We were pleased to learn that Barrie Richards of Richards Family Fisheries has won the Chip shop of the year award from the
Reporter series of newspapers
Barrie is no stranger to being in the press and was in the
Huddersfield Examiner a few years ago when the newspaper documented his story and how Ernest Wilson had helped him during his progression in buying and selling all four of his shops. Details below:
A FORMER marketing director is running a thriving takeaway business – thanks to help from a West Yorkshire business transfer agent and commercial bankers based in Huddersfield.
Former marketing director Barrie Richards, who was made redundant, launched his first fish and chip shop in Pudsey after talking to staff at business transfer agent Ernest Wilson about buying a business and securing finance from Lloyds TSB Commercial in Huddersfield.
Now his Richards Family Fisheries brand is wining plaudits on visitor recommendation websites.
Fish and chips remain the number one takeaway food in the UK – with more than 10,000 fish and chip shops selling more than 300m portions each year, The industry is worth about £1.2bn – meaning that £1 out of every £100 spent on food is spent in a chippie.
Mr Richards purchased his first fish and chip shop in Pudsey with the assistance of Lloyds TSB Commercial.
Wendy Hallas, of the bank’s Huddersfield Business Centre, said “We are always on the lookout for opportunities to support Iocal businessmen and women and I was in no doubt that Barrie was an ideal prospect to support. We were delighted to able to back him with his new venture and way of life.”
To help ensure success in his new venture, Mr Richards followed Ernest Wilson’s advice and enrolled on a training course with the National Federation of Fish Friers.
His business performed very well and turnover increased. Having established his first shop, Mr Richards sold it a year later through Ernest Wilson and bought another chippie that they had for sale. He increased turnover at that store by four times and went on to sell it for a substantial profit.
This time, he opened up an empty unit as a fish and chip shop – growing turnover from a standing start to more than £3,000 a week before selling again through Ernest Wilson.
Richards Family Fisheries is now running its fourth shop at Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, having had an amazing opening day on November 5.
Said Mr Richards: “There is life after redundancy! I am so glad that I walked into Ernest Wilson’s that day and with their support and that of the NFFF and Lloyds TSB Commercial I have established a new career with new skills which I find fulfilling and challenging at the same time.
“There is never a dull moment and I find the ability I now have to make, back and implement my own decisions thrilling.”
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/business/agency-chips-help-barrie-takeaway-4937425
Ernest Wilson reviews the success of it's clients regularly - watch this space over the next couple of weeks for news of one of the biggest deals Ernest Wilson have ever been involved in!
