Stratford Meats Ltd was presented with the best customer service accolade at the Newham Business Awards 2024.
The company, founded by Shukur Ali, set up a franchised butcher shop in Stratford Shopping Centre under the branding of Tariq Halal Meats.
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Despite the franchised branding, Shukur said: “I made it very clear that I won this for Stratford Meats.”
The butchers has been located in the shopping centre for more than three years as a result of Shukur being inspired by a similar concept during a holiday in Dubai 12 years ago.
“If you are a true businessman, you’re not doing it for the money, you’re doing it for the customers – that should be the first award you are going for.
“I learnt that in the butcher industry it’s cut throat business. It’s about undercutting prices and who can do things cheapest.
“I went the other way: focus on customer service, provide good quality and your customers are always right.”
Shukur, who lives in Romford, explained that he is driven by providing excellent service to the local community and despite his shop being branded as halal – everyone is welcome.
“Anything the customers want, I am going to give them.”
Shukur is originally from Bethnal Green and travels back to serve his original community regularly through his shop.
“My heart still seeks for the local community. My father always tells me: wherever you are born, your heart will seek to go back there.”
He also participates in voluntary help around the community, including providing hot meals for those in need through the Feed the Needy campaign once a month.
