{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Smith & Ellis Ltd","home_page_url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk","description":"Smith & Ellis Ltd","author":{"name":"Smith & Ellis Ltd"},"items":[{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/the-human-cost","html_content":"

Right, I reckon every single person who comes up with a bright fucking idea for small businesses should have to run one for a month, especially politicians (of any party).

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/the-human-cost","title":"The human cost","summary":"Right, I reckon every single person who comes up with a bright fucking idea for small businesses should have to run one for a month, especially politicians (of any party).","date_modified":"2026-09-22T13:02:08Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/how-much","html_content":"

They've started already - those Christmas food adverts. Oh look - the Marks & Spencer one !

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/how-much","title":"How much ?!?","summary":"They've started already - those Christmas food adverts. Oh look - the Marks & Spencer one !","date_modified":"2024-10-20T20:53:49Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/want-to-beat-inflation","html_content":"

We know that everything is starting to cost m ore, and we have now been warned that our energy costs will increase dramatically in another month or so, so what can we do about it ?

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/want-to-beat-inflation","title":"Want to beat inflation ?","summary":"We know that everything is starting to cost m ore, and we have now been warned that our energy costs will increase dramatically in another month or so, so what can we do about it ?","date_modified":"2022-09-03T17:54:42Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/when-will-we-wake-up","html_content":"

I know that there are some effects generated by cattle farming - mostly this is due to intensively farmed ranches, and these really ARE a problem.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/when-will-we-wake-up","title":"When will we wake up ?","summary":"I know that there are some effects generated by cattle farming - mostly this is due to intensively farmed ranches, and these really ARE a problem. ","date_modified":"2022-07-27T10:35:38Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/whos-having-you-on-then","html_content":"

It's a myth that butchers are expensive (and certainly more expensive than supermarkets) ..... why ?

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/whos-having-you-on-then","title":"Who's having you on then ?","summary":"It's a myth that butchers are expensive (and certainly more expensive than supermarkets) ..... why ?","date_modified":"2021-11-26T13:10:07Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/not-enough-butchers","html_content":"

What a week - still we hear about a shortage of ....... well, everything you can imagine, but this week, it's butchers (hmmmmm ...... I don't think so !)

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/not-enough-butchers","title":"Not enough butchers ?","summary":"What a week - still we hear about a shortage of ....... well, everything you can imagine, but this week, it's butchers (hmmmmm ...... I don't think so !)","date_modified":"2021-10-15T18:09:05Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/meat-and-two-veg","html_content":"

What an interesting week ........ still more very misleading information in the national media (yes, we've seen it too, we'll come on to that later)

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/meat-and-two-veg","title":"Meat and two veg' ?","summary":"What an interesting week ........ still more very misleading information in the national media (yes, we've seen it too, we'll come on to that later)","date_modified":"2021-10-10T13:11:15Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/shops-shortages-and-choice","html_content":"

It's an interesting time ....... the media are telling us that there will be widespread meat shortages on the run-up to Christmas, and after the most recent fuel problems, maybe they're right. Does this mean that everywh...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/shops-shortages-and-choice","title":"Shops, shortages and choice","summary":"It's an interesting time ....... the media are telling us that there will be widespread meat shortages on the run-up to Christmas, and after the most recent fuel problems, maybe they're right. Does this mean that everywh...","date_modified":"2021-10-03T13:11:33Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/its-that-time-of-year","html_content":"

It's January, it's cold and wet, and #COVID is still affecting almost everything we do.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/its-that-time-of-year","title":"It's that time of year !","summary":"It's January, it's cold and wet, and #COVID is still affecting almost everything we do. ","date_modified":"2021-01-13T23:11:01Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/time-to-hit-the-road-again","html_content":"

We have already had a really busy spring and summer (during lockdown) delivering our own products to families across four counties. We learned a lot, about how to schedule best for efficiency, what times really suit our ...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/time-to-hit-the-road-again","title":"Time to hit the road again","summary":"We have already had a really busy spring and summer (during lockdown) delivering our own products to families across four counties. We learned a lot, about how to schedule best for efficiency, what times really suit our ...","date_modified":"2020-11-28T23:41:46Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/veganuary-%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6-hmmm","html_content":"

I truly respect everyone's choice in life ……. until they start to force it upon me.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/veganuary-%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6-hmmm","title":"Veganuary ……. hmmm","summary":"I truly respect everyone's choice in life ……. until they start to force it upon me.","date_modified":"2020-01-15T20:26:24Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/whats-good-enough","html_content":"

We recently received our random (and surprise) visit from the Environmental Health Officer at our Tamworth shop. The usual in-depth examination of our working practices, records, building and equipment condition took pla...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/whats-good-enough","title":"What's good enough ?","summary":"We recently received our random (and surprise) visit from the Environmental Health Officer at our Tamworth shop. The usual in-depth examination of our working practices, records, building and equipment condition took pla...","date_modified":"2019-09-12T18:49:12Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/healthy-sausage-oh-yes","html_content":"

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/healthy-sausage-oh-yes","title":"Healthy sausage ? Oh yes !","date_modified":"2019-09-11T16:54:34Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/ooops-we-did-it-again","html_content":"

Oh my word, we've opened another shop …… and it is going well already, using everything we have learned so far, and retaining our core values (high-welfare, ethically and sustainably farmed, and as local as possible). We...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/ooops-we-did-it-again","title":"Ooops, we did it again !","summary":"Oh my word, we've opened another shop …… and it is going well already, using everything we have learned so far, and retaining our core values (high-welfare, ethically and sustainably farmed, and as local as possible). We...","date_modified":"2019-09-10T21:31:46Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/we-should-all-act-now","html_content":"

I should state from the outset that this is NOT a political post, but merely an observation of what most of us already know but don't seem concerned enough to act …..

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/we-should-all-act-now","title":"We should all act now","summary":"I should state from the outset that this is NOT a political post, but merely an observation of what most of us already know but don't seem concerned enough to act …..","date_modified":"2018-10-07T19:29:50Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/the-best-traditional-butchers-in-the-midlands","html_content":"

It's official then, the Midlands Enterprise Awards have judged Smith & Ellis Ltd. to be \"The best traditional butcher in the Midlands\".

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/the-best-traditional-butchers-in-the-midlands","title":"The best traditional butcher's in the Midlands","summary":"It's official then, the Midlands Enterprise Awards have judged Smith & Ellis Ltd. to be \"The best traditional butcher in the Midlands\".","date_modified":"2018-09-06T09:57:32Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/award-winning","html_content":"

It’s that time of year - when gongs are handed out for business performance or personal achievement ....... and we’re part of it again !

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/award-winning","title":"Award winning ?","summary":"It’s that time of year - when gongs are handed out for business performance or personal achievement ....... and we’re part of it again !","date_modified":"2018-09-04T19:30:28Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/as-featured-on","html_content":"

You can imagine our surprise to be asked to participate in the business show on our local radio station …...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/as-featured-on","title":"As featured on:","summary":"You can imagine our surprise to be asked to participate in the business show on our local radio station …...","date_modified":"2018-07-30T16:34:16Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/it-had-to-happen","html_content":"

As you may be aware, we have a Facebook page and a website...…. we now have a Google Business page.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/it-had-to-happen","title":"It had to happen","summary":"As you may be aware, we have a Facebook page and a website...…. we now have a Google Business page.","date_modified":"2018-05-30T13:39:25Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/food-intolerances","html_content":"

We've made a few 'gluten free' specials for a while now, but since Christmas this year, we have been asked more and more \"Is that gluten free ?\"........

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/food-intolerances","title":"Food intolerances","summary":"We've made a few 'gluten free' specials for a while now, but since Christmas this year, we have been asked more and more \"Is that gluten free ?\"........","date_modified":"2018-05-15T18:26:59Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/spring-lamb-and-all-that-jazz","html_content":"

We took delivery of our first Spring lamb this morning. It's significantly later than previous years due to the extended winter conditions we have experienced.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/spring-lamb-and-all-that-jazz","title":"Spring Lamb (and all that jazz)","summary":"We took delivery of our first Spring lamb this morning. It's significantly later than previous years due to the extended winter conditions we have experienced.","date_modified":"2018-05-02T08:53:13Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/super-market-share","html_content":"

It's all over the news today - Asda and Sainsbury's are going to merge (unless the MCA stop them or impose conditions). What does that mean for their customers ?

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/super-market-share","title":"Super Market Share","summary":"It's all over the news today - Asda and Sainsbury's are going to merge (unless the MCA stop them or impose conditions). What does that mean for their customers ?","date_modified":"2018-04-30T13:37:16Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/that-was-a-busy-week","html_content":"

We had a fantastic week last week, starting with some great work with our ingredient partners and launching a new burger (at the NEC no less). The feedback from the management team were very encouraging (\"We've never had burger that were this good\" and \"how do you make them so good ?\"). Based on the success, we started to sell them in our shop and they flew out (so much so that we couldn't keep up with demand). Michael says he never wants to see another burger again in his life. Actually, on Thu...

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/that-was-a-busy-week","title":"That was a busy week !","summary":"We had a fantastic week last week, starting with some great work with our ingredient partners and launching a new burger (at the NEC no less). The feedback from the management team were very encouraging (\"We've never had burger that were this good\" and \"how do you make them so good ?\"). Based on the success, we started to sell them in our shop and they flew out (so much so that we couldn't keep up with demand). Michael says he never wants to see another burger again in his life. Actually, on Thu...","date_modified":"2018-04-22T13:36:49Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/i-am-your-burger-man","html_content":"

\"If you need a slice of thrillin',\"\n\"I'm the baddest in the land.\"

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/i-am-your-burger-man","title":"I am your burger man","summary":"\"If you need a slice of thrillin',\"\n\"I'm the baddest in the land.\"","date_modified":"2018-04-10T21:47:09Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/welcome-to-the-taste-lab","html_content":"

We've had a busy day in our 'taste lab' today - cooking up some new products for the shop.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/welcome-to-the-taste-lab","title":"Welcome to the 'Taste Lab'","summary":"We've had a busy day in our 'taste lab' today - cooking up some new products for the shop.","date_modified":"2018-04-08T21:39:46Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/a-week-of-surprises","html_content":"

We've had a pretty interesting week - a lot of new customers visiting the shop this week (and some already returning within a day or so too), and a lot more traffic generally through the shop - it seems that the word is spreading ...... and we're going to remain focused on what we love to do - bringing high quality, ethically sourced products to our customers at sensible prices.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/a-week-of-surprises","title":"A week of surprises","summary":"We've had a pretty interesting week - a lot of new customers visiting the shop this week (and some already returning within a day or so too), and a lot more traffic generally through the shop - it seems that the word is spreading ...... and we're going to remain focused on what we love to do - bringing high quality, ethically sourced products to our customers at sensible prices. ","date_modified":"2018-04-07T19:05:14Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/lamb-and-burgers","html_content":"

What a week Easter was !

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/lamb-and-burgers","title":"Lamb and burgers .....","summary":"What a week Easter was ! ","date_modified":"2018-04-05T21:08:47Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/chicken-eh","html_content":"

I was listening to Radio Tamworth earlier and something Simon Soude* mentioned really hit home ....... chicken has overtaken sausages on British BBQ's. I suppose that as we start to eat healthier, there's going to be a change in eating habits, and funnily enough, we sold more chicken last week than ever before, so maybe it's not just BBQ's but perhaps even more general than that.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/chicken-eh","title":"Chicken eh ?","summary":"I was listening to Radio Tamworth earlier and something Simon Soude* mentioned really hit home ....... chicken has overtaken sausages on British BBQ's. I suppose that as we start to eat healthier, there's going to be a change in eating habits, and funnily enough, we sold more chicken last week than ever before, so maybe it's not just BBQ's but perhaps even more general than that.","date_modified":"2018-03-26T20:03:15Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/reducing-our-carbon-footprint-and-other-stuff","html_content":"

We've been toying with the idea of replacing our fluorescent lights in the shop for some time, and today we installed a couple in our prep' room to see how they looked. Apart from the obvious advantage of using less power (and doing our bit to reduce the impact on the environment), they look great and are much brighter too. Another added advantage is that we've reduced some of the glass from the shop - which is a big plus with EHO's when they audit us.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/reducing-our-carbon-footprint-and-other-stuff","title":"Reducing our carbon footprint, and other stuff","summary":"We've been toying with the idea of replacing our fluorescent lights in the shop for some time, and today we installed a couple in our prep' room to see how they looked. Apart from the obvious advantage of using less power (and doing our bit to reduce the impact on the environment), they look great and are much brighter too. Another added advantage is that we've reduced some of the glass from the shop - which is a big plus with EHO's when they audit us.","date_modified":"2018-03-25T18:30:14Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/best-butchers-on-the-planet","html_content":"

You heard it here ......

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/best-butchers-on-the-planet","title":"Best Butchers On The Planet","summary":"You heard it here ......","date_modified":"2018-03-24T19:17:57Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/what-a-week","html_content":"

With Easter still over a week away, we expected that we'd have a fairly relaxed run-up to Good Friday which would allow us to prepare for one of the busiest weekend's of the year.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/what-a-week","title":"What a week ......","summary":"With Easter still over a week away, we expected that we'd have a fairly relaxed run-up to Good Friday which would allow us to prepare for one of the busiest weekend's of the year. ","date_modified":"2018-03-24T18:29:49Z"},{"id":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/our-anniversary","html_content":"

March 13th 2018 was the point at which we had taken ownership of the butchers' shop on Leyfields one year ago. We are carrying on the tradition of supplying great quality products from the shop which has been trading here since the fifties.

","url":"https://smithandellis.co.uk/the-block/f/our-anniversary","title":"Our Anniversary !","summary":"March 13th 2018 was the point at which we had taken ownership of the butchers' shop on Leyfields one year ago. We are carrying on the tradition of supplying great quality products from the shop which has been trading here since the fifties.","date_modified":"2018-03-14T23:53:53Z"}]}