BUTCHER BUSINESS CONSULTANCY
Are you a butcher who wants more sales, less waste, and sharper displays? Download my free PDF and start today.
7 mistakes that are costing your business 1000s-free download
I'll Help You Increase Your Profit Or Get Your Money Back.GUARANTEED
Butchery is entering a new era
Centuries of craft meet the tools of the future. Butcher Mentor is the first AI mentor built for butchers, apprentices, and shop owners — driving the trade forward, not letting it fade into the past.
Your skills, your shop, your future — upgraded
For butchers with vision — looking to the near future
What Butchers Are Saying...
Real feedback from professionals in the trade
"The Butcher Mentor Vault is full of smart ideas I hadn’t even thought of. This is a real game-changer for independents like us."
– Ashley, Butcher & Owner, Leeds
"You’ve got something powerful here. The trade needs people like you who are prepared to share knowledge without ego. Butcher Mentor is proof that tradition and modern thinking can work together."
– Joss, Butcher & Shop Manager, South Coast
"This is brilliant, John. What you’re building will make a real difference to our trade. Butcher Mentor gives structure and insight that’s been missing — it’s from someone who actually knows the graft."
– Wayne, Butcher & Trainer, London
"John’s insight has always been spot on — grounded in experience and delivered with clarity. The Vault gives working butchers a way to keep learning without stepping away from the counter."
– Paul, Independent Butcher, Midlands
"John’s knowledge, experience, and passion come through in everything he does. Butcher Mentor isn’t just another resource — it’s a lifeline for butchers looking to grow their shop and skills."
– Tony Mitchell, Director, London
"This is what the trade has been missing. Practical tools, smart guidance, and no nonsense. Butcher Mentor helps us stay sharp and pass the craft on properly."
– Rich, Shop Owner & Mentor, North England
About John Bye
M.inst.M | Mentor | Creator | Consultant
I’m John — founder of Build a Butcher Business and Butcher Mentor. I’ve spent over 30 years running meat counters, mentoring apprentices, and helping butcher shops grow — from the UK high street to markets in Africa and Asia.
I was honoured to receive my Master Butcher award from the Institute of Meat in 2025. But my real education came through experience: business failures, recovery from cancer, Growing sales, teams, and rebuilding my life from scratch.
Today, I offer butcher consultancy, training tools, and mentoring for new shops, established stores, and apprentice butchers across the globe.
Whether you're asking how to start a butcher shop, improve meat counter displays, or train your team for growth — you're in the right place.
This isn’t just about meat. It’s about mindset, marketing, and margins.
Turn Your Butcher Business Into a High Performance Operation
Proven consultancy for start-up butchers and established shops. Delivered by a Master Butcher with 30+years of real experience.
Services
Client Support
Who Is This For?
Whether you’re:
-
Opening your first butcher shop and don’t know where to begin
-
Running a busy meat counter but struggling with margins or staff issues
-
An experienced owner needing a fresh perspective to grow profits
…I offer no-nonsense support based on 30+ years in the trade.
Let’s turn your passion into a systemised, profitable business.
Business Solutions
Option 1: Your butcher shop strategy
For new shop owners and first-time business builders.
Starting a butcher business is exciting — but it can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance. This package gives you a clear roadmap to build on solid ground.
What’s included:
-
Expert shop layout planning and equipment advice to maximise flow and minimise cost
-
Guidance on sourcing reliable suppliers and managing stock efficiently
-
Help crafting a realistic pricing strategy and reviewing your business plan
-
Compliance checklists for HACCP, hygiene regulations, and insurance essentials
Ideal for: Anyone opening their first shop, converting a catering space, or stepping into self-employment after working for others.
Avoid costly mistakes — build with confidence from day one.
Book online in services
Option 3: Sharpen your team
Turn your team into a motivated, skilled, and profitable unit.
Whether you’re training apprentices or need your team sharper on service and cutting skills, this package lifts their ability — and your shop’s performance.
What’s included:
-
Online or in-person training tailored to your team’s current skill level
-
Cutting technique refinement and counter service best practices
-
Help mentoring apprentices and setting up in-house progression
-
Morale-boosting team strategies to reduce turnover and increase pride
Ideal for: Shops looking to build a stronger team, train juniors, or refresh their current crew’s service and presentation skills.
Stronger staff = stronger sales.
Book online in services
Option 2: Find your hidden profit
Unlock profit you didn’t know you were missing.
If you’re already running a butcher shop but feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this audit will reveal where the money is being lost — and how to reclaim it.
What’s included:
-
A full review of your current margins and pricing strategy
-
Evaluation of your product range to highlight hidden winners and underperformers
-
Workflow and counter layout advice to improve speed and reduce error
-
Labour and waste reduction strategies that protect your bottom line
Ideal for: Established shops seeking better margins, smoother operations, and more take-home profit.
Run leaner. Sell smarter. Keep more.
Book online in services
Option 4: Power hour with a master butcher
Get real answers to your butcher business challenges — fast.
This is your chance to speak directly with John Bye — Master Butcher with 30+ years of industry knowledge. Bring your problem, and get an actionable solution.
What’s included:
-
Private Zoom call or in-person session
-
Honest advice tailored to your shop and goals
-
Flexible: book weekly check-ins, one-off strategy calls, or project-based planning
Ideal for: Shop owners who want clarity, accountability, and expert support without the fluff.
Real answers. No time wasted.
Book online in services
Why Me?
I’m John Bye — a Master Butcher and department head who’s cut, coached, and built butcher businesses since 1981.
I’ve trained dozens of apprentices, advised meat departments across the UK, and rebuilt my own business after personal and professional loss.
I don’t offer fluff. I offer structure, accountability, and solutions that save you time and make you money.
Testimonials
What Do Other Business leaders Say About John Bye
Andrew Yaxley-C.E.O. Booker Wholesale Group UK
"John is a standout professional in the butchery world."
I have known John for many years, and he has been an integral part of the butchery team and fresh food offer for our catering customers. John is a qualified Master Butcher, and his deep knowledge of the meat industry sets him apart from others.
His ability to present, prepare, and educate others on product quality and profitability has made a significant impact within Booker. John's mentoring of apprentices, his professionalism in customer-facing situations, and his passion for the craft of butchery are second to none".
Jonny McQuarrie - C.O.O. Booker Wholesale Group UK
"A True Professional and Industry Asset"
I’ve met John on several occasions in our branches and have always been impressed by his professionalism, energy, and passion for his craft.
He’s a natural mentor, with deep expertise in butchery and a clear commitment to delivering quality. I’ve no doubt his consultancy work will bring real value to the industry.
Nikki Watts - Sales Director Booker Wholesale Group UK
"Drive, Passion, and Experience"
It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know John and work alongside him. His passion, experience, and skill in this industry are truly inspirational.
John’s deep knowledge and dedication to sharing it with others will undoubtedly breed success in any venture he undertakes. I have no doubt that Build a Butcher Business will be a fantastic platform for others to learn and grow".
Build a Profitable Butcher Business – With Expert Support from a Master Butcher
Why Choose Me?
From start up guidance to staff training and profit-boosting systems — I help butchers cut through the chaos and build better businesses.
Start-Up Support
Customized Approach
-
Shop setup, layout, and equipment lists
-
Supplier sourcing & product range strategy
-
Compliance and hygiene setup
Business Growth & Profitability
Professional Expertise
-
Meat yield and cost analysis
-
Menu/pricing optimisation
-
Waste reduction & display improvements
Team & Training
Collaborative Solutions
-
Apprenticeship support
-
Upskilling your staff
-
Online video modules coming soon
One-to-One Consultancy
Measurable Outcomes
-
Zoom calls or site visits
-
Custom strategy packages
-
Ongoing mentoring
We support new and experienced butchers with setup, training, pricing, and growth — both in-person and online.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date content, no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information or advice provided.
The services, strategies, and resources discussed here are based on personal experience and industry knowledge. However, they should not be interpreted as professional business, legal, health, or financial advice. Any actions taken based on content from this site are done at your own discretion and risk.
John Bye and Build a Butcher Business do not accept liability for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this website or any external links provided.
For specific concerns or tailored guidance, we recommend consulting with a qualified professional in your relevant field.
By using this site, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full.
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
📧 info@buildabutcherbusiness.com