 | Entrepreneur: David McBrien Location: High Street, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim Established: 2009 Famous For: Leitrim’s first Online Butcher Shop Supports received from Leitrim LEO: Trading Online Voucher, Sales and Marketing Workshops / Training courses, Mentoring |
- About David McBrien Butchers:
With over 35 years’ experience in the butchering and farming sectors, David McBrien has built his reputation on his “farm to fork” ethos. Having trained as a butcher in the premises then known as McKiernans, he returned to that premises on High Street, Ballinamore in 2009 to set up David McBrien Butchers. “The animals are cared for from start to finish on our farm which is important to me as I know exactly what kind of a product I have produced. It’s farm to fork in the truest sense of that phrase”, he stressed, as the farm and animals are Quality Assured by Bord Bia.
Traceability was always a key ethos for David as the Leitrim man rears both cattle and sheep for slaughter. When it comes to sourcing other meat, his promise to his customers has always been that he will buy from Irish producers. “Traceability ensures that you have quality produce and that is key to success in this business”. His reputation for providing a quality product has meant that he is in demand by local restaurants who have also been responding to the Covid 19 crisis by providing quality takeaway or click and collect services. The family were also quick to recognise the changing consumer trends and impacts of Covid-19 - “We realised we had to move with the times and because of Covid-19 it was clear that a Click and Collect service would be an added reassurance for our customers”, explained David’s daughter Alannah.
David’s family convinced him to respond to the Covid 19 pandemic by going online through a website, Facebook and Instagram and launching a click and collect service. After contacting the Local Enterprise Office and being introduced to the Trading online Voucher he has now built a website and a strong social media presence for the shop, boosting an already thriving business.
From the beginning of the process David states that “The LEO Leitrim just made everything so simple. They were very helpful with all aspects of the application process for the trading online voucher and are still always available to answer any questions. The Local Enterprise Office also arranged mentoring on content for the website as well as training on Instagram and Facebook. They run monthly website workshops to ensure businesses are keeping websites up-to-date and maximising sales. They are so adaptable and have been delivering workshops through zoom”.
- Where can you purchase products from David McBrien Butchers?
For years David said that he promotes special offers in the shop each week but felt customers might be standing in front of the promotions and still not see them, he explained that they definitely see them when they are online on their phones. He has been surprised at the number of customers who are availing of the website, browsing his products and special offers online. Many of his customers are now taking the opportunity to place their orders online.
The shop has recently started working with the award-winning Oarsman restaurant in Carrick-on-Shannon in a reciprocal arrangement which has benefitted both. The butcher supplies beef to the restaurant while also selling in his shop a range of the Oarsman’s specialities such as cook-at-home meals including lasagne, chicken and broccoli bake, and fish pie, as well a range of artisan breads.
His business is very much a family affair with sons Aaron (19) and Michael (15) helping out on the farm while daughter Alannah (17) has taken charge of his Instagram page.
- Why David believes it is important to #LookForLocal
David has always guaranteed his beef and lamb are home produced or purchased from local farmers. His Pork, Bacon and Chicken products are also 100% Irish. Commenting on the support from the Local Enterprise Office, David says “I can’t stress enough how reassuring it has been to know that the Local Enterprise Office is always there to respond to any concerns and to provide advice and expertise. Even when you’re confident you have a quality product, it’s good to know that there are experts there who will encourage and support you as you expand your business”.
