Popular Doncaster Market Butcher moves home

Armstrong butchers, previously in Doncaster Market are a fully qualified modern butchers with traditional values providing locally sourced native and rare breeds, all prepared with care and expertise gained from over 30 years experience in the craft of butchery.

Earlier this year the opportunity arose to operate the business from within a thriving family run garden centre in Blaxton, Walkers Nurseries. This was a new business venture offering owner, Phil Armstrong the independence he had been looking for.

The move from the market became necessary, after a large decrease in footfall, limited opening times and problematic delivery opportunities due to Covid-19 restrictions.

With a huge increase in every aspect of the business including utility bills, insurances and the price of meat, the business was thankful to receive the Economic Recovery Grant administered by Business Doncaster.

Grant funding enabled the business to invest in the ‘Rolls Royce’ of refrigerated meat counters. It meant they could buy a far superior efficient refrigeration system which has major resilience built into it. This would result in less wastage, more efficiency and ultimately saving money.

Business Doncaster has also helped with information on additional funding and support such as the Decarbonisation Grant and Employee Ownership scheme.

Phil currently employs six members of staff but their growth next year will be aimed towards increasing the product offering and introduce pies and a delicatessen. This will result in the employment of a further three members of staff, if all goes to plan.

In just six months, two other local businesses have also moved to the garden centre, offering fish as well as fresh fruit and vegetables all adding to the offer and helping the garden centre to flourish and create job security.

Phil said “The feedback and overall local buzz from the ever expanding local villages has been fantastic and has enabled huge saving on travelling a 20 mile return trip in many cases”.

“I would also like to thank Steve Swann, Business Doncaster Business Growth Advisor for showing an endless pot of patience and helping me with my application for the grant funding”.

You can visit in person at Walkers Nurseries, Mosham Road, Blaxton DN9 3BA or call 01302 305872. Alternatively, email: armstrongbutchersblaxton@gmail.com