The boss of a fish and chip shop in Stapleford which has been 'battered' by the cost of living crisis is hoping to find new owners to take on the business. The Starfish Traditional Fish and Chip bar in Hickings Lane will remain open until a new owner can be found.
Owner Costa Daniels spoke of how upset he felt about having to place the business on the market. He wants to see a community-minded person take it on. The fish and chip shop currently has four members of staff employed.
"We are a takeaway which makes good money and we are in a good location in the local area but our costs have just gone up too much," he said. "VAT has gone back up to 20percent, which comes out of our takings for the week. Our energy costs are ridiculous too in that this time last year I was paying £500 for gas and electricity but it now three times that."
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"Our margins have just been completely battered. It’s the overall costs of running things as well including my stock. Everything I use including fish, oil, paper and curry sauce has all doubled but I haven’t doubled my prices."
Owners of other chip shops across Nottinghamshire have previously spoken about the current financial struggles and challenges. Everything from oil and fish to peas and packaging has drastically gone up.
Mr Daniels explained regular customers aren't coming in as often, with regular visits from a few times a week to just one. While the shop still takes good money, he feels that things are getting tighter.
"We are experiencing a little bit less trade but still taking OK money. The margins are just not what they used to be," he said.
"I will feel sad about stepping away from it as I’ve been here about five years now. The first few years were great but then Covid hit and things haven’t been the same since."
The shop experienced a loss of trade during the pandemic and recent events have also contributed to the downturn. "Due to the position of my shop and the size of it, my rates are very high. Between Brexit, covid, cost of living and the war, it’s finished everyone off and there will be a lot of businesses closing," said Mr Daniels.
"‘It's not just me in that there are so many other businesses in the area already closed. We aren’t in danger of closing, as such. But, for me, I have a young family at home so for me to do 60 hours a week and take home less than the minimum wage, it’s just not worth it."
He will remain in the shop until it is sold but he hopes it will go to someone who can maintain the high standards they have set and that the new owner will be active in the community. The fish bar has donated to schools and local clubs in the area.
"I’m not going anywhere until I receive an offer. I haven’t yet but I’m going nowhere in the immediate future. It’s a step I haven’t taken lightly."
Independent Councillor Richard McRae, who represents Stapleford North on Broxtowe Borough Council, said this was just the start of local businesses closing and that people needed to remain focused on supporting local enterprises where they can.
"‘No one wants to see anymore local businesses close but that’s the way things are going at the minute. It’s always been shop local and support your high street but it’s difficult when people don’t have the money.
"People are having to prioritise at the moment which has a knock-on effect on the community. I've contacted our local MP who has the power to stand up in parliament and raise our concerns which are about the cost of living and that people can't support their local shops like they would like to. The people in Broxtowe and Stapleford have had enough and everything is going up except the wages," he said.
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