Family-owned business continuing to diversify and invest in its future

A family-owned business which has been operating for over 120 years from the same site in Nuneaton is continuing to diversify and invest in its future.

Award-winning Frank Parker Butchers is now being run by the family of founder Frank Parker – 82-year-old Frank, his sons Tim and Jon and three of Tim’s children Hannah, Ben and George, in Abbey Green.

Tim mentioned to regular customer Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones that he wondered if there was any grant support available to help buy a new machine to make the 10,000 burgers it produces every week.

The MP’s office got in touch with the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and Account Manager Laura Delahunty arranged for Tim to talk to Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council.

The 123-year-old firm, which employs 26 staff, successfully applied for a grant of £1,800 from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Coventry City Council and added £6,000 itself.

A Formatic R2200 burger machine has now been installed and is already producing the variety of homemade burgers for which the business is renowned for throughout the region and further afield.

Tim said its previous burger machine was three years old which was the time the business always looked to replace its machines with newer models.

He said: “Marcus comes to the shop every week and I was chatting about our burger machine and that it needed upgrading.

“The next thing I knew Laura from the Growth Hub got in touch and then Kierandeep and we found out we were eligible for a grant. This is the first time we have ever received any funding and we are really grateful for the support.

“This will help to grow the business because this machine can produce more burgers which are a massive part of our butchers, and it is helping to get the sizes right with the same ingredients.

“Our old machine had lost its mojo because it has been working flat out for three years so the new machine will help us to become more productive and grow our team and their skills since we currently have two young lads on trial who we are hoping to offer full-time employment to.

“In our staff we have a mix of experience and modern views, and it is important that we keep improving and learning to provide elite burgers and sausages and all our other products for our customers.”

Laura Delahunty, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub said it was great to see the machine in operation at such a busy business.

“One of the best parts of my job is going out to visit businesses like Frank Parker Butchers after they have received grant support and seeing the difference a machine is making to their day-to-day operations,” she said.

“This is the first time they have accessed grant support in their entire history, but we are here to help businesses of all sizes however long they have been in operation, and this machine will help them to continue to grow and innovate.”

Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, added: “I’m pleased to have been able to support Frank Parker Butchers with the upgrade of the burger machine which is crucial in the day-to-day running of the business. It just shows you the smallest of grants can make the biggest difference to a business; not only will it result in two new jobs created but it will mean the business can increase production of burgers and get ready for a busy BBQ season this summer.

“This is a business that has been serving the local community in Nuneaton for many generations and its fantastic to see the level of commitment, passion, and desire in continuing to grow the business further. I wish them all the best and hope to support them in their future growth plans.”

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,