We were one the only 4 real traditional smokers using whole English Oak Logs.

This is a note I put on Rupert Lowe Facebook page . Started our business ,Minola Smoked Products, with support from Margaret Thatchers government support,The Business Expansion Scheme . Both my wife and I subscribed to it and in 1984 we were given 40 pounds sterling each per week.(For 12 months) In 20 years (closed in October 2004) we built a profitable company with more than 300 trade clients and mail order list of several 1000's( kipper club). Also weekly export to middle East and many other parts of the world. Employed 15 people.Closed the business in Abergavenny due to onerous regulations and crazy insurance costs. Have lived in Portugal ever since .