Q My company is looking for training courses for butchers in south-east England. Do you have any recommendations? MC

Q It has been a tough year in this shop as many of my customers have traded down from higher value items to cheaper products. My mince sales have soared, for example. I am worried that this may transfer into poor sales over Christmas. Is there anything I can do about it? TG

Q I am interested in furthering my career in the pig industry and have a couple of years' experience with one firm, but no qualifications. What can I do? DC

Q I have often wondered why retailers and wholesalers don't have to pay the levy as we small processors do? After all they benefit from the work that the raised money pays for. It just seems unfair. Come to think of it, what does happen to all the money raised? DG

Q Does beef yield vary much from animal to animal? PK

Q I am having trouble holding on to the younger members of staff in my shop. What can I do? GW

Q One of my customers has asked if there is much difference between the fats of animals? JW