Business as usual for Lakings in Louth as new owner takes over

New owner Andrew Wright (left) pictured with Diane Laking. John Lakings widow.

Andrew Wright, of Boston-based A Wright & Son, officially took charge at Lakings on Monday.

He immediately pledged that nothing will change and it is very much ‘business as usual’.

Mr Wright takes over the running of the business from the Laking family who established it in 1908.

More recently, John Laking took charge of the business from his grandfather Robert and was a prominent presence in Louth for more than 60 years until he passed away in 2015. His widow, Diane Laking, made the final decision to sell to Mr Wright.

She told the Leader: “After so many wonderful years at Lakings, I felt that now was the right time to retire.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to say ‘a big thank you’ to my family, all of the staff and the many loyal customers for the wonderful support they have given me during my time at the shop.”

A Wright & Son has been providing Lakings with their award-winning meat for many years so already have a great working relationship with the business.

Mr Wright said: “I am absolutely delighted to be buying the business of Lakings and I’m very excited for the road that lies ahead.

“We already had a great working relationship with Lakings so I can reassure all of the customers that nothing is set to change.

“The same meat and quality of all the products that Lakings sell will still all be the same – as it has been previously.”

“All of the staff will be kept on and I plan to keep everything the same, name and all.”

Mr Wright added: “If anything, there will be enhancements to the business, rather than change.

“I myself am the fifth generation of A Wright & Son and I will be working at Lakings alongside my brother and parents.

“So, it will still very much be a family-run business.

“My father was friends with John for many years and knew his father as well, so it is an honour to be taking over the running of this very special Louth business.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the community of Louth and support the town in anyway that I can.”

The opening hours at Lakings will also remain the same.

The business is also set to promote itself on social media or the first time, starting in the coming days. Look out for the name on Facebook and Twitter .