The Fish Friers Review in conversation with Oceans 52

Almost 88% of Brits believe that consumer confidence in visiting local businesses is important to revive the UK economy, new research reveals.

The research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Google, which surveyed 2,000 Brits, shows 85% of respondents said having up-to-date business information online was important to encourage consumers to visit local stores. Details of special measures taken by businesses to prevent the spread of Covid-19 were said to be important by 71% of respondents, ahead of a star rating for the business (63%), and information on opening hours (62%).

So have you spotted NFFF member Oceans 52 in the latest #DearLocal Google advert featuring Sheridan Smith?

The Fish Friers Review speaks to owner Sam:

It was great to become involved with the advert and to work with Sheridan Smith again.  Sheridan was born and bred in the village of Epworth and she had done a documentary which aired on Channel 4 in 2018, which also featured my shop.

So, the Google team approached me as they were aware of the previous work for Channel 4 and the fact my shop was Sheridans local chippy when she grew up in Epworth.

Although the clip is only approximately 30 seconds long it was an all-day event. It was exciting and fun, Sheridan is very down to earth and approachable, and much like any other customer who comes into the shop.

We have received lots of great comments from the public, and also attracted people from as far as Doncaster & Scunthorpe which is around 25 miles to visit the shop and enjoy fish n chips.

How’s coronavirus been for you?

My shop relies on the local community for trade as passing traffic is few. We adjusted straight away when COVID started with bespoke made counter top shields and staff wore face masks at all times. In fact, we were the first in the village to take such precautions, which were implemented in March as I knew this was going to be for a long time.

We also started a click n collect service which was appreciated by our customers and resulted in less time waiting/queueing.

You attended an NFFF Training course late last year, how did you find it?

The NFFF course definitely helped me as it is always the very simple things that get overlooked which can be the most effective in running a profitable business. 

Simple ideas i.e. rumbling potatoes for even 30 seconds longer than required can reduce the gross weight, vastly resulting in waste and profit loss. It’s always the simple ideas that are the most effective.