Britain's oldest family butcher has teamed up with WhatsApp to provide a safe and convenient way to order their Christmas turkeys.

Bridport's RJ Balson & Son will be offering its customers the ability to order their free-range meats and turkeys via WhatsApp in a Covid-secure, contact-free way, just in time for Christmas.

Following a training programme delivered by WhatsApp, the butcher - which has been in business for 505 years, spanning 25 family generations - can now promote its turkeys, sausages and dry-cured bacon via the platform and take orders from their customers.

Richard Balson, master butcher at RJ Balson & Son, said: "We might be the oldest family business and butcher in the country, but we are always looking at ways of innovating.

"By using WhatsApp business, we hope to make the best of a very different Christmas this year and ensure we can get our famous meats to as many customers as possible.

"Covid-19 has undoubtedly taken its toll on our business, but if we can survive plagues, fires, flooding recessions, health scares and even wars, I'm confident we'll ring in our 506th year in a much stronger position."

The system will also allow RJ Balson & Son to drive sales and answer customers' questions while maintaining social distancing.

Richard Stevenson, technical manager at National Craft Butchers, a trade association supporting independent butchers, said: "Independent butchers are a much-loved staple on high streets up and down the country and have been an important lifeline in these difficult times.

"It's encouraging to see members like RJ Balson & Son taking an innovative approach to this year's Christmas trading.

"New technology benefits customers and this application can help to reduce queuing and maintain social distancing.

"Butchers are always keen to give the best possible personal service and this innovation should help to keep butchers on top."

The free WhatsApp Business App was designed with small businesses in mind and offers features, such as a business profile, a catalogue of the company's products or services and a shopping button.

Dan Lenan, WhatsApp partnerships manager, said: "Businesses like RJ Balson & Son are the heart and soul of our high streets, particularly at Christmas.

"As UK businesses are facing their toughest ever Christmas season, they need to find new ways to drive sales and engage with customers safely.

"The WhatsApp Business App is the perfect way to help businesses promote themselves and their products and talk to their customers instantly and professionally, even when people can't physically be in the shop.

"So, whether it's helping a butcher take turkey orders, helping a restaurant to manage takeaways, or a beauty salon to communicate social distancing rules, WhatsApp can provide businesses with a safe way to communicate with customers this Christmas."

RJ Balson is offering a Christmas hamper with everything you will need for the festive season. Find out more at its Facebook page.

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