Tony's Talk - Reasons to be Cheerful

March 1, 2020 Robert Fernandes

On the face of it 2020 appears to herald an even more difficult trading year than 2019. With forthcoming increases in the minimum wage, business rates and council tax, insurance premiums, and the threat of a ban on expanded polystyrene and a tax on single use plastic things look pretty dire.

However, thankfully we do have a lot of positives - none more than the fact that we all woke up this morning!

The biggest reason to be cheerful is that you really are the Captain of your own ship. You run your own business and do not have to kowtow to a corporate structure, to answer to others for all your actions or to conform to a rigid format as many have. Furthermore, you decide on the ingredients you use, the people you work alongside and the range of products you offer. You have the opportunity to make your offering different and unique - far better than having to produce cheeseburger after cheeseburger all day long!

2020 sees people increasingly concerned about their health, counting their calorie intake and seeking natural, unadulterated, wholesome food - exactly what we provide with our fish, potatoes and peas!

Furthermore, in an age of ‘shrinkflation’, people look at the quantity of food they consume. Restaurants now use smaller plates and supermarkets offer smaller packs - and in most instances there has been no reduction in the cost to the consumer. ‘Shrinkflation’ really is in vogue!

By controlling the portions, you serve, and developing the ‘Lite-Bite’ concept, you not only meet the aspirations of the vast majority of the general public, but you also will engender extra profit to cope with all the increased costs of running your business.

… And it is not all doom and gloom on the commodities front.

White News has come down in price, peas and flour are stable until the next harvests and we are assured of plentiful supplies of the finest quality fish from Rammi and Glacialis in spite of ever increasing global demand. You can also call the shots as to how your business celebrates the 160th birthday of our Trade serving your community - which surely merits shouting about? We can work together to make a real highlight of National Fish & Chip Day on Friday, June 5th.

So - keep smiling!

We have an awful lot to be thankful for!