Dicksons butchers win coveted title amid expansion

Jun 10 2010 by The Journal

BUTCHERS shop chain Dicksons has been named Coutts UK Family Business of the Year as it looks to expand in the region and double its production.

The company, which is head-quartered in South Shields and has 20 shops across the North East, was awarded the mantle in the £5m to £25m category after beating off competition from companies across the UK.

The Dickson family can trace its history in the preparation and sale of meat back to 1830, when managing director Michael Dickson’s great-great- grandfather Francis practised as a butcher in Berwick.

However, the first Dicksons shop, which was run by Michael’s father, Michael Irwin Dickson, and his mother Helen, would be opened more than a century later in 1953 in South Shields.

The judges recognised the strength of family values that run through the heart of the company, with the panel also impressed by the directors’ commitment to keep the business in family ownership for future generations.

Michael Dickson said: “Family values run through the very veins of Dicksons and this affects the way our staff approach their work and the quality of products and service we offer.

“This ultimately leads to loyal customers, many of whom are third generation too.

“In such a tough, competitive market place, brands are increasingly looking for a unique selling point. We can boast tangible ‘local producer and family’ credentials with confidence, which appeal to today’s consumer.”

The firm, which employs 221 staff, has revealed plans to sell its range of premium meat products, including freshly cooked deli meats, sausages, bacon and pies, to supermarkets.

It plans to add a 3,000sq ft extension to its main bakery which will allow it to double its production, currently around 45 tonnes of food a week.

The firm, which is in line to turn over £9.5m this year, is currently giving its stores and product range a facelift to look less like traditional butchers’ shops and more like retail bakers. Juliette Johnson, head of UK family business, Coutts & Co, said: “We’re delighted to provide recognition to this special family business and showcase their achievements for the benefit of other family businesses.

“What really shines through is the strength of the family’s values and culture that runs right through this business which influence how and why things get done and acts as a real competitive advantage.”