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In business 33 years

John Perks of J & B Meats at Umina Beach claims to be the longest surviving business proprietor in Umina.

He commenced business with partner Bryce Ellis in 1969 on his return to the Central Coast after having served in the Australian armed forces during the Vietnam war.

J & B Meats originally commenced business in the shop currently occupied by Umina Seafoods on the other side of West St.

They later moved into their current premises and traded from both until 1974, when the opening of Deepwater Plaza in Woy Woy forced them to close one of the shops and consolidate to their current location.

"The industry has changed a great deal over the past 33 years," John said.

"We used to sell meat off a timber bench when we started and there was very little refrigeration.

"Umina was a much busier retail centre and there were two other larger meat retailers to compete with, FC Nichols and Fraser Lees."

John said that, as an indication of the changes to the industry, Fraser Lees used to have six retail shops in the main street of Gosford while now there are no butchers there at all.

Apart from the effect of supermarkets on individual meat retailers, there was a period when sales fell dramatically because of changes to our eating habits.

People are now however returning to higher meat consumption and the medical profession is realising its benefits, according to John.

Butchers have had to carry more variety of meat and make up pre-mixed meals to maintain their market share.

John puts his survival down to "quality, service and value for money".

"We still have a lot of meat cuts used in the old days not available from supermarkets and, across the board, we are generally cheaper than them.

"Local proprietors get more involved with the community than do franchises and the large supermarkets.

"We have sponsored nearly every sport on the Peninsula over the years and of late we have sponsored the Woy Woy Leagues Club first grade football side for the past six years.

"This year, we are sponsoring their under-17 side.

"How many franchises or large supermarkets can say that?" he said.

"It's got to rub off and bring in some business and loyalty."

J & B Meats is currently running a promotion to be drawn in May, where every purchase of $30 or more entitles the buyer to a free ticket with a chance to win four days and three nights accommodation in a Hunter Valley resort.

Cec Bucello, March 8