The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2020 - Issue 69 | Page 50

50 LAMB2EWE JUN/JUL 2020 • farmers-mart.co.uk a magazine. What an opportunity and an experience that they both thoroughly enjoyed. They were filmed in the Den (which is in an old Coronation Street studio). Although you only see minutes on the programme, they were in there for 1.5 hours. They were asking for 30K for 15%; Peter Jones withdrew because of conflict of interest; Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden nearly went for it but didn’t as they felt it was too early. I bet that’s a decision they regretted. The programme was filmed in April 2019 but aired September, just after the newly refurbed shop opened. With 2 million people watching, literally within minutes there were 1000’s of page views and Facebook messages and the website blew up with all the traffic. But what a boost, it really slingshot the business to another level, particularly the online side. Mind you, another local entrepreneur had already been impressed with Tom and Jack’s business. Ken Day who, amongst many interests, is Chairman of Huddersfield Giants, has invested in the business. Tom told me that his input, coaching and support has been invaluable. Following the Dragons Den appearance, it was such a stressful time suddenly servicing the demand, even though people were prepared to wait for quality. Tom was told to slow down. Not a bit of it, the business was now firmly on its way. The message was getting out to people and creating the demand. The two significant factors were that Tom would not sell anything that he didn’t know exactly where it had come, having been ethically reared and then 100% non-religiously slaughtered. Both online and in the shop Premium means Premium, which means certain cuts are not always available, but customers then know how fresh and correct their meat is. Lamb2Ewe is not a traditional off the shelf butcher, however your shopping experience is not only traditional but offers an educational experience on meat origin and quality as well as being fun. Tom has his own herd of Dexter Cattle that provide his top-quality beef, he keeps them on his grandfather’s farm as well as a number of sheep. As well as supplying their own lamb and beef they have partnered with small local family-run farms to supply them with other products and produce. After a phenomenal 2019 and almost whirlwind success, January and February this year were slow in the shop, this afforded a small amount of time to take a breath so to speak. Sadly, Jack decided to leave the business as he really missed the day-to-day side of shepherding. This was disappointing for Tom but non-deterring as he was keen to keep the momentum. Even before this, Tom and Jack had had to take on more staff to cope with the ever-gathering demand and success. The business now has one full-time butcher and two part-time and their youngest recruit Rosie, who manages all the packaging and the shop, and she is only 18! Such is her work ethic and commitment she earned her entire wages again at Christmas in overtime. It really has been whirlwind success story in a short space of time. Growth has been very strong and despite the stress and frantic pace it has been organised, always with a plan and Tom has been able to stick to both his values and mission statement. Lamb2Ewe can be ordered online and delivered straight to the door. All their produce comes via carbon-neutral delivery in sustainable eco-friendly packaging from TPS Scotland and Woolcool that can be recycled or composted, the ecofriendly boxes don’t require refrigeration, meaning they use less fuel in transit as well. The Range at Lamb2Ewe is expanding all the time, as well as lamb, chicken, beef and pork, a range of pies, veg boxes and spice mixes can all be ordered through Lamb 2 Ewe. These are all available from the shop as well as cakes, jams and much more, they even now produce luscious marinades to enhance your cooking. Barbecue boxes have been a particular favourite of late. They have already trebled their fridge space, bought more vac-packers and created more cutting space. Tom is always looking for new opportunities, another idea is for moving into high class ready meals to buy off the shelf just ready to pop in the oven. Tom said to me that really, they have almost outgrown the premises now and really need to look for another building that can become the hub, which will support both the shop and the ever-growing online side. From very modest beginnings, Lamb2Ewe has come such a long way in such a small space of time, from doing two dozen boxes a month to literally hundreds - who knows where Tom will take it. We wish Tom and his team continued success. Dalziel - Serving the Food Industry We are pleased to be a long standing supplier of ingredients, meat and packaging to Tom Kitchen Dunn and Lamb 2 Ewe, wishing them continued success for the future. Promoting product concepts – createded for craft butchers Dalziel Ltd, Unit F1 Summit Park, Whistler Drive, Castleford WF10 5HX 01977 605 590 In it for the long haul Are you looking for forward thinking, straight-talking, focussed accountants, who will work with you and your business on all aspects of tax, payroll, business planning and inheritance, and have a friendly face to boot? Then give our team a call 01484 550 030 [email protected] revellward.co.uk Proud to be associated with Tom Kitchen-Dunn and wish him continued success.