A popular UK butcher has plunged into liquidation following a ‘struggle’ to keep the business afloat due to rising costs.
Smiths Butchers Limited, based in Middlesborough, was appointed liquidators on July 2, 2026 after announcing they would be closing their doors on June 6.
In a heartbreaking post shared on Facebook the small business wrote: “This isn’t an easy write in any shape or form. I opened Smiths 8 years ago with the hope to build something for the future for my family.
View 2 ImagesThe butchers shut their doors last month (Image: Google )
“Over the last 12 months we have struggled through and tried our best as a team to make things work and provide the best produce at reasonable prices for our fantastic customers old and new but its unfortunately time to call it a day
“The business just cannot sustain itself and has done nothing but cost us money for quite some time and for this we must shut the doors on this chapter in our lives.
“8 years of owning my own business has been, well, difficult to say the least, but it just isn’t viable anymore.”
The statement continued to thank every customer from the bottom of Paul Smith’s heart.
Paul served in the same store for over 14 years before owning it.
According to Companies House, Smiths Butchers was incorporated in 2017, on the post, Paul put ‘2018-2026’.
Kate Ellis of Ellis Breese Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd has been appointed liquidator.
Customers said they were “devastated” by the closure. One shopper said: “Smiths has been an absolutely amazing butchers for years.
Article continues below
“It will be a huge loss to the community.” Another added: “Another tragic tale I’m afraid, another perfectly good business going under.
“Such a shame for you and your family. We hope better times will come and maybe, just maybe you may prosper in the future.”