Blackpool firm's aid after meats firm shuts doors

Edward Stephen Lawton said he had stepped in after Clifton Quality Meats shut down with the loss of 70 jobs when it was hit by rocketing costs due to Brexit, rising insurance credit and the hot weather.

In the Gazette this week, it was stated that Clifton Buying Group was owned by entrepreneur Simon Rigby who owned Clifton Quality Meats.

However, Mr Rigby sold on CBG Ltd seven years ago.

Mr Lawton, who created the procurement specialist group in 2011 while working with Mr Rigby, said: “Although there is no connection now between the companies, these were people I had worked with some for 20 years and to see them made redundant was upsetting.

“I was able to find full time employment for around 16 of the staff as well as the sales director who has joined my company.

“I have always had strong ties With Clifton Quality Meats and especially the Rigby Family.

“It was the right thing to do in this situation, apart from helping staff find alternative employment CBG Ltd has also managed to secure new supply chains for many of Clifton Quality Meats’ customers.

“If any organisations have been affected by the demise of Clifton quality meats, CBG Ltd will be only to happy to help them out if they call CBG on 01253 601100."

Clifton Buying Group is based at Apollo Court on the Whitehills business estate and aggregates purchases to leverage lower costs for customers.

It works with more than 2,000 businesses with a combined client spend of more than £30m through a network of 200 national and local suppliers.

It allows customers to make savings on a range of products from fresh meat and game to fruit and veg, cleaning and hygiene products and medical supplies, as well as a full supply chain from beds to bread.