Around 100 jobs are set to be lost after a premium butcher in Aberdeenshire was sold to an English firm. Donald Russell, a family-run business based in Inverurie that specialises in premium meat, has faced financial troubles since the start of the year.
In February, the online business was forced to make 30 workers redundant as bosses struggled to find a buyer. The firm was eventually saved after being acquired by DukesHill, an artisan butcher based in Shropshire, but the takeover came with a steep cost as the new owners announced they would shutter the company's factory on Harlaw Road in Inverurie.
The closure will result in the loss of an additional 90 jobs, bringing the total number of losses to 120, according to Press & Journal. Mark Gallagher, the brand's new chief executive, said: "We've always admired Donald Russell and share many similarities; the same passion for creating the highest quality food, a belief that great food starts with responsible and ethical farming, and a focus on delivering exceptional customer service. Our priority now is on restoring Donald Russell operations, welcoming back its wonderful customers & suppliers, and investing in the long-term future of the Donald Russell brand."
Donald Russell was founded in 1974 and typically supplied meat to restaurants and other high-end clients. Harriet Cross, the Tory MP for Gordon and Buchan, called the closure a "dark day" for Aberdeenshire's meat industry. "This announcement will be deeply concerning for our meat industry, both in the north east, and across Scotland," she said. "The closure of Donald Russell would be devastating for the business, their staff, the supply chains and farmers who have all relied on the business for more than 50 years. Founded in Aberdeenshire, Inverurie is its birthplace and formed the heritage of a once-thriving local business. This announcement marks a dark day for both our meat industry and our rural economy, with the loss of 120 jobs."
A spokesperson for the company's new owners said: "Prior to the acquisition, Donald Russell Ltd had announced plans to cease trading and close the Inverurie site, with associated job losses. We acquired the direct-to-consumer brand and assets of the business and carried out a transfer of the remaining employees under TUPE regulations. The Inverurie site was not part of the transaction. Unfortunately, we were unable to avoid further redundancies, having concluded a 30-day collective redundancy consultation. It would not be appropriate to comment further on individual employment matters, and the situation continues to be handled responsibly and with respect for those affected. Our existing operations are based out of Shropshire, and our priority now is to welcome back customers & suppliers, and invest in the long-term future of the Donald Russell."
