A bunch of native farmers and stakeholders is looking for to boost £3 million to save lots of Oxfordshire’s Lengthy Compton abattoir.
The house owners of the abattoir, which has served farmers from Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and past for the reason that Nineteen Twenties, introduced it used to be because of shut on the finish of January, the newest in a protracted line of casualties within the small abattoir sector.
The Save Lengthy Compton Abattoir Steerage Team described this as a is a ‘devastating blow’.
“Lengthy Compton is likely one of the final small abattoirs within the area. And not using a thriving native abattoir, our farm companies, conservation paintings, meat retail, meals device and rural economic system all turn into much less sustainable. Animal welfare is in peril and meals miles will build up,” they mentioned.
“With the way forward for all our different native abattoirs striking within the stability, it is important we make certain Lengthy Compton stays in operation.”
They mentioned there used to be ‘important momentum to discover a resolution’. The Steerage Team is looking for to draw a mix of personal and public investment, by way of a brand new personal corporate, to buy the freehold website and trade, and to ‘strengthen the abattoir for the good thing about all’.
Lengthy Compton Abattoir these days has a buyer base of over 900 with a turnover of £1m, processing 25-30 beasts, 100 pigs and 180 lambs every week, however these days operating at a discounted capability. The gang wired that there’s possible to extend this significantly with buyer call for because of the truth that the way forward for many different small abattoirs is unsure. The website additionally contains residential houses, trade devices and a cafe.
They’ve already facilitated a website consult with by way of a qualified abattoir marketing consultant, who deemed that it’s have compatibility for goal with out primary funding, and started preliminary negotiations with the present proprietor.
They’ve submitted a a hit investment software for £10,000 for assist with the advance of a marketing strategy, sought investment from Cotswold AONB and Warwickshire County Council and liaised with a lot of possible buyers.
The gang has introduced a marketing campaign site and investor attraction, and are proposing putting in a brand new restricted corporate and investment the acquisition of the website, and trade by way of promoting stocks in multiples of £1,000.
“We can want to elevate in way over £3m, at tempo,” the gang mentioned. “We’re thus, within the first example, in search of expressions of passion (now not your ultimate dedication) from possible buyers such as you, giant and small. If a hit we will be able to then growth to the following level of negotiation.”
They’re willing to listen to from events, ideally prior to February 5. The gang may also be internet hosting open evenings so possible buyers can supply extra element about challenge, conceivable returns on investments and subsequent steps.
They mentioned: “With out your fortify, Lengthy Compton will shut and keep closed. That is your likelihood to sign up for a thrilling community-led challenge and be a part of the good fortune tale. Sign up for us!”