A well-loved UK butcher has been forced into liquidation after admitting it had been a ‘struggle’ to keep the business going amid soaring costs.
Smiths Butchers Limited, based in Middlesbrough, had liquidators appointed on July 2, 2026, having announced the closure of its doors on June 6.
In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook, the small business wrote: “This isn’t an easy write in any shape or form. I opened Smiths 8 years ago with the hope to build something for the future for my family.
“Over the last 12 months we have struggled through and tried our best as a team to make things work and provide the best produce at reasonable prices for our fantastic customers old and new but its unfortunately time to call it a day”.
“The business just cannot sustain itself and has done nothing but cost us money for quite some time and for this we must shut the doors on this chapter in our lives.”
“8 years of owning my own business has been, well, difficult to say the least, but it just isn’t viable anymore.”
The post went on to express Paul Smith’s heartfelt gratitude to each and every customer who had supported the shop.
Paul had worked in the very same store for more than 14 years prior to taking ownership. According to Companies House, Smiths Butchers was incorporated in 2017, though Paul’s post referenced the years ‘2018-2026’.
Kate Ellis of Ellis Breese Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd has been named as liquidator.
Loyal customers described themselves as “devastated” by the news. One shopper remarked: “Smiths has been an absolutely amazing butchers for years.
“It will be a huge loss to the community.”
Another remarked: “Another tragic tale I’m afraid, another perfectly good business going under.
“Such a shame for you and your family. We hope better times will come and maybe, just maybe you may prosper in the future.”
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