Meet Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards judge, and 2016 Retailer of the Year winner Arthur Howell, who tells us he is most proud of his daughter and son-in-law joining him in the family business.

Arthur Howell

“It’s important to showcase the best of the food retail industry and these awards are the perfect vehicle with which to do so.”

Arthur Howell is a Butcher from Wells-on-Sea, Norfolk and we caught up with him for a quick Q&A session, read on to find out more about Arthur and why he feels these Awards are important.

I run two butcher’s shops in Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Market, an abattoir, a wet fish shop, a delicatessen and a bakery unit and shop. I also have a small farm.


My first job: Was working in my family’s butcher’s shop and abattoir.

Most rewarding part of my job: Heading up a business that sources and provides food from farm to retail.

What I look for when judging a retailer: They should be looking to sell as much local produce as possible to meet the requirements of their customers, always be looking to move forward, and always be ready for change.

Why I tink these awards are important: It’s important to showcase the best of the food retail industry and these awards are the perfect vehicle with which to do so. I know from experience how much it means to retailers and their staff to get this recognition.

My biggest influence: My father was my biggest influence. He was an excellent businessman who encouraged good work ethics.

What advice would I give to my teenage self: Go out to visit your suppliers and get to know them and their businesses to ensure quality, continuity, and variety in the products you sell.

The most unusual situation I have found myself in: A lady once bought a bucket of blood from my abattoir and unbeknownst to me took it on a train to London before hurling it all over her ex-boyfriend’s flat! (This made the TV and press!)

What I am most proud of: My daughter and son-in-law joining me in the family business, how we’ve managed to diversify and open other retail outlets to enable us to move forward with the business during difficult times for the High Street, and how we helped feed our local hospital staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meet our full judges line-up for 2022 here.