Butcher Brings the Taste of South Africa to Leeds
In December 2010, Leeds Market experienced the taste of Africa as Capcan Butchers shop was established. South African born Pierre Nortje has since left his market stall to open a new shop in Alwoodley, Leeds.
‘My New Butcher and Deli’ feeds the growing demand for authentic African food and drink products, specialising in Boerewors (South African Sausage) and dried meat such as biltong.
Since Pierre responded to the demand, his range has grown as inquisitive visitors turn into loyal customers. As a social enterprise, The Business Enterprise fund were interested to see Pierre take his passion for food to another level and were able to help fund the venture when others were unable to assist.
After running his own butcher’s in South Africa, Pierre moved into a number of different positions with businesses, leading him and his wife Val to the UK. Selling home made sausages to friends and colleagues wasn’t enough to fuel his passion for food, so he started Capcan Ltd. With his loan from BEF he was able to invest all his time into the business and buy new equipment to satisfy the need of up to 140kg of Boerewors on a good Saturday! In order to expand the business, the decision was made to move from stall to shop and with further help from BEF ‘My New Butchers and Deli’ began.
Since the shop opened in September 2014, the business has been able to expand its range to include imported South African food and drink delicacies.
“South Africans know their meat”, said Pierre. The customers are a pleasure and our following is growing every day”.
The shop attracts 900 customers a month and has as a customer base stretching as far as Norway! BEF’s loan helped the butchers shop fitting, from refrigeration equipment to butchering tools. Investment manager Hilary Watson was at hand with advice on moving to a new business environment.
“I can ask them for anything and they’ll help. I’ve had so much support from BEF.”
As Pierre’s sausages are made of high quality ingredients to an authentic recipe, local restaurants have been keen to bite, with interest especially for the 14 week matured rump steaks.
“The new shop is holding its own, we had the best Christmas ever last year. There were 82 free range turkey orders, one of them was 16.5kg and was collected in a pushchair!”
Many of the customers from the market stall have found the new shop thanks to referrals and an email campaign.
The difference between both shops is “like chalk and cheese”. My New Butchers has customers from far and wide and caters for all tastes.
‘My New Butchers and Deli’ also have an online market place, so where ever you are, you can enjoy the taste of South Africa. Find out more here: www.mynewbutcher.co.uk
If you have a passion and want to turn it into a prosperous business, the Business Enterprise Fund can help! Find out more today: www.befund.org.
~ENDS~
Notes to Editors:
The Business Enterprise Fund provides loans from £500 to £150,000 to businesses that are unable to raise the finance they require from mainstream lenders. Lending up to 100% of the proposition across all sectors BEF has assisted over 2000 businesses since making its first loan in 2004.
Funding can be for all business needs including cash flow, assets and expansion plus those applicants with poor credit are also considered. In addition to their Bradford base, BEF operates from local offices in both York and Leeds and has recently expanded into the North East with an office in Darlington. In 2014 BEF has celebrated its 10th birthday.
The Business Enterprise Fund is a social enterprise and a Community Development Finance Institution, all our profits and reinvested in the company to further our social aims.
The Business Enterprise Fund, Devere House, Vicar Lane, Bradford, BD1 5AH
For further photographs and information please contact Fergus Mckie: fergus.mckie@befund.org