Point of View - Posts

Martin Lewis Sparks a Fish & Chips Debate—Are We Missing the Real Issue?

Posted by Stelios on 4th Mar 2025 Reading Time:

Martin Lewis, the financial mastermind behind MoneySavingExpert, recently ran a poll on fish & chip prices across the UK, and, unsurprisingly, it got the British public talking. T … read more

Don't Let VAT Registration Catch You Off Guard

Posted by Les Hammond on 3rd Mar 2025 Reading Time:

This guest article by Les Howard, a renowned VAT specialist and two-time Ceres Podcast guest, sheds light on the history of taxation—from ancient times to modern VAT. Curious to hear more from L … read more

Why the Plant-Based Boom is Facing Challenges

Posted by Emma on 28th Feb 2025 Reading Time:

For the past decade, we've been told that the future is plant-based. Investors poured billions into lab-grown meat and ultra-processed vegan alternatives, convinced they were backing the next food rev … read more

A Brief History of Taxation: From Joseph's Grain to VAT in the UK

Posted by Les Howard on 24th Feb 2025 Reading Time:

This guest article by Les Howard, a renowned VAT specialist and two-time Ceres Podcast guest, sheds light on the history of taxation—from ancient times to modern VAT. Curious to hear more from L … read more

The Pricing Dilemma: How Do We Get It Right?

Posted by Stelios on 14th Feb 2025 Reading Time:

Pricing has been creeping back into discussion lately, and it's no surprise—it moves whenever commodity prices shift. In business, it's easy to take our eyes off the details when things feel sta … read more

How Starbucks Lost Its Way—And Why It's Finally Fixing It

Posted by Stelios on 1st Feb 2025 Reading Time:

The other week, I wrote about menu creep (If you missed it, check it out here!)—the gradual expansion of menus that slows down service, confuses customers, and waters down a brand's identity. Si … read more

Reimagining Lunchtime: Affordable Indulgence from the Fish & Chip Shop

Posted by Mark Petrou on 24th Jan 2025 Reading Time:

Everyone will agree that we are navigating uncharted waters when running a fish-and-chip business these days. It looks like stormy seas ahead, especially when we look at commodity supply and prices … read more

Tax Hikes, Inflation, and the Economic Trap We're In

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Jan 2025 Reading Time:

Since the pandemic, I've been writing more and more about the economy. It wasn't intentional. Like many, I wanted to inform the industry during COVID-19—what the latest government decisions meant fo … read more

How Menu Creep Could Be Costing Your Fish and Chip Shop

Posted by Stelios on 19th Jan 2025 Reading Time:

Running a successful fish and chip shop is as much about efficiency as it is about great food. However, one challenge that often creeps up unnoticed is "menu creep" – the gradual expansion of menu i … read more

Battered but Not Beaten: Why Fish & Chips Must Rise to the Challenge

Posted by Stelios on 14th Jan 2025 Reading Time:

When even a Greggs sausage roll starts to feel like a luxury, it’s clear the British economy is in deep water. But here’s the thing: while the cost-of-living crisis is squeezing the pennies from e … read more

Why Britain's Businesses and Workers Are Stuck in the Middle of a Policy Tug-of-War

Posted by Stelios on 5th Jan 2025 Reading Time:

Walking past my local café last week, I noticed two signs in the window. One read "Staff Wanted." The other announced reduced hours due to "rising costs." When I stopped to chat with the owner, a fr … read more

Labour’s New Employment Bill: Are We Really Ready?

Posted by Emma on 10th Oct 2024 Reading Time:

As a business owner, I always welcome changes that promise to improve the workplace, but the Labour government’s approach to the new Employment Bill concerns me. While some may see it as a step for … read more

When Will the Government Stop Treating Us Like Children?

Posted by Stelios on 9th Oct 2024 Reading Time:

Every day, we hear about another well-intentioned government policy to improve our health or guide us towards a better lifestyle. On the surface, these initiatives seem harmless, even helpful. But … read more

A Day with Fred: My Journey to Chez Fred

Posted by Mark Petrou on 3rd Oct 2024 Reading Time:

When you get the chance to spend a day with the Boss and the opportunity to visit Chez Fred – it’s too good an offer to refuse…Sadly due to scheduling issues and various commitments on all sid … read more

Reflections from the Isle of Ely Open Day

Posted by Stelios on 16th Sep 2024 Reading Time:

We kicked off the day bright and early at the home of our good friend and fellow podcaster, Mark Petrou. A bacon sandwich at his place is always a winner, and we were grateful to Mark and Clare for … read more

Can McDonald’s Hold Its Ground Against Greggs?

Posted by Stelios on 20th Aug 2024 Reading Time:

In the ever-competitive fast-food industry, even giants like McDonald’s are not immune to challenges. The global restaurant leader recently reported its first dip in sales since the pandemic, spark … read more

Why the End of Age Bands in Wages Is a Double-Edged Sword for Businesses

Posted by Stelios on 16th Aug 2024 Reading Time:

As I reflect on our industry's silence regarding the government's plan to overhaul minimum wage structures, I can't help but feel a mix of intrigue and concern. The government's move to abolish age … read more

Day Three of the Fish & Chip Study Program in Ålesund

Posted by Stelios on 25th Jul 2024 Reading Time:

I'm used to early starts, but fitness and exercise are not my forte. To me, Mount Aksla might as well be Mount Everest, but to everyone else, it's just 418 steps. Walking up Mount Aksla was Tiril, … read more

Day Two of the Fish & Chip Study Program in Ålesund

Posted by Stelios on 24th Jul 2024 Reading Time:

This morning, we were all enthusiastic as we made our way to the port, where the crew of the Østerfjord awaited us. The Østervold family, led by Christian and Marlen Haugland Østervold, welcom … read more

Why I Think Pret-A-Manger Was Right to End Free Coffee

Posted by Stelios on 22nd Jul 2024 Reading Time:

In a bold move reminiscent of a plot twist in a business thriller, Pret A Manger has decided to end its famous free coffee subscription. As someone who frequents Pret and has observed its evolution … read more

Point of View - Labour's Victory: What Lies Ahead for the UK?

Posted by Stelios on 5th Jul 2024 Reading Time:

The Labour Party has clinched a decisive victory in the UK general election, securing a substantial majority of 209 seats, totalling 410. Keir Starmer is set to become the new Prime Minister, heral … read more

Point of View - Labour's New Era: What it Means for Food, Drink, and Trade

Posted by Stelios on 5th Jul 2024 Reading Time:

Well, it's happened. After 14 years of Conservative governance, the UK has a new left-wing government. The Labour victory, confirmed by the BBC in the early hours of July 5th, signifies a seismic p … read more

Day One of the Fish & Chip Study Program in Ålesund

Posted by Stelios on 1st Jul 2024 Reading Time:

When Ceres clinched the Supplier of the Year Award at the NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards, I had no clue that this accolade would soon whisk me away to Norway for a three-day study trip. Ph … read more

Point of View - Election Promises and the Financial Reality

Posted by Stelios on 23rd Jun 2024 Reading Time:

As the general election looms, all the major parties make grand tax promises. Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats have plans to woo voters. But let's be honest for a moment: what d … read more

Point of View - What the Next Government Won't Tell Us

Posted by Stelios on 10th Jun 2024 Reading Time:

Every election season (and in between), many in the hospitality industry get their hopes up. You dream of lower VAT rates, better margins, and more government support. Yet, this ends up in disappoi … read more

Point of View - When TikTok Gets It Wrong: McDonald's Sets the Record Straight

Posted by Stelios on 31st May 2024 Reading Time:

In today's fast-paced digital world, misinformation has become an alarming issue, particularly with the rapid circulation of "news" via social media. Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's USA, r … read more

My Take on the VAT Pledge: Labour and Conservatives Stance

Posted by Stelios on 30th May 2024 Reading Time:

As the general election approaches, the political landscape is heating up with pledges and promises from the main parties. One significant promise that caught my attention is the Value Added Tax … read more

Point of View - Burger Boom or Bust?

Posted by Stelios on 21st May 2024 Reading Time:

The enduring appeal and ever-growing financial influence of burgers in the UK's fast food landscape make for a compelling study of consumer trends and business strategy. Andy Li, CC0, via Wiki … read more

Point of View - Why Fewer Menu Items Mean More Customer Satisfaction

Posted by Stelios on 18th May 2024 Reading Time:

I have come to appreciate a seemingly counterintuitive truth: less really can be more, especially when it comes to menu options. This realisation is rooted deeply in the psychological phenomena kno … read more

Point of View - The Business Strategy Behind McDonald’s Menu Makeover

Posted by Stelios on 18th May 2024 Reading Time:

As a supplier to the fish and chip industry and a fervent advocate for both business growth and iconic business models like McDonald's, I have been closely observing the strategic moves of the Gold … read more

Point of View - A Deep Dive into the Plight of Food Delivery Workers

Posted by Stelios on 16th May 2024 Reading Time:

Recent research by the City University of New York (CUNY) paints a distressing picture of the gig economy landscape for food delivery workers in New York City. This study, detailed in the Jour … read more

Insights from the Seafood from Norway Inspiration Day

Posted by Stelios on 15th May 2024 Reading Time:

When Ceres scooped up the Supplier of the Year Award at the NFFF Fish & Chip Awards in January, I was over the moon—though you might not guess it from my expression in the photos! The real highligh … read more

Point of View - Will Cultured Meat Outpace Plant-Based Alternatives?

Posted by Stelios on 5th May 2024 Reading Time:

In 2013, venture capitalist Peter Thiel expressed his disappointment with the underwhelming progress of modern technology, stating, "We were promised flying cars, and instead, we got 140 characters … read more

Point of View - Britain's Welfare Dilemma

Posted by Stelios on 2nd May 2024 Reading Time:

In a recent speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak laid out a "moral mission" to overhaul the U.K.'s welfare system. He cautioned against the excessive "medicalisation" of everyday life challenges and … read more

Point of View - The VAT Threshold Dilemma

Posted by Stelios on 30th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

As someone deeply interested in the intersection of small business development and tax policy, I've been following a concerning trend among small British enterprises. An increasing number of these … read more

Point of View - Understanding California's $20 Fast Food Minimum Wage

Posted by Stelios on 30th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

As an observer in the UK looking across the Atlantic at California's $20 (£16) per hour fast-food minimum wage law, you can't help but wonder if this will come to the UK as the tug-of-war between r … read more

Point of View - Why Pret's Coffee Subscription Lost Its Brew

Posted by Stelios on 29th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

Pret's coffee subscription, once a pandemic-era essential, experienced a significant shift in popularity. Launched in September 2020 at £20 per month, with an enticing free offer for the first mont … read more

Point of View - Boosting Business Reputation with Words

Posted by Stelios on 15th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

During a recent conversation with a friend who owns several retail food outlets, she shared a nugget of wisdom about customer service that stuck with me. Instead of " sorry for the … read more

Point of View - The Fight Against Shop Worker Assaults, is Britain angry?

Posted by Stelios on 10th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

Recently, I was waiting in a Greggs. I noticed a sign declaring a "zero tolerance" policy on the wall. It made me think that abuse towards staff must be becoming standard in local shops and emergen … read more

Point of View - McDonald's Decisions: More Than Meets the Eye?

Posted by Stelios on 8th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

I've been diving deep into McDonald's recent move to buy back its 225 restaurants in Israel. Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I see it as an intelligent business strategy rather tha … read more

Point of View - Unpacking France's American Fast Food Obsession

Posted by Stelios on 4th Apr 2024 Reading Time:

I've discovered something fascinating: despite France's rich culinary heritage, its people have a growing appetite for American fast food. In 2023, France emerged as Europe's third-largest market f … read more

Point of View - Who Pays for Thames Water Crisis?

Posted by Stelios on 1st Apr 2024 Reading Time:

In the unfolding drama of Thames Water, a crisis threatens not just the future of Britain's largest water company but the very principles of utility regulation and consumer protection. As a consume … read more

Point of View - Surge Pricing Like Your Uber Fare

Posted by Stelios on 5th Mar 2024 Reading Time:

Imagine a future where the price of your fish and chips fluctuates based on the time of day. This future is closer than it might seem. The concept, known as "dynamic pricing," has made headlines wi … read more

Point of View - The Risk of Featuring Rivals in Ads

Posted by Stelios on 5th Feb 2024 Reading Time:

Let's talk about something I've noticed lately that's been quite puzzling: major brands featuring their competitors in their advertising campaigns. It's an old tactic rooted deeply in the playful j … read more

Point of View - The Rise of Self-Service Kiosks: You Tempted?

Posted by Stelios on 3rd Feb 2024 Reading Time:

When self-service kiosks first made their appearance in the UK, it was at McDonald's. The sight was novel, and many customers were initially hesitant to embrace this new way of ordering. However … read more

Point of View - The Power of Accountability

Posted by Stelios on 30th Jan 2024 Reading Time:

At the end of January, business people in the UK face a critical deadline: self-assessment taxes are due. Recently, while chatting with a client, it became evident that they hadn't prepared for thi … read more

Point of View - Rights from the Start: Unpacking Labour's Employment Reforms

Posted by Stelios on 9th Dec 2023 Reading Time:

As a businessperson navigating the ever-evolving landscape of employment law in Britain, Labour's recent announcement has caught my attention. Speaking at the TUC Congress, Angela Rayner outline … read more

Point of View - Response to Jan Moir's Daily Mail Tom Kerridge Article

Posted by Stelios on 29th Oct 2023 Reading Time:

I wanted to address misconceptions in Jan Moir's Daily Mail piece on Tom Kerridge's Harrods venture. The general public has misconceptions about what makes excellent fish & chips, and this oft … read more

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