Member Article

North East Butchers Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Top Accolade

Gateshead-based Freeman Catering Butchers has been named ‘National Catering Butcher 2013’ in the year the family run business celebrates its 60th anniversary.

This is the second time the company has scooped the top accolade, which was presented at the inaugural Meat Management Industry Awards, this year held in Birmingham.

Since 1953, the business which was founded in South Shields has grown in popularity and size thanks to its traditional values that have been passed through three generations of the Freeman family. Starting life as a humble butchers it has grown into one of the best known catering butchers in the North of England supplying top restaurants and hotels.

The company now has an annual turnover of £5m and a staff of 40. Director Daniel Freeman says: “Winning the National Catering Butcher of the Year award is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and suppliers.

“In a year when a negative spotlight has been firmly placed on the meat industry, we are overjoyed to have the high quality of both our goods and services recognised with this impressive industry honour.

“We are proud to be independent, and still going strong after 60 years in business. I’m sure, if he were here today, my grandfather James Freeman who founded the business would be brimming with pride.”

To coincide with its anniversary, the business also has a number of expansion plans underway in 2013, which includes the launch of a consumer retail brand called the Great British Meat Co.

Operating from the North East, and selling predominantly regional products, the brand has national ambitions which includes selling to an audience in all corners of the UK, via ecommerce and mail order.

Daniel concludes: “Although still in its infancy, Great British Meat Co already has regular customers in Devon, Cumbria, Wales, London and Manchester. The irony of selling Northumbrian Lamb to Wales or Beef to Devon isn’t lost on me, but then again taste always travels!”

For more information about Freeman Catering Butchers visit www.freemancateringbutchers.co.uk or www.greatbritishmeat.com for Great British Meat Co.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Great British Meat Co .