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Working with Aspen Waite South West Sami Glover
Sami.Glover@aspen-waite.co.uk
Veyseys has been established in the quiet Devon town of Cullompton for over 130 years after it opened its doors in 1890. After staying a family business until 2009, Roger and John Veysey decided it was time to hand the reins to a new dynamic duo who have brought the shop firmly into the 21st Century and digital age. Their well-built and well stocked website really showcases the top-quality produce available either in person or at the click of a button. Mike and Phil are now at the helm of this fantastic local business, providing quality meat and accompaniments to the surrounding community, expertly supported by their better halves Maria and Ria respectively. Many of the residents of Cullompton and the surrounding areas have fond memories of the Veysey family and are just as keen to support the new owners in seeing the business survive through some of the most difficult times it has seen.
Covid-19 Response Since 1890, Veyseys has not had to ‘close its doors’ to customers – staying open even through World War One and World War Two – but due to government COVID-19 restrictions, this momentous achievement was drawn to a close and the shop had to close its doors to customers. However, nothing was going to keep the team down, and overnight a whole new business structure of 100% home delivery was brought to fruition. Adaptations to the business had to be made quickly in order to cope with the new demands of not having a ‘shop’ open to the public. Ria recollected how they had up to 250 orders being placed PER DAY for the first two months of lockdown – which meant working 70-80 hour working weeks, hiring new staff and buying a new refrigerated van to mention but a few things. But Veyseys has been the heart and constant of Cullompton High Street, so it was hardly surprising that the public jumped feet first in to help Veyseys survive. From ordering as much as they could, to offering to help deliver orders for them, to baking them goods to say
thank-you for providing a service which was saving the lives of many people who were shielding. The residents of Cullompton and surrounding areas really stepped up to save an important part of the town’s history. Local Suppliers Veyseys prides itself on using as many local suppliers as it can, sourcing all of its beef, pork, lamb and game within an astounding twenty mile radius of Cullompton. Not only does this aim to reduce their carbon footprint, but it provides invaluable support for local farmers, businesses and creates local jobs. The suppliers they use are proudly displayed both on the board outside of the shop and on their website – providing complete traceability for all their produce. Their ethos can be easily summed up by their catchy little tagline: “Farm Gate to Plate” Maybe this is why Veyseys has such a magnetic appeal, not only do customers value quality and taste of Veysey’s products, but the ‘buy local’ ethic behind the business really resonates with them.
