A FAMILY butchers is thriving on a “traditional high street” serving fresh produce for 27 years.

Griffs Family Butchers, which has been cutting up some of the finest meats in Broadstone since 1997, is the Daily Echo’s Trader of the Week.

Sean Griffs took over the business, in Lower Blandford Road, around eight years ago after his father retired and moved abroad.

(Image: Sean Griffs)

“I’ve always been involved since 13 or 14 years old on Saturday nights, cleaning up after school,” said Sean.

Sean’s family were originally from Liverpool where his grandfather ran a butcher shop before they moved to Dorset “for a better life” in the 1980s.

After spending his early years travelling the world, Sean decided to come back to his roots and take over the business.

“At that point he [Sean’s dad] had around 18 months left on his lease and the shop was going to close,” said Sean.

He added: “I’m very proud to say that we’ve had the shop since 1997.

“As a family run business, especially in the current climate, it’s not easy.”

Despite moving overseas, Sean’s dad regularly checks on the business and many loyal customers keep returning after 20 years.

“It's got a real good family feel still to the shop, so it was important to me to keep that going.”

Sean said the trade has changed since the 1990s, when the butchers were favoured over the supermarkets.

(Image: Griffs Family Butchers)

However, he said people are more conscious of their money now which makes it more difficult.

“We’ve had to diversify and get more appealing products for a younger generation to try and encourage my age group and younger to come into the shop and not be intimated by the butchers.”

Sean said Griffs is run by a young staff group and the shop now offers convenient products such as ready meals and home delivery through their online shop.

However, he said high street butchers are still essential for customers who want to physically see the produce they are purchasing.

He added Broadstone is a good area for business, acting as a more “traditional high street” with bakers and fruit and vegetable shops.

Sean said his favourite part of running the business is being the “cheeky butcher” behind the counter and speaking to customers.