The success of a Spalding business has continued after being named Britain’s best butchers shop for 2017 by a leading industry trade magazine.
Simpsons Butchers scooped the award chosen by Meat Management magazine at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
This award follows in the footsteps of continual recognition within the industry which includes being crowned Meat Trades Journal Britain’s Butchers Shop of The Year 2015, Midlands and East of England’s Butchers Shop of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015 as well as the Lincolnshire Poacher Butcher of the Year 2014-2016 and 2016-2018, membership to the elite Q-Guild of butchers and many more regional titles.
Once Simpsons were nominated on the short list for this national award they were visited by two prominent members of the meat trade, who judged the shop on all aspects of the business including traceability, quality of produce, butchering standards, display, staff knowledge, shop layout and customer service.
Gary Simpson, from the Hall Place business, commented: “We are delighted to be named Britain’s best butchers shop for the second time in 18 months.
“It’s testament to everyone’s hard work involved with Simpsons Butchers. A huge thank you must go to all our loyal customers who recognise the hard work that goes into the business.
“The recognition we have received from the industry nationwide over the last few years has been nothing short of spectacular.
“Hopefully we are putting butchery in Lincolnshire firmly on the map.
“Over the last couple of years we have had parties come and visit from France, Holland, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland and numerous businesses from the rest of the United Kingdom.
“As well as the natural growth of the company we have big plans for the future too.
“Although I can’t go into details as yet, it should be a period of excitement for everyone involved.”
In addition to the Spalding shop, Simpsons have five more stores throughout Lincolnshire in Sleaford, Lincoln, Stamford, the flagship Heckington shop and one at Pennells Garden Centre in South Hykeham.
There is also an online store, selling high quality traditional and innovative meat products to customers covering the length and breadth of the country with a next day delivery service.
Many of Simpsons’ staff have been with the company now for more than ten years and Gary is now looking for the next generation of talented butchers with an official apprenticeship scheme introduced across all six stores, which includes practical and academic assessments resulting in nationally recognised qualifications.
