A fish and chip shop in the UK is usually a small limited-service shop that prepares and sells fish and chips, coffee, and other breakfast items. A fish and chip shop in the UK can be as small as a single location or as big as a national chain.
A fish and chip shop is a restaurant that specializes in selling fish and chips. Usually, fish and chip shops provide takeaway service, although some have seating facilities. Fish and chips is a popular hot dish consisting of fried fish in crispy batter, served with chips (French fries or wedges).
Available statistics show that British consumers eat approximately 382 million meals from fish & chip shops every year, including 167 million portions of fish & chips, the traditional favorite. 80% of the people visit fish & chip shops at least once a year, and 22% of the people visit fish & chip shops every week. Fish-and-chip outlets sell roughly 25% of all the white fish consumed in the United Kingdom, and 10% of all potatoes.
Steps on How to Start a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK
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Conduct Market Research
If you are considering starting a fish and chips shop in the UK, you would need reliable market research to be able to maximize profits from the business. The first step in the market research process for your fish and chips shop in the UK should be to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.
In this regard, you should source information that will help you maximize your business, give you a clue of what your potential market will be looking out for from a fish and chips shop in the UK, and also help you operate your fish and chip shop in the UK with less stress.
a. Who is the Target Market for a Fish and Chips Shop in the UK?
If you are thinking of opening a fish and chips shop in the UK then you should make target demographics all-encompassing. It should include children, students, migrants, entrepreneurs, sportsmen and women, tourists, and every adult in the neighborhood where your fish and chip shop will be located.
b. Is Fish and Chip Shop in the UK a Profitable Business?
Yes, a fish and chip shop in the UK is very profitable. An HMRC estimate of the fish and chips industry states that you might expect gross profits of around 50% – where some achieve more, others less. This comes down to economic preparation, effective portion control, and reasonable pricing.
c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?
No, there are no existing niches when it comes to fish and chips shops in the UK
d. Who are the Major Competitors?
- Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther
- Poppie’s Fish & Chips, London
- Frankie’s Fish and Chips, Shetland
- Cromer’s, St Andrews
- Harbourside Fish and Chips, Plymouth
- Henley’s of Wivenhoe, Wivenhoe
- Papa’s Barn, Ditton
- Quayside, Whitby
- Kerbisher & Malt, London
- Simpsons Fish and Chips, Cheltenham
- Rockfish, Dartmouth
- Whitehead’s Fish and Chips, Hornsea
- Tailend, St Andrews
- Colman’s Fish and Chips Shop, South Shields
- Thornton Fisheries, Thornton-Cleveleys
- The Bay, Stonehaven
- Oban Fish and Chips, Oban
- L’Alba D’Oro, Edinburgh
- Ossie’s Fish Bar, Faversham
- Aldeburgh Fish and Chips, Aldeburgh
- The Scallop Shell, Bath
- Harry’s Fish Bar, Neath
- No1 Cromer, Cromer.
e. Are There City Regulations or Zoning Laws for Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
Yes, there are regulations and zoning laws for fish and chip shops in the UK. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety and food hygiene in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. FSA is a non-ministerial department, supported by 7 agencies and public bodies.
Under the Food Safety Act, 1990 and the General Food Law Regulation 178/2002 you are responsible for ensuring that the food customers eat is safe and the quality is what they expect. This means you should understand exactly what foods can cause problems.
f. Is There a Franchise for Fish and Chips Shop in the UK?
Yes, there are franchise opportunities for fish and chip shops in the UK, and here are some of them;
- Howe And Co Fish and Chips
- London Fish and Chips
- Frankly Fish and Chips Ltd.
- Famous Fish & Chips
- British fish-and-chips concept
g. What Do You Need to Start a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- A Feasibility Report
- Business and Marketing Plans
- Business Licenses and Permits
- A Good Shop facility
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
- A Corporate Bank Account
- Supply of ingredients
- Employees
- Startup Capital
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Choose a Memorable Business Name
When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.
Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a fish and chip shop business are;
Creative Fish and Chip Shop Business Name ideas for UK
- Hunger Zone© Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Cut Chips® Fish and Chip Shop
- Tandy Gorana© Fish and Chip Shop
- Lauretta McKenzie® Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Fish Way™ Fish and Chip Shop
- Francis Highlander™ Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- All Day© Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd
- Donie Silvans® Fish and Chip Shop.
- George Finney© Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Day Fresh© Fish and Chip Shop
- Larry Duncan® Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- King’s Chef® Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Lowey Martins™ Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Beckham Pekham© Fish and Chip Shop
- Alex Core® Fish and Chip Shop
- Chelsea Chips™ Fish and Chip Shop
- Rees Morgan™ Fish and Chip Shop
- Big Chips© Fish and Chip Shop
- Tripple Cray® Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd.
- Plaxton Foods™ Fish and Chip Shop
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Register Your Business
a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Fish and Chip Shops in the UK?
The United Kingdom has a wide array of options you can choose from if you are looking for a business structure to build your business on. The most important thing is that you should select a business structure that will best serve your overall business vision and mission.
In the UK, you can choose to start your business as a Sole trader, Limited company, Private limited company (LTD or Ltd), a Public limited company (PLC), a Limited liability partnership (LLP), or a Guarantee Company (LBG).
b. Steps to Register a Business in the UK
One of the most important steps you should take when starting a business in the UK is to register the business name with the regulating authority. You can register your new business at Companies House on GOV.UK. Please note that the entire process will take you about 30 minutes if you have all the required details ready before approaching them.
In the United Kingdom, you can register your business online but it will cost you £12 to register a company online (you can pay this fee via PayPal, debit card, or credit card). It takes on average 24hrs for your company to be registered.
To register a business in the UK, you will need to submit the following documents and information:
- A company name
- Valid ID
- Address of the company
- One or more directors’ names and details (if it is just you, that is fine).
- Details of the company shares, shareholding, and shareholders (with at least one shareholder).
- A Memorandum and articles of association. This is a standard document that shareholders create and agree to that outlines the company’s written rules, it’s usually very standardized unless you have specific needs.
- Detailed information on anyone who owns a significant interest or control in the company (this means anyone who owns 25% or more shares or voting rights in the company).
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- General Business License
- Health and Safety Permit
- Food Handlers’ License
- Zonal Permits
- Signage Permit
- Operational State Facility Inspections
- A music license if you want to play recorded music in your fish and chip shop
- A dumpster placement permit that specifies where you can put your dumpster outside your fish and chip shop
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
You don’t need any certifications to open a fish and chip shop in the UK.
e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
These are some of the basic legal documents you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run a fish and chip shop in the UK;
- Business and liability insurance
- Council Permit
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
- State Permit and Building Approval
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business License
- Business Plan
- Employment Agreement (offer letters)
- Insurance Policy
- Online Terms of Use
- Online Privacy Policy Document
- Contract Document
- Company Bylaws
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?
If you are considering opening a fish and chip shop in the UK, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.
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Cost Analysis and Budgeting
a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
There is no clear-cut startup cost for a fish and chip shop in the UK, but available data shows that the cost of starting a fish and chip shop in the UK ranges between £25,000 and £120,000. But if you intend to buy a franchise, then the average turnkey investment is approximately £150,000.
Have it in mind that the costs involved in opening a fish and chip shop in the UK can run into tens of thousands of pounds, depending on your business size. Some of your biggest expenses will include rent, equipment costs, and employee salaries (if hiring employees).
b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK
- Business Registration Fees – £12.
- Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – £1,300.
- Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – £1,000.
- Business Consultant Fee – £2,000.
- Insurance – £1,400.
- Rent/Lease – £35,000.
- Other start-up expenses include commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery (£500), and phone and utility deposits (£1,800).
- Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – £30,000
- Start-up Inventory – £7,500
- Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – £1,750
- Furnishing and Equipping the Shop and Kitchen – £50,000
- Website: £600
- Opening party: £2,000
- Miscellaneous: £1,500
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- The size of fish and chip shop
- The choice of location
- The required licenses and permits
- The type of facility
- The types of related products retailed in the shop
- The cost for branding, promotion, and marketing the fish and chip shop
- The cost for furnishing and equipping the fish and chip facility
- The cost of insurance policy covers
- The cost for registering the business
- Source of your supplies and ongoing expenses
- Cost of recruiting and training your staff
- The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms
- The cost for the grand opening of the fish and chip shop in the UK
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?
It is not compulsory to build a new facility for your fish and chip shop in the UK, but if you have the required finance, it will pay you to build your own facility. The truth is that building or reconstructing a facility will help you come up with a facility that will perfectly fit into your overall business goals and vision.
e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- Supplies (inventory expenses)
- Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage and software renewal fees et al)
- Salaries of employees
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
- Shop Manager (Owner) – $£35,000 Per Year
- Accountant – £$22,630,000 Per Year
- Chefs – £20,000 Per Year
- Delivery Guys – £18,100 Per Year
- Cleaners – £12,000 Per Year
- Security Guard -£12,000 Per Year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell shares to interested investors
- Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
- Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.
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Write a Business Plan
a. Executive Summary
King’s Chef® Fish and Chip Shop, Ltd. is a registered fish and chip shop in the UK that will be located in one of the busiest business and residential estates in Prestwich, Manchester. We have been able to lease a shop facility that is big enough for the kind of fish and chip shop we intend to launch. The shop facility is located in a corner piece property directly opposite the largest shopping mall in Prestwich, Manchester.
b. Products and Service
- Different types of fish and chips
- Beverages and water
c. Mission Statement
Our mission is to establish a fish and chip shop in Prestwich, Manchester whose fish and chips will be celebrated around the world for their crunchy, chewy texture and refined taste. We want to be one of the top 10 largest fish and chips brands in the United Kingdom.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to build a business that is beyond selling fish and chips but that will be a global brand.
d. Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of a fish and chip shop in the UK are to provide a retail outlet where patrons can go to buy or order fish and chips if the shop has delivery options.
e. Organizational Structure
- Shop Manager (Owner)
- Accountant
- Chefs
- Delivery Guys
- Cleaners
- Security Guard
Marketing Plan
a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
- Ideal location for a fish and chip shop in the UK
- Highly experienced and qualified employees and management
- Access to finance from business partners
- Unique bagel recipe.
- Reliable and efficient inventory management system.
Weakness:
- Financial constraints may restrict the publicity and branding of the business
- A new business that will be competing with well-established fish and chip shops in the UK.
- Inability to retain our highly experienced employees longer than we want during the teething stage of the business.
Opportunities:
- Fish and Chips are Popular in the UK
- It’s quite affordable
- Ability to Cater to Everyone
- It’s a Niche Restaurant Type
- It’s Easier to Franchise
- You Can Be More Creative
- More Financial Aid Options
- Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets.
Threat:
- The arrival of a new fish and chip shop within our market space
- Economic uncertainty
- Liability problems
- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses like ours.
b. How Do Fish and chip shops in the UK Make Money?
Fish and chip shops in the UK make money by selling the following products;
- Different types of fish and chips
- Beverages and water
- Franchise
c. Payment Options
- Payment with cash
- Payment via credit cards
- Payment via online bank transfer
- Payment via mobile money transfer
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
- Introduce your fish and chip shop by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to churches, households, sports organizations, gyms, schools, and other key stakeholders throughout the city where your fish and chip shop is located.
- Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across
- Create a basic website for your business to give your business an online presence
- Directly market your products.
- Join local fish and chip shop associations for industry trends and tips
- Provide discount days for your customers
- Advertise our business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
- List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
- Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)
Financial Projection
a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?
And the average price of a single serving of fish and chips in the U.K. is currently £3.30 a 35.8% increase in price over the last decade. However, in London, the average cost of a portion of fish and chips is £5.00.
b. How Much Profit Do Fish and Chip Shop Owners in the UK Make a Year?
On average, a fish and chip shop owner rakes in nothing less than £75k revenue and £10-30k net profit per year.
c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
- The capacity of the fish and chip shop
- The types of related products retailed in the shop
- The location of the fish and chip shop
- The management style of the fish and chip shop
- The business approach of the fish and chip shop
- The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the fish and chip shop
- The number of years the fish and chip shop is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
The profit margin of a fish and chip shop in the UK is not fixed. The average portion of fish and chips costs £4.50 and gross profit margins are typically between 50% and 60%.
e. What is the Sales Forecast?
Below is the sales forecast for a fish and chip shop in the UK. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in the United States;
- First Fiscal Year: £240,000
- Second Fiscal Year: £300,000
- Third Fiscal Year: £350,000
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Set Up your Shop
a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- The demography of the location especially as it relates to people that eat fish and chips regularly
- The demand for fish and chips in the location
- The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
- Accessibility of the location
- The number of fish and chip shops, and related businesses in the location
- The local laws and regulations in the community/state
- Traffic, parking and security et al
b. What State and City are Best to Open a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- Auckley, South Yorkshire
- Dorchester, Dorset
- Ammanford, Carmarthenshire
- Prestwich, Manchester
- London
- Bradford, West Yorkshire
- Birmingham-Wolverhampton
- Leeds-Bradford
- Little Horwood, Buckinghamshire
- Southampton-Portsmouth
- Liverpool
- Newcastle
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK?
- Deep Fryers
- Industrial Oven
- Chips and fish Cutters.
- Sauce ladles & spoons.
- Chips box trolleys.
- Sauce dispensers
- Fish and chips boxes
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Fish and chips delivery bag.
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Hire Employees
When it comes to hiring employees for a standard fish and chip shop in the UK, you should make plans to hire a competent shop manager (you can occupy this position), account clerk (cashier), chefs, delivery guys, cleaners, and security guard.
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Launch the Business Proper
No fish and chip shop in the UK is opened without first organizing a party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party. The bottom line is that with a proper launching of the fish and chip shop in the UK, you will officially inform people that your fish and chip shop is open for business.
a. What Makes a Fish and Chip Shop in the UK Successful?
- Choose a good location to launch the business
- Make available varieties of fish and chips (give your customers options)
- Throw a party before officially opening the fish and chip shop
- Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
- Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your fish and chip shop
- Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your fish and chip shop.
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Fish and Chip Shop?
A typical day at a fish and chip shop in the UK begins with the owner frying fish and chips, brewing coffee, and preparing other food items. As the morning progresses, everything about the business picks up and business owners move from prepping food and drinks to serving customers. As business becomes slower later in the day, work tends to shift towards cleaning and getting ready for the next day.
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Fish and Chip Shop?
- Excellent culinary skills
- Excellent customer services skills
- Interpersonal skill
- Accounting and bookkeeping skills
- Business management skills
- Bargaining skill
- Work experience in a fish and chip shop
- Experience in managing people
- Experience in business administration
- Experience in making different types of chips.