Ignition has arranged finance for a thriving Cornish butchers, assisting with the purchase of a range of equipment to help with sales and efficiencies.

James Kittow Butcher & Grazier at Kilhallon is a fifth-generation family butchers, first established in 1880.  Today, it is a modern, progressive food processing business, specialising in the production of raw meat cuts for catering and retail outlets, as well as providing a delivery service direct to local consumers.

A long-standing customer of Ignition, James Kittow recently purchased a new skin pack machine, a set of solar panels and a new touch screen terminal for the business, all on Hire Purchase, meaning the cost is spread into manageable payments over a number of months.

James Kittow comments:

“Our new skin pack machine keeps the produce even fresher, resulting in a longer shelf life. The presentation is also more attractive and eye-catching, and has already led to increased sales and orders in retail outlets.

“Similarly, we are already seeing the cost-saving benefits from installing new solar panels.  We had some existing solar panels, but identified a vacant roof space which could accommodate 150 more. This will help considerably with the cost refrigeration, which continues to be a significant business outlay.”

James Kittow Butchers continues to go from strength to strength, despite the challenges of the past 18 months. When the pandemic hit and many restaurants closed, the business swiftly changed its focus, identifying a new demand from local consumers who were isolating or avoiding the supermarkets.  James organised the provision and delivery of ‘Stay at Home’ boxes, containing a range of select cuts and products, and adapted the website to make it easier for customers to order online.  The boxes have been so popular that even now, with the restaurant trade reviving and life returning to normal, the meat boxes remain a substantial and very successful arm of the business.

According to James Kittow, the ability to successfully adapt and modernise has been facilitated by support from Ignition over the years:

“Ignition helped us to purchase our first hog roast machines back in 2006, and now they are always my first port of call when I’m considering investing in new equipment for the business. The process is quick and efficient, and the team offer a personal, friendly service.  They know me and my business well, and the offices are close enough for me to pop in to discuss options or drop off paperwork.

“I’m considering purchasing a new mincing machine in the near future and have already obtained my quote from Ignition, ready to go!”