Farmison & Co: Yorkshire-based online butcher announces plans to hire and new CEO just 50 days after being rescued from collapse

Three weeks later, the firm was bought out by a consortium led by Yorkshire retailer and former Asda boss Andy Clarke.

The business has since begun trading.

Alongside the appointment of retailer Andy Adcock as the company’s new chief executive officer, Farmison & Co has also announced the recruitment of over 40 colleagues in Ripon to support its re-opening programme.

The firm also has plans in place to grow jobs further, to over 55 roles by the autumn.

The group previously employed around 75 staff at its Ripon facility when it collapsed.

A release issued on behalf of Farmison & Co noted: “Most of the Farmison team are colleagues who worked for the business before the recent acquisition.”

Mr Adcock, who previously spent almost twenty years in food and trading roles for both Marks and Spencer and Asda, has taken up the leadership role at Farmison.

Mr Clarke, who now acts as executive chairman of Farmison & Co, said: “We’ve made incredible progress over the last 50 days.

“And while there’s still plenty of work to do, our objective is to make sure Farmison comes back stronger than before.

“That’s why we’re investing in new ranges, enhanced service and new partnerships that bring more access to the incredible meat we offer.

“I’d also like to welcome Andy to the Farmison team - I’ve every confidence he’ll bring even more momentum as we build a sustainable future for our business.”

The North Yorkshire firm supplies business including Harrods and Fortnum & Masons.

Farmison & Co has also announced that it has completed work to bring its north of England network of farms and farmers “back on board”.

It was previously r eported that a number of farmers and unsecured creditors owed more than £7 million in total had been left out of pocket due to the collapse of Farmisons & Co.

Lindsey McIntyre from McIntyre Meats in Bainbridge said: “While the last few months have been difficult, suppliers like us need Farmison to be the success we know it deserves to be.

“I was pleased Andy Clarke came to see us in person after acquiring the business. I’m looking forward to him bringing the leadership Farmison needs to thrive and grow once more.”

Also involved in the consortium of retailers seeking to rescue Farmison & Co with Mr Clarke was Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.

Farmison has also announced that it has established a new partnership with delivery service Gopuff, making its products available for 15 minute delivery in the London area.

Farmison first launched in 2011 as a sustainable meat retailer.

It was bought out in February of 2022 by private equity firm Inverleith.

Planet Organic, which Inverleith also had an investment in, also fell into administration recently, and was immediately sold in a pre-pack deal to private investors.