How To Open A Fish And Chip Shop

Fish and chips are an integral part of traditional British cuisine and have been a popular dish since the 19th century. If you’re looking to start your journey in the culinary industry, opening a fish and chip shop is a great idea. With a simplified menu, you can create delicious food without breaking the bank. Plus, with the constant demand for fish and chips throughout the year, you can be sure that your business will stay afloat. So, make sure to get comprehensive fish and chip shop insurance to protect your business from any unforeseen circumstances.

That’s not to say that it will necessarily be an easy business venture, but with some dedication and perseverance it could become a thriving hotspot within your local community. In this article, we will be going through everything you should do so that you can open your own fish and chip shop.

1. Business Plan And Register Your Businesses
2. Financial Arrangements
3. Market Research And Location
4. Creating A Menu and Stocking Considerations
5. Fish And Chip Shop Insurance

Business Plan And Register Your Businesses

First and foremost, you should create a business plan that outlines your vision and everything  you will need to do in order to achieve that vision. For example, you will have to decide on the location, premises, menu, your suppliers and whether you will be employing anyone else or working on your own.

Of course, any decisions that you make will be decided by your budget, so it is essential that you write a detailed financial overview for your fish and chip shop,. This should include your start-up and on-going costs, your predicted profits as well as a reserve fund in the event of an unexpected breakdown or absence. Once you have done this, you can then register your business.

Within the United Kingdom, you are required to register your business so that you can start paying taxes on any profits that you generate. It is your choice as to whether you register your business as a sole trader, a limited company or a partnership. Each of these options differ with regards to the necessary paperwork and the way in which you will pay your taxes.

Whilst being a sole trader is the simplest option, it does mean that you are personally liable for your business’ losses. As a limited company there will be significantly more paperwork, but its finances are completely separate from you. A partnership, as the name would imply, is an alternative for two or more people who are running a business together. The UK Government website provides detailed guidance on how to register your business.

Financial Arrangements

Every business requires capital, especially when you are just starting. There are several options when it comes to making financial arrangements for your business. It may be that you have been investing or saving for your business for some time, in which case the funds will be immediately available to you. For many business owners, however, it is necessary to raise more money so that they can supplement their personal investment.

One option is a start-up loan, which is a government-backed scheme that enables you to borrow up to £25,000 with a fixed annual interest rate of 6%. Alternatively, you could apply for a business loan. Business loans can be provided by an individual or an institution, and they don’t have the restrictions or limits that are applied to start-up loans. Before applying for a business loan, it is always worthwhile to compare various providers so that you know you are getting a competitive rate.

Market Research And Location

Before making any decisions, it is important that you are informed by market research. It is meant to give you an insight into the market within a particular industry and geographical region, so that you can ensure that your business has the best chances for success. The location will be a major consideration, because certain areas are going to receive more traffic than others. For example, a suburban residential area may not be desirable because it will probably only be visited by local residents. A more central location, for example within the town centre or near a school, will attract high levels of traffic from a much wider area.

It is also advised to walk around your chosen location, and observe the competition. If there are a couple of fish and chip shops in the neighbourhood, then this isn’t necessarily a negative factor as long as you don’t open your fish and chip shop on their doorstep. However, if there are numerous fish and chip shops scattered around the street, then you may want to look elsewhere. Another factor is the premises itself. Regardless of whether you are leasing a commercial property or purchasing it, you should ensure that it has enough room for all of your equipment. There should also be parking either within the premises or nearby, so that customers can access it easily.

Creating A Menu and Stocking Considerations

With a fish and chip shop, the signature dish will evidently be the fish and chips. This means that you can create a fairly simplified menu, with fish and chips being your principal focus and then perhaps including a couple of other options. In the future, you can always introduce more diversity to your menu if there is a demand for it. Many fish and chips shops, however, have experienced success just by focusing on fish and chips. Remember to offer several portion sizes as well, since customers tend to prefer choosing from a small, medium or large portion of fish and chips.

Moreover, you need to decide how you will stock your ingredients, as well as from where you will source them. By sourcing your fish from a supplier that has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, you can be assured that you are supporting sustainable fishing practises. With regards to oil, most fish and chip shops in the United Kingdom will use either rapeseed oil, beef drippings or palm seed oil. You should also have a large storage freezer, as it will be essential for storing the fresh fish and fresh produce you will inevitably be using.

Fish And Chip Shop Insurance

There is nothing that can quite compare to the nostalgia and charm of a quintessentially British fish and chip shop, and if you are a prospective business owner then it is an exciting and fulfilling industry to become a part of. It does have it challenges, however, and whilst some of these can be accounted for there are others that cannot.

A fire or a flood could damage your business premises, for example, or you might suffer from an accident at work or a prolonged illness that prevents you from working for a while. These events can happen unexpectedly, no matter how careful you are. This is why you should always protect yourself and your business with a fish and chips insurance policy, so that you are financially covered regardless of what happens.

Minimise financial losses and protect your investments with our robust business insurance plans at Brisco Business.

Stephanie Lowndes

Stephanie is a digital marketing masters graduate with extensive customer service experience gained in the retail and hospitality sectors. Stephanie is currently a marketing executive at Brisco Business.

All articles by Stephanie Lowndes