Larder member cuts it to clinch UK Family Business of the Year title

Dicksons, the north east based traditional family pork butchers and wholesaler is officially the UK Family Business of the Year.

Northumbria Larder member Dicksons has branches across the north east and supplies its range of quality meat products to supermarkets and delicatessens across the country. It was crowned Coutts UK Family Business of the Year at a highly contested final which took place on the Strand, London earlier this month.

After beating off stiff competition from companies from all over the UK in the regional heats to reach the final, the South Shields firm claimed the title in the £5million to £25million turnover category.

The judges recognised the strength of family values that run through the heart of the company and the influence they ride over business strategy.

Delighted with the achievement, Michael Dickson, managing director and son of the founder commented: “Family values run through the very veins of Dicksons and this affects the way our staff approach their work and the quality of the products and service we offer. This ultimately leads to loyal customers, many of whom are third generation too.

“In such a tough competitive market place, brands are increasingly looking for a unique selling point.  We can boast tangible “local producer and family” credentials with confidence, which definitely appeal to today’s consumer.

“Our values and heritage will always be an integral part of the business, but we are constantly looking at ways of improving our offering which is why we have a talented team of family and non family members in place to drive the business forward.  We have also created a Family Council which will help to realise long term family ownership which is good for the company, our employees and our customers.”

Juliette Johnson, Head of UK Family Business, Coutts & Co added: "We're delighted to provide recognition to this special family business and showcase their achievements for the benefit of other family businesses. What really shines through is the strength of the family's values and culture that runs right through this business which influence how and why things get done and acts as a real competitive advantage.”

Chair of Northumbria Larder and North East England Food and Drink Group board member Henry Roberts said: “Congratulations to Dicksons for winning this impressive and well-earned award. They have flown the flag nationally for North East produce and championed the quality of our food provenance.

“Dicksons are a firm who have shown unerring commitment and drive in building a product and brand which has received regional acclaim from consumers, retailers and now from the judges of these prestigious national awards.

“Michael Dickson, his family and first-rate team of staff are to be applauded for the ethos which underpins their business.  The company has turned the spotlight on family values and embedded these throughout their operations which shows in their team of staff and ultimately the quality of their products.
“In today’s uncertain market place, Dicksons have succeeded in building customer loyalty, winning consumer confidence and clinching a growing market share with their quality meat products. Their expansion and increased productivity is testament to this.”

Established in South Shields in 1953, as a stand-alone pork butcher, Dicksons now employs 221 staff across its thriving chain of 20 retail shops and its South Shields based Head Office and production facility.  

It sells a wide range of premium meat products, including freshly cooked deli meats, sausages, bacon, pies, and a selection of hot and cold food on the go. Its products, which are all carefully produced at its South Shields base, can now also be found in a number of leading supermarkets as a result of the company’s expanding wholesale division.

www.midickson.com