BusinessesForSale.com CEO Andrew Markou was recently featured in the Daily Express, discussing the challenges facing fish and chip shops across the UK, while highlighting the sector's continued appeal for buyers and entrepreneurs.
The Express explored the pressures facing Britain's fish and chip shop industry, highlighting how rising operating costs are creating challenges for businesses that have long been a staple of the UK high street.
The article pointed to a combination of factors affecting operators, including increasing employment costs, higher energy bills and rising prices for essential ingredients. According to the report, wider economic uncertainty and global events have also contributed to a more difficult trading environment for many food businesses.
Despite these challenges, the Express noted that interest in fish and chip shops remains strong among prospective business buyers.
Danny Hennessy, owner of specialist broker Mandens, told the newspaper that demand for the sector continues to be robust, even as day-to-day operating costs rise. He also highlighted data from BusinessesForSale.com showing that 338 fish and chip shops are currently listed for sale across the UK. The article suggested that this level of activity demonstrates ongoing opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to enter the market through business acquisition rather than starting from scratch.
However, the report also outlined the growing pressures being faced by existing owners. Rising National Insurance costs, higher utility bills and increasing prices for fish, potatoes and cooking oil were all identified as significant concerns for operators.
The article also explored the long-term resilience of the fish and chip sector. Industry experts noted that fish and chips remain one of the UK's most established and recognisable food offerings, helping the sector maintain its popularity even during periods of economic uncertainty.
BusinessesForSale.com CEO and co-founder Andrew Markou echoed this sentiment. Speaking to the Daily Express, he noted that customer demand remains strong and suggested that the future growth of the sector will depend largely on the wider economic environment in which businesses operate.