A SOLIHULL butchers shop is planning to expand its premises with the help of a £150,000 finance package from Lloyds Bank, provided as part of the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Eric Lyons Butchers, a fifth-generation family-owned business in Knowle, will use the funding to increase the size of its high street store with a new specialist packaging and distribution centre, office space and increased fridge space.
The expansion will help the firm to meet growing demand for its online delivery service, which was launched during the first national lockdown in March 2020.
The business has grown its team from nine to 14 employees during the pandemic and expects to take on more staff in its packaging, distribution and delivery teams to meet the increased demand.
The financial package will also help the business to invest in new technology and machinery to increase the capacity and efficiency of its service, and ultimately support its long-term ambition to offer nationwide delivery.
During the pandemic, the local business used funds raised by its delivery service to support the community by providing donations to the NHS, Love Knowle Park Project and Knowle Village Cricket Club.
Director Nick Lyons said: “Our online delivery service began as a way to safeguard our staff and better service customers during the pandemic, but it has really taken off and shows no sign of slowing.
“We’ve seen demand remain high even when we’ve been able to open the shop without affecting footfall, so it will continue to be an important part of our business as we move forward.”
Nigel Arnold, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Eric Lyons’ forward thinking during lockdown has helped them to tap into a huge opportunity.
“The new investment will enable the firm to scale up its delivery service even further and ensure it remains an important part of its growth moving forward.”
