UK butchers plunges into administration after 8 years – ‘time to call it a day’ | UK | News

A much-loved butcher in the UK has been forced into liquidation after admitting it was a ‘struggle’ to keep his business going despite rising costs.

Middlesbrough-based Smiths Butchers Limited announced it would close its doors on 6 June and appointed liquidators on 2 July 2026.

In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook, the small business wrote: “This is not an easy post by any means. I opened Smiths 8 years ago with the hope of building something for my family for the future.”

“Over the last 12 months we have tried our best as a team to keep things running and offer the best products at reasonable prices to our wonderful customers old and new, but unfortunately it is time to call it a day.”

“This business cannot sustain itself and has done nothing but cost us money for a long time and that is why we must close the doors on this part of our lives.”

“Owning my own business for 8 years was difficult to say the least, but that is no longer the case.”

The post continued by expressing Paul Smith’s heartfelt gratitude to every customer who supports the store.

Paul had worked at the same store for over 14 years before taking ownership. According to Companies House, Smiths Butchers was founded in 2017, but Paul’s post referred to the years ‘2018-2026’.

Kate Ellis of Ellis Breese Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd has been appointed liquidator.

Loyal customers described themselves as “devastated” by the news. One customer said: “Smiths has been an absolutely fantastic butcher for many years.

“It will be a huge loss to the community.”

Another said: “Another tragic story I’m afraid is the collapse of a perfectly good business.

“It’s a shame for you and your family. We hope better times will come and maybe you can be successful in the future.”