An online artisan butcher set up by a former Lidl buyer has revealed ambitious plans to expand its operations.

meat Porter, which was soft-launched in May, offers consumers “restaurant quality” artisan cuts of meat from specialist producers with guaranteed, free next-day delivery by courier to most of Great Britain.

With the service now up and running, founder Stefan Porter, a former senior buyer at Lidl, said the next stage was to develop its own delivery and warehousing operation and widen its supplier base to include more quality, high street butcher shops.

The entrepreneur said he envisioned Meat Porter to be less a retail site and more of a way for meat producers and farmers to reach the consumer more directly than through traditional retail channels.

“Butchers and meat producers don’t want be spending all their time packing boxes or running websites, they want to be doing what they do best, and that’s where we can help them sell their products in an easy and convenient manner,” he said. “I’ve already been able to draw on the logistical experience of working for a discounter to build an efficient supply chain, just with a different demographic.”

“We are now in touch with some established butcher brands to widen that supply chain and offer even more choice as the company grows.”

The meat is delivered in special packaging that keeps it cold for several hours. The service has a minimum order value of £25 and offers free delivery on weekdays or for a £7.95 fee on Saturdays.