A BUTCHER has vowed to continue helping the community in any way he can as he celebrates one year since launching his business amid the backdrop of the Covid-19 crisis.

Adam Gibbons is having to run Beaumont’s Butchers of Braintree, in Bank Street, almost single-handedly in order to safeguard partner Sara Reynolds, who helps run the business, and allow her to look after their two children.

Mr Gibbons marked the shop’s first anniversary on April 1 and has made the decision to continue running the business to ensure essential food is available to the vulnerable.

He said: “Hectic is a mild way to describe these last few weeks.

“Since the restrictions have come into force, our primary concern has been to still keep the shop open, whilst safeguarding our customers and ourselves.

“The customers have taken it upon themselves to come in on a one-in, one-out basis which is a testament to them.

“We have also been carrying out free deliveries to the vulnerable and those who are self isolating or just can’t get to us.

“We have been busier than normal but we feel very much a vital part of the community. Although the hours both in shop and out have increased dramatically, as every day ends we are proud of what we are achieving.”

Mr Gibbons says he has also opted not to increase any of his prices despite the crisis seeing the price of meat rise by 20 per cent.

The butchers is now closed on Mondays to allow Mr Gibbons time to recover from the busy schedule.

And though the economic impact of pandemic is also affecting his business, he insists he will remain open to serve the public.

He added: “Even though meat prices have gone up, we haven’t put a penny on our prices and won’t because we believe with so much uncertainty about, we won’t add to the burden of people’s weekly shop being more expensive.

“We plan to be here for at least 15 years so we have another 14 years to make money. Now is not the time to be thinking about profits.

“We love this town. I have lived in this town for 25 years and my children are growing up here.

“We want to help in every way we can.”

The great work being done by firms such as Beaumont’s is why the Times has launched its #BackingEssexBusiness campaign.

In these difficult and unprecedented times, we want to highlight the amazing work being done by businesses to support the community.

So if your business is going above and beyond, or you know someone who is, get in touch with us so we can share the fantastic work they are doing.

For more information about the Backing Essex Business campaign, email bwtnews@newsquest.co.uk.