New growth and jobs for local butcher

One of Cornwall’s leading wholesale butchers says he’s seen a significant increase in business and the creation of new jobs since the opening of a new abattoir supported by South West insurer Cornish Mutual.

RJ Trevarthen has operated a butchery and slaughter service for years at a farm and facilities near Stithians, and twelve months ago they opened a new abattoir at Roskrow, near Penryn. Now the company employs over 50 members of staff and has expanded distribution further into Devon and Somerset.

Owner Robert Trevarthen says they are growing in these areas because they can deliver more on the same day, “We’ve certainly been busier now we’ve got one of the most modern abattoirs in Cornwall. Our turnover is growing and it’s been a real success. It’s helped us to streamline the operation from working out of two sites to one.”

He adds: “It’s a lot more efficient working in purpose-built premises and has helped the company to grow, saving time and giving us the ability to take on more staff.”

The firm supplies many top class restaurants across Cornwall as well as smaller independent butchers, catering companies, pubs, hotels and farmers markets. It also sells prepared meat products including hams, cold meats and hogs pudding.

Robert says all the meat is from local farmers and has full Cornish traceability, “This is something a lot of our customers are asking for – by buying their meat locally, they’re supporting local farmers as is Cornish Mutual.”

Cornish Mutual provides RJ Trevarthen with insurance cover for its 24 vehicle fleet, goods in transit, home and farm, livestock, premises, employers’ and public liability. The independent butcher has not only been insured by the company for over 34 years but has known local insurance Inspector Jeff Kincaid since they were at school together.

“We’ve got a good personal and business relationship which is based on trust and service and that’s important,” says Robert, “I’ve never had any trouble and can call Jeff at home. He comes down to see us regularly and if I need anything, it’s always a fast turnaround.”

Robert and Jeff also bump into each other most weeks at the Truro Livestock Market.

In light of the rapid growth of his business, Robert says Jeff helped to review all his insurance needs, “We’ve never been insured with anyone else – we always try and give our customers a good service and Cornish Mutual does the same. At the end of the day, it’s not just a business but a complete way of life. I still get a kick out of it.”

Robert adds: “Because we deal with local producers we keep the miles down, reduce travel and in turn our carbon footprint. The signs are good and month-on-month our turnover is increasing.”

Jeff, who covers a wide area of Cornwall including Redruth, Stithians, Mount Hawke and Helston, says: “Its great seeing a local business and one of my Members doing so well. Robert and I go back years and we’ve grown up together. I’d like to think that because of our history, I can just pop in and see Robert anytime, give him honest and impartial advice and I know he appreciates the service we give him.”

For more information see cornishmutual.co.uk.