Case Studies

Browns Foodservice

Browns Foodservice started life as a single independent butchers shop in Rugby, Warwickshire. Andrew Dalton bought the butchers shop in 1988 and, recognising the potential for sustained growth, started Browns on its journey of success.

Murphy Salisbury has been with Andrew from this humble beginning. “I already knew Patrick Murphy and Murphy Salisbury, as they were the accountants for my mother, who ran a hotel in Redditch” he says.

Originally supplying meat, game and poultry to the general public, Browns’ reputation for quality and service spread to the trade. With this firm foundation, and a clear desire to offer the trade the same personal service as the public, tailoring products to their needs, Browns grew, while being conscious to retain its personal service.

Between 1988 and 2008, clear strategies were implemented to provide sustained growth through improved performances and innovation. The head office in Rugby moved from the small retail shop into an industrial unit, then moved again into much larger premises.

Acquisitions of further sites in Romsey and a brand new facility in London, as well as a distribution partner in the north of England facilitated deliveries further afield. Most recently, their new facility in Bradford solely produces all of the burgers and sausages for the group, made to customers own specifications and recipes.

Browns’ expansion has been strategically planned and carefully managed, to ensure stability and continuity of service. All the way along this journey, Andrew has worked closely with Murphy Salisbury and partner Steve Smith, gaining expert advice and guidance. “An important part of running a successful business is to have a good accountant”, agrees Andrew.

Today, with the current network of sites and deliveries areas, and an enormous range of meat, game and poultry, from simple to gourmet, Browns supply a long list of prestigious clients, including Hilton Hotels, Accor UK, NEC Group, Group Chez Gerard, Gaucho, Barceló UK, Barracuda, Yo! Sushi and Grosvenor Casinos.

The partnership between Browns and Murphy Salisbury is set to continue long into the future. Browns have a clear business strategy laid out for their future expansion and growth, and Murphy Salisbury will be with them every step of the way. Using the services of Murphy Salisbury, from personal and corporate tax compliance, to company annual accounts and audits, management accounts reports to due diligence, Andrew knows that Browns’ financial affairs are in secure hands.

Andrew knows from this experience that an in-depth knowledge in your own field sets you apart. Andrew started his career as a trainee butcher under the Youth Training Scheme, and has worked his way up to managing director of a very large and well respected company, gaining an extensive and thorough knowledge along the way.

“As a firm, Murphy Salisbury is very professional. As a client, you know they will do everything that should be done and you know you will get the right advice” says Andrew. “It means you can get on and be the expert in your own field, and let them be experts in theirs.”

To find out more about how our leading firm of accountants in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire can help you, please contact us.