Ferryhill butcher ups the steaks with funding boost
A Ferryhill-based butcher’s shop is set to grow after securing a five-figure business loan from a local bank to expand and refurbish its current premises.
One of the oldest butcher’s shops in County Durham is set to expand in the New Year after it secured a five-figure loan from a local bank to refurbish and extend the Ferryhill-based premises.
Allisons of Ferryhill, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this October, has been a well-known establishment in the village for four decades and specialises in providing award winning meats, pies and sausages.
Owner John Allison, who has run the shop for 40 years, decided to expand the premises to accommodate growing customer numbers and to utilise the space of his residential dwelling, which is adjacent to the shop.
After approaching the bank, John secured the five-figure loan needed to transform the 8,000 sq ft site, update the refrigerator systems, install new self-service counters and transform the front of the shop.
Located on Market Street, John sources all his meats and eggs from local farmers, ensuring all stock is from a traceable source. He has recently won the North East category for British Star Sausage award for his Durham sausage.
John Allison said: “Since I took ownership of the shop in 1970. It’s always been my passion to provide the highest quality meats, eggs and homemade goods for my customers.
“By ensuring that we offer the best standards of customer service and highest level of training, we have prospered over the years and have protected our trade from the impact of the larger supermarket stores.
“Securing the funding from the bank was essential as we needed a cash injection to keep the business moving in the right direction and it has enabled us to expand and give the shop a much needed revamp.”
The bank’s Relationship Manager said: “John and his team are a great example of a small business that has worked extremely hard to build an excellent reputation in the local community.
“With John’s experience, determination and strategic planning, we were able to quickly provide the support he needed to develop the shop.
“By working closely with him, we were able to tailor the right finance package to suit his needs and ensure he could take his business to the next level.”
