A Fresh Start: Podsquad Episode 194 Review
Posted by Emma on 14th Jan 2025
The Ceres Podcast kicks off 2025 with an engaging, thought-provoking, and often humorous discussion in Episode 194. Stelios hosts an animated conversation with guests David Miller, Mark Petrou, and David Nicolaou, where they unpack the year ahead for fish and chip shops alongside broader insights into food service, customer habits, and economic challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how the intricacies of running a small business intersect with global trends, this episode is your must-listen guide.
Breaking the Ice with Pantomimes and Problems
The episode begins lightheartedly, with stories of pantomime trips and mishaps with email servers. This sets the tone for an easy-going yet deeply insightful conversation. Amid laughter, the hosts touch on how even minor technical issues can disrupt the delicate balancing act of small business operations—a relatable moment for entrepreneurs everywhere.
Economic Ripples and Customer Behaviour
The conversation quickly shifts to the more serious topics of economic flatness and shifting consumer habits. The team explores the subtle signals of consumer caution, such as customers using stashed-away cash or downsizing orders, while contrasting it with the puzzling trend of spending more on convenience, like food deliveries. It’s a thoughtful reflection on people prioritising what they value most—even during uncertain times.
Simplifying Menus: Less is More
One of the standout moments in this episode is Stelios’s discussion about the benefits of menu simplification. Drawing inspiration from Pal’s Sudden Service, a fast-food business in Tennessee known for its streamlined menu and operational efficiency, Stelios explains how reducing menu items can create clarity, consistency, and profitability. It’s a thought-provoking insight for any business owner trying to optimise their operations in a competitive market. As Stelios aptly says, “Sometimes the answer isn’t adding more—it’s doing less, better.”
VAT, Aggregators, and the Cost of Doing Business
No Ceres Podcast is complete without a deep dive into VAT policies and their implications for the industry. The group breaks down why VAT reduction campaigns in the UK often fall flat, juxtaposing them with European models. Equally engaging is their discussion on delivery aggregators and the trade-offs between convenience and control for food businesses. Whether a business owner or a curious consumer, this segment offers valuable perspectives.
Fish Stories: Prices, Stockpiling, and Sustainability
Fish is, of course, at the heart of this episode. The guests dissect the complexities of fish pricing, stockpiling, and how global trade policies ripple down to small shops. Stelios and his guests explore everything from managing inventory during inflationary periods to the cost implications of processing fish in different ways. There’s even a humorous anecdote about how some businesses overlook the value of offcuts, missing opportunities to turn waste into profit—an eye-opener for listeners.
Dad Jokes and Big Questions
It wouldn’t be the Podsquad without some laughter. Dad jokes and lighthearted banter punctuate the heavier discussions, offering listeners a refreshing mix of humour and seriousness. But the episode also raises critical questions: How should businesses navigate the double-edged sword of delivery apps? Will 2025 see a shift in how consumers engage with takeaway food?
Don’t miss out on Episode 194 of the Ceres Podcast—stream it now on all major platforms!