff rest area of approximately 150 sq ft, and management office of around 350 sq ft. . The unit is fully air-conditioned through-out, and the main unit has a roller shutter, with plastic curtaining for ease of loading and un-loading from a chilled working area. The annual rent is circa £17,500, with business rates of around £3,000 per annum.

	Current Rent:	The annual rent is circa £17,500, with business rates of around £3,000 per annum.

	Living Accommodation:	No

Competition

The business grew originally, and continues to win new business from direct marketing, and approaches to potential customers via the telephone and client meetings. There is a website, and comprehensive brochures, but there has been limited advertising over the years. The business enjoys excellent levels of recommendation and referral.

Growth Potential

The owner of the business believes that with a new drive, the business can greatly increase turnover and trade, from the same premises and without a great impact on overheads. The vendor has been choosy in the past few years about the people he supplies, and has steered away from high profile celebrity chefs. With a marketing push towards this market, the business profile could be expanded easily for higher levels of orders from around the South East. The business currently has a number of corporate clients, again with a marketing drive in this direction, extra orders could easily be won.

Currently there is limited retail and direct orders received. This option could be operated as a different division, and there is an excellent opportunity to move in this direction. There is also every opportunity to tender for chains of outlets, such as operators of Gastro-pubs in the region.

Support and Training Offered

The owner will be willing to agree to a period of training and handover for the successful transition of operations to new ownership.

Reason for Selling

After many years in the business, the owner is looking to handover the operations in excellent shape to someone who has the energy to take things forward, while he enjoys his retirement out of London.

Other Details

	Is this a home-based business?	No
	Can this business be relocated?	No
	Is this business part of a franchise?	No

Summary of Business Hours

Monday – Friday: 4:00 am – 2:30 pm
Saturday: 6:00 am – 12:00 noon

Summary of Staffing

The vendor of the business is responsible for all overall business operations and administration. The business employs a full-time General Manager, who has been with the business since 1984. There is a full-time IT Manager, 4 full-time Butchers / Drivers, and a part-time self employed Accounts Manager.

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