Our Journey
Cuts & Countryside - A Day with Master Butcher Miles
Cuts & Countryside is Morgans Butchery's flagship farm-to-fork experience, bringing together British farmers, producers and food lovers for an immersive day celebrating the journey from field to fork. Hosted by Accredited Master Butcher Miles Nicholas, the event combines live butchery demonstrations, open-fire cooking, producer talks and a carefully curated tasting menu showcasing exceptional local produce. Created to reconnect consumers with British agriculture, the event gives guests the unique opportunity to meet the farmers behind their food, learn about high-welfare farming and experience the craftsmanship that transforms outstanding local produce into memorable dishes. Following a sell-out debut, Cuts & Countryside has become a showcase for innovation, education and collaboration within British food and farming.
Miles Becomes An Accredited Master Butcher
Miles Nicholas was awarded the prestigious title of Accredited Master Butcher (MB.Inst.M) by the Institute of Meat at the annual prizegiving held at Butchers' Hall, London. Recognised as one of the highest professional honours in the meat industry, the accreditation is awarded only to experienced butchers who successfully complete a rigorous assessment of their technical expertise, craftsmanship and industry knowledge. This achievement places Miles among an elite group of Master Butchers and reflects more than 40 years of dedication to the craft, championing traditional skills, British farming and excellence in butchery.
Supporting National Research Through Lived Experience
Miles is a member of the WISHES (Workplace Intervention for Sustainable Health and Employment Support) Lived Experience Group, which is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) research project led by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the Universities of Oxford, Sheffield, Leicester, Westminster, King's College London and the University of East Anglia. As a stroke survivor and disabled entrepreneur, Miles shares his lived experience to help shape pioneering research into improving workplace inclusion, health and employment outcomes for disabled people across the UK, ensuring disabled voices are at the heart of future policy and practice.
Pioneering Accessibility with the Morgans Butchery Access Guide
As part of our Breaking Down Barriers initiative, Morgans Butchery launched one of the UK's first comprehensive accessibility guides created specifically for an independent butcher's shop. Going far beyond basic accessibility information, the guide enables customers to plan their visit with confidence by providing detailed information on the shop environment, communication support, sensory considerations, parking, step-free access and the inclusive services available throughout the customer journey. By removing uncertainty before customers even arrive, the guide empowers disabled people, their families and carers to make informed decisions and enjoy a more independent shopping experience. It represents a proactive approach to accessibility, demonstrating that true inclusion begins long before a customer walks through the door and setting a new benchmark for accessibility within independent food retail.
Amy wins women in food and drink awards!
Amy Nicholas has been named Retail Innovator of the Year at the Women in Food & Drink Awards and also received Highly Commended in the Woman of the Year, Products & Services category, recognising her leadership, innovation and commitment to accessibility within the food industry.
Prime Cuts of Inclusive Service: Morgan's Butchery
Following receiving a prestigious Zero Project Award 2026, Amy and Miles Nicholas were invited to speak at the United Nations Office at Vienna during the Zero Project Conference. Their presentation, "Prime Cuts of Inclusive Service: Morgan's Butchery," showcased how a small independent family butcher has embedded accessibility and inclusion into every aspect of the customer experience. Sharing practical examples of breaking down barriers in rural retail, they demonstrated that businesses of any size can create meaningful, inclusive change. Their story was presented to an international audience of disability, business and policy leaders from around the world, highlighting Morgans Butchery as a global example of accessibility in action.
Zero Project Award 2026
Morgans Butchery was honoured to receive a Zero Project Award 2026, recognising our Breaking Down Barriers at Morgans Butchery initiative as one of the world's leading innovations in disability inclusion. Selected from organisations across 51 countries, the award celebrates solutions that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact and the potential to be replicated globally. Our work was recognised for embedding accessibility into every aspect of a rural independent butcher's shop, proving that businesses of any size can create meaningful, lasting change for disabled customers and their communities. The award led to an invitation to present our work at the United Nations Office at Vienna, sharing our story with an international audience of accessibility leaders, policymakers and businesses.
Tea with the British Ambassador in Vienna
Miles and Amy were invited to afternoon tea by Lindsay Skoll CMG, the British Ambassador to Austria, at the British Embassy. The visit celebrated Morgans' international recognition for breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive customer experience. During the meeting, Miles proudly shared a selection of Morgans' latest homemade jams and sauces, giving the Ambassador a taste of the innovative local produce being created in rural Essex. The occasion marked a proud moment for the family business, showcasing how a small independent butcher can represent the UK on the international stage through innovation, accessibility and a passion for British food and farming.
Deaf Awareness Training with Deaf Umbrella
As part of our commitment to making Morgans Butchery accessible to everyone, the entire team completed specialist Deaf Awareness Training delivered by Deaf Umbrella. The training provided practical skills and a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, communication and inclusive customer service, helping us create an environment where Deaf and hard of hearing customers feel welcomed, understood and supported. This investment reflects our belief that true accessibility goes beyond physical adaptations, it's about ensuring every customer can enjoy a positive, confident and inclusive experience.
Recognised by The Makaton Charity
Morgans Butchery was proudly featured by The Makaton Charity for its pioneering work in creating a more inclusive shopping experience. The charity highlighted how the business has embedded Makaton symbols and signing throughout the shop, enabling customers with communication differences to shop more independently and confidently. The feature also recognised Miles' lived experience following his stroke and Amy's commitment to driving accessibility, showcasing Morgans as an example of how independent businesses can break down communication barriers and inspire others to adopt more inclusive practices.
Meat Industry Awards 2025 – Young Manager of the Year Runner-up
Amy Nicholas was proudly named Runner-up in the Young Manager of the Year category at the Meat Industry Awards 2025, recognising the next generation of leaders making a significant impact across the UK meat sector. The award celebrated Amy's role in driving the growth and success of Morgans Butchery through innovation, business development and accessibility. From leading award-winning projects and championing British farming to creating inclusive retail initiatives, Amy continues to demonstrate the leadership and vision helping shape the future of the independent meat industry.
Featured by Learning Disability Today
Morgans Butchery's Breaking Down Barriers initiative was featured by Learning Disability Today, one of the UK's leading publications for professionals supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. By sharing the business's journey, the article has helped raise awareness of how small independent businesses can remove barriers and create more accessible, welcoming environments for everyone.
Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2025 – Regional Winner Anglia
Morgans Butchery was proudly named Regional Winner for Anglia at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2025, one of the UK's most respected awards celebrating excellence in independent food retail. Judged by industry experts, the award recognised our commitment to exceptional customer service, quality British produce, innovation and support for local farming. This regional title reflects the dedication of our family team and our passion for creating an outstanding shopping experience while championing the very best of British food.
West Suffolk Business Festival 2025 – Entrepreneur Panel Speaker
Miles was invited to join the panel at the West Suffolk Business Festival 2025, sharing his entrepreneurial journey during the discussion, "Insight into Entrepreneurialism – Real-Life Stories from Those Who've Done It." Speaking alongside fellow business leaders, Miles shared his experiences of rebuilding his career following a life-changing stroke, taking over Morgans Butchery and transforming it into an award-winning family business. His honest insights into resilience, leadership and innovation inspired aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that determination, adaptability and a clear purpose can overcome even the greatest challenges.
British Dyslexia Association – Inclusive Entrepreneur Award Winner
Miles was honoured to receive the Inclusive Entrepreneur Award at the British Dyslexia Association Annual Awards 2024. The award recognises entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers while using their lived experience to inspire others and build successful, inclusive businesses. Despite leaving school at 15 with no qualifications due to undiagnosed severe dyslexia, Miles built a career spanning more than 40 years in butchery before co-founding Morgans Butchery. Today, he uses his experiences to champion accessibility, challenge perceptions of disability and prove that neurodiversity can be a powerful strength in business.
Women in Meat Industry Awards 2024 Winner
Amy Nicholas was honoured to receive the Meat Businesswoman Award – Independent Retailing at the Women in Meat Industry Awards 2024. The national award recognises outstanding women who are shaping the future of the UK meat sector through leadership, innovation and business excellence. Judges recognised Amy's role in transforming Morgans Butchery through forward-thinking ideas, commercial growth, sustainability initiatives and accessibility, while helping establish the family business as an award-winning champion of British farming and independent retail.
Velvet Food & Drink Awards 2024 – Farm Shop & Deli of the Year
Morgans Butchery was proudly crowned Farm Shop & Deli of the Year at the Velvet Food & Drink Awards 2024, recognising the business as one of the region's leading independent food retailers. The award celebrates excellence in quality, customer experience, local sourcing and innovation, highlighting Morgans' commitment to supporting British farmers, producing exceptional food and creating an inclusive shopping experience. Winning this title reflects the passion and dedication of the whole family team and their vision of redefining what a modern independent butcher can be.
Founders Award – Essex Small Business Awards 2024
Morgans Butchery was honoured to receive the prestigious Founders Award at the Essex Small Business Awards 2024. Personally selected by the founder of the awards, this special accolade recognises a business that has demonstrated exceptional achievement, resilience and impact beyond its commercial success. The award celebrated Morgans' transformation into an award-winning family business, recognising its commitment to innovation, accessibility, community engagement and championing British farming. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of the whole team in redefining what an independent butcher can achieve.
The Launch of the Lilac Review
Miles is proud to contribute to the Lilac Review, an independent national review examining the barriers disabled entrepreneurs face when starting and growing businesses across the UK. Drawing on his own experience as a stroke survivor, dyslexic entrepreneur and Accredited Master Butcher, Miles has shared first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities of running an inclusive business. His involvement helps shape recommendations aimed at improving access to finance, support and opportunities for disabled business owners, ensuring lived experience plays a central role in influencing future policy and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.
Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2023
Miles Nicholas was awarded Third Prize in the prestigious Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2023, presented by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in partnership with Leonard Cheshire. Selected from disabled entrepreneurs across the UK, the award recognised Miles' resilience, entrepreneurial vision and the transformation of Morgans Butchery following his life-changing stroke. Alongside a £20,000 business grant, the recognition celebrated Morgans as an innovative independent business that is breaking down barriers, championing accessibility and demonstrating how disability can be a catalyst for business success and social impact.
Nicholas family take over Morgans
In 2023, Miles and Amy Nicholas took over Morgans Butchery with a shared vision of creating something truly different. Combining Miles' decades of butchery expertise with Amy's passion for innovation, accessibility and business growth, they transformed the business into an award-winning independent butcher that champions British farming, local producers and inclusive retail. Since taking ownership, Morgans has earned national and international recognition, introduced pioneering accessibility initiatives and become a destination for customers seeking exceptional food, outstanding service and a genuine connection to the people behind their food. Their journey demonstrates how a family business, driven by passion and purpose, can redefine the future of independent butchery.