120-year-old butcher shop expands with help from grant
Family butcher Eric Lyons has opened a third shop in Bentley Heath, supported by a £60,000 grant matched by the company’s own investment.
The funding, from a scheme created to support West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker’s economic growth plans, brought a vacant high street unit back into use with a full refurbishment and new specialist equipment.
Workforce numbers have grown to 30, and turnover is expected to rise by 25 per cent.
With more than 120 years in Solihull, Eric Lyons is now run by fourth and fifth-generation family members Nick and Dan Lyons, alongside their father David.
21-year-old Ollie Harrison was promoted to manage the new shop, with help from 20-year-old former apprentice Joe Dillane, who joined straight from school.
Mayor Richard Parker said: “Nick, Dan and their dad David are ambitious custodians of this long-standing and successful local business. They are vocal advocates for their high street and share my commitment to giving opportunities to young talent. I’m backing the business to be around for another 100 years.
“I promised to support our high streets and that’s what I’m doing. I’m giving businesses the funding and support they need to grow, create jobs, and drive our economy forward.
“We’ve already given £10 million of grants and supported more than 11,000 businesses but there is still more to do.”
Nick Lyons said: “Our expansion would not have been possible without the grant and the support we had from our BGWM account manager Charlotte Bowden. Both were pivotal in allowing us to take on and fully refurbish the new shop to the standard our customers expect. It’s enabled us to grow our team, support young leadership within the store, and increase our reach across the region.
“Bentley Heath would have been without a butcher’s and many residents are extremely pleased with it carrying on. This shop is a real asset to our business and it’s already playing a key role in our growth along with our shops in Knowle and Wootton Wawen.”
BGWM was set up by the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support SMEs with tailored help including digital adoption, supply chain development and funding access. Grants are delivered in partnership with local councils.
Cllr Karen Grinsell, deputy leader and cabinet member for children and education at Solihull Council said: “We are delighted to see Eric Lyons family butcher’s expanding into Bentley Heath. With over 120 years of heritage in Solihull, Eric Lyons is a true pillar of our small business community, providing quality meats and exceptional service over five generations.
“This latest chapter in their success story is great news for the high street in Bently Heath and creates valuable job opportunities for our fantastic young people like Ollie and Joe. The success of this expansion underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and investing in the future of Solihull’s economy. I’d encourage any small or medium Solihull business looking to grow or take the next steps, to explore the support available through BGWM, including access to vital grant funding.”
