A butchery business in north Suffolk is developing trade links abroad as it looks to break into new export markets.

Forty-two per cent of C&K Meats' slaughter is exported, but the Eye-based company wants to capitalise further on growing economies and expatriate communities looking for British produce.

The multi-species abattoir and cutting business exports to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Thailand, Belgium, France and Switzerland and is now looking to expand its portfolio into Africa, Australia, Canada and other parts of the Far East.

Kevin Burrows, who runs the business with his brother Chris, conducts all export sales, spending weeks abroad each year to forge new relationships.

The Green 100 firm moved to its current base in 2010 and upgraded in 2014 with an investment of £750,000 – growing from four employees to more than 100 – thanks in part to a focus on fine dining restaurants and customers worldwide.

Mr Burrows said: 'I didn't think it would get this big as quickly as it has. The British flag is our biggest selling point.

'I'm proud and passionate about what we do. The next thing for us is to push on to fine dining more around the world.'

In building the firm's overseas relationships Mr Burrows delivers a bespoke one-to-one service for each client which includes butchery demonstrations to chefs.

Mr Burrows said: 'Building relationships that take a number of years is quite refreshing.'

Despite its export interests the family firm says the UK market remains its number one priority.

The company rears its own livestock through contracted farms, each week slaughtering 4,000 pigs, 1,500 sows, about 100 sheep and 100 cattle - as well as slaughter for private clients.

At home the firm, which had a turnover of £17.65m in the year ending March 2015, supplies carcasses and primal cuts to butchers, wholesalers and farm shops.

Mr Burrows said the business would not lose touch with its roots.

'We want to remain user friendly for small and diverse farms. We need to be that helpful hand,' he added.

In 2015 the firm was named Exporter of the Year at the Meat and Poultry Processing Awards - an accolade they are again shortlisted for this year.

Is your business looking abroad for growth? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772446.