Meaty challenge for new Boldmere butchers

By hgreaves

A businessman has fought back after the recession by opening a business in Boldmere this week.

Ian Webber, aged 62, who has 40 years of experience in the industry, moved into the Boldmere Road premises previously occupied by Midlands chain butcher Walter Smith.

He said: "I was unemployed, but I have been a butcher for 40 years and saw it as a golden opportunity.

"It is a shame to lose a butcher's shop in Boldmere Road.

"A lot of local people thought the shop was going to close down, so I took the plunge and invested most of my savings."

Ian has retained the shop's previous manager, Craig Butler, and hopes to employ another member of staff in the near future.

"I have to be hopeful it will be a success," he said.

"The most important part of any business is its customers and we are providing top quality meat from top quality local suppliers.

"We have got to make a go of it."

Boldmere Butchers opened for business on Monday.

Mr Butler said: "We have a lot of regular customers and people were very surprised when they heard Walter Smith's was closing.

"It is a very busy shop and a busy road.

"I had to deal with a lot of upset customers."

A spokesman for Walter Smith said: "Unfortunately Walter Smith went into administration at the back end of last year.

"It has now been bought back and we have managed to retain 16 out of our 20 units, saving 200 jobs."