New family butcher in town
A Romsey family has opened a new butchers in the town and is the latest recipient of Test Valley Borough Council’s £1,000 Independent Retailer Grant.
J&P Family Butchers opened in October 2016 at 46 The Hundred and has been completely refurbished to accommodate brand new equipment including a floor to ceiling chiller. John Lyster, his son Peter, wife Ann and daughter Jo, all work in the shop and have plenty of experience in the trade.
John said: “I have been a butcher for 45 years and always wanted to run my own shop. I’d like to thank Test Valley Borough Council for the grant and support during these early days. We are feeling very settled in the town and are getting to know our customers really well.”
Ward member for Romsey Abbey, Councillor Ian Richards, said: “I am really pleased to present the Council’s Independent Retailer Grant to John. It’s great to see a family-run business in the town providing more options for residents to purchase their meat.”
Recipients of the Independent Retailer Grant receive £500 after three months of trading and a further £500 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.
For more information about the grants available to businesses, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/business