A Suffolk butchery school which has been training the next generation for more than four decades has unveiled its new premises outside of Ipswich.

M.E.A.T Ipswich has recently changed its location and is ready to meet apprentices in its new home in Claydon.

The company will host an open day on Tuesday, April 18, and will then showcase its brand-new training and preparation area.

Ipswich Star: M.E.A.T Ipswich hosts an open day on Tuesday, April 18, M.E.A.T Ipswich M.E.A.T Ipswich hosts an open day on Tuesday, April 18, M.E.A.T Ipswich (Image: M.E.A.T Ipswich)

The firm was founded by John Croxford in 1985 with Slim Dinsdale and split into M.E.A.T Ipswich and M.E.A.T Norwich a year later.

M.E.A.T Ipswich has been operating as a specialist Butchery and Fresh Food Training Organisation and in 1987 opened its first purpose-built butchery school.

In the following years, M.E.A.T Ipswich diversified into meat processing training, health and safety, HACCP, continental butchery and delicatessen work, as well as training in the local large meat organisations.

In 1998, Jane Dale took over the running of M.E.A.T Ipswich, after the death of her husband and founder of the company.

Ipswich Star: M.E.A.T Ipswich has recently changed its location and is ready to meet apprentices in its new home in Claydon, M.E.A.T IpswichM.E.A.T Ipswich has recently changed its location and is ready to meet apprentices in its new home in Claydon, M.E.A.T Ipswich (Image: M.E.A.T Ipswich)

In 1999 the Ipswich company was invited to deliver butchery apprenticeships throughout the UK and has been doing it ever since.

M.E.A.T Ipswich to date has 200 learners, six trainers and four administrative staff.

The school hosts level 3 courses on three-day block sessions, as well as day courses available for the general public or learners located in East Anglia.

Ipswich Star: M.E.A.T Ipswich has recently changed its location and is ready to meet apprentices in its new home in Claydon, M.E.A.T IpswichM.E.A.T Ipswich has recently changed its location and is ready to meet apprentices in its new home in Claydon, M.E.A.T Ipswich (Image: M.E.A.T Ipswich)

Mrs Dale said: “We are delighted with our new premises in Claydon, it meets all of our needs and enables us to be at the forefront of butchery and fresh food training for the next decade.

“We have a brand-new training and preparation area, with bespoke butchery tables and a rational oven.

Ipswich Star: Mrs Dale with her students, M.E.A.T IpswichMrs Dale with her students, M.E.A.T Ipswich (Image: M.E.A.T Ipswich)

“We are hosting an official opening day on Tuesday, April 18, and have the pleasure of Past Master Andrew Parker from The Worshipful Company of Butchers, officially opening the building at 2.30pm.

“There will be a chance to meet the team, participate in activities, competitions and much more.”