Local produce from local farms are the watchwords for the Francis Clark client and their philosophy of delivering quality meats, farm produce and delicatessen delights at affordable prices has seen steady growth in the intervening years.

Beginning with a butchers shop in Ivybridge, followed by one in Plympton and then a delicatessen adjacent to the original shop, the Gribble’s brand has developed a loyal following with customers and suppliers alike.

2011 has seen two major events in the business’ development. Having established a butcher’s counter at Occombe Farm Shop in Paignton in 2010, early this year Mark and Helen were offered the opportunity by its owners, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, to acquire the business.

Astute advice from Francis Clark Business Services Director, Martin Atkins, helped to secure the acquisition and Mark & Helen’s retail experience was used to transform the shop and save it from potential closure.

The second major event that required Francis Clark’s support was the investment in the business by Joanne Parr who became the Finance Director with Martin Atkins advising on the new shareholder structure, share valuation and tax planning implications going forward.

Starting from ‘rock bottom’, the team closed the Occombe Farm Shop for ten days, cleaned, decorated and reconfigured the entire ground floor premises including converting a store room to a kitchen to provide on-site cooking and baking, moving and enhancing the butchery and creating a mouth watering and highly attractive delicatessen.

Joanne Parr said: “It was a big decision to acquire Occombe but we saw its potential alongside the opportunity to create a new experience based on quality, local suppliers and support for the local economy.

“Although we are located on the Trust’s farm and attract custom from the many visitors who want to enjoy the working organic farm environment, we are also close to the ring road on one of the main routes leading to Paignton and we are very close to both Cockington and Marldon. 

“Our customer base is growing and they know they can buy the very best produce in a very attractive and relaxed environment.”

Martin Atkins said: “The team at Gribble’s have a very definite vision of what they want to achieve and how they want to serve their customers. They have gone about it with enthusiasm and commitment and I have been delighted to have supported them with business advice throughout.

“I’m sure the business will continue to grow as it moves into new territory including further developing its on-line shop as well as supplying meat to local businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants and schools.”

Joanne Parr concluded: “We are very grateful to Martin for his incisive advice and continued support.  We have developed a really good working relationship and we’re always impressed with his prompt response to any query or request we have.”

Further information about Occombe Farm Shop and the other Gribbles Butchers and delicatessen can be found at www.gribblesbutchers.co.uk