Background
Based in Keighley, Jack Scaife Butcher is a small family business that was established in 1903. Originally employing three people at a local market, the company now has its own premises with 14 employees. The company produces dry cured bacon and ham using traditional methods, and markets its products the most modern way possible.

The Business Opportunity
A gap in the market was created by growing customer dissatisfaction with the bacon available in supermarkets and other outlets. Consumers complained that bacon shrank dramatically when cooked, and flavours were no longer reminiscent of the past. With a traditional process of oaksmoking and dry-curing hams and bacon, Managing Director, Chris Battle, believed there was a wider market available just waiting to be tapped into.

The Solution
Jack Scaife took its business to the world by launching a company site on the Internet. The site has a secure online ordering service together with an online tracking system which enables customers to book and pay over the Internet, with orders delivered to their door within days. Customers can also e-mail Jack Scaife at their leisure should they have any queries or special requests. The web site informs customers of new products and displays visual images together with prices. It is specifically designed to offer customers a simple, hassle-free shopping experience.

Success
The Internet has opened up markets in Africa, Hong Kong, China and most European countries. Jack Scaife has moved from being a local market trader to an international competitor. They now produce over three tonnes of meats per week, which is delivered to customers throughout the UK and beyond. Jack Scaife has also experienced the changing trends of the Internet market. When they first posted their web site most of their online customers were from overseas. Now nearly 80% are from within the United Kingdom. Through the Internet, up to 50 orders can be received daily, and Jack Scaife has experienced an increase in annual turnover from £70,000 to £700,000.

Year Overview

• With the £5,000 winnings from the E-Commerce Awards 2000, Jack Scaife Butcher has purchased more hardware and has re-invested in IT
• An Internet portal with other small family businesses that uphold the same excellent standards of quality has been developed to provide customers with a wider choice of specialist high quality products through a single web site. The portal will be up and running in early February
• In the last financial year turnover has increased, again, from approximately £750,000 to an expected £850,000 and three new members of staff have been taken onboard

The Future
Due to the success of its individual web site, Jack Scaife is currently involved in establishing an Internet portal with other small family businesses to provide customers with a wider choice of specialist high quality products through a single web site. This, like the Jack Scaife web site, will be continually monitored and revised to ensure that customers remain 100 per cent satisfied with service and quality.