Why I Reached Out to My MP – and Why You Should Too

Welcome to this edition of Trade Talks, where we bring you insights straight from the fryers of the fish and chip industry. In this column, George Morey, manager of Knights Fish & Chips, Glastonbury, shares his perspective on the trade.

I never imagined I'd hear the words "Knights Fish & Chips" spoken in the House of Commons.

But this year, something had to change.

The pressure on our industry reached a point I'd never seen before—and for the first time, I felt I had to speak up.

Our shop has been proudly serving fish and chips in Glastonbury since 1909. I'm George Morey—manager, and a fifth-generation family member of this small but mighty business. I run it alongside my mum, Charlotte, who's the heart of our front-of-house and also our director, owner, and book-balancer-in-chief. Then there's Kevin—now semi-retired but still very much involved—who's kept a close eye on the purse strings for years and remains the quiet, scrupulous backbone of our operation. Between the three of us, it's very much a family affair—equal parts tradition, teamwork, and a healthy dose of banter.

But lately, running a fish and chip shop has started to feel more like surviving a storm than serving a community.

Costs were rising fast:

• National Insurance contributions were hiked again, making it even more expensive just to hire and retain good people.
• Business rates kept creeping up.
• The price of cod went up by £90 a box in three months.
• Energy bills were soaring, especially gas.

It felt relentless. And the worst part? No one in Government seemed to understand what it was doing to us.

Encouraged by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), I decided to contact my local MP, Sarah Dyke. Not just once—I emailed her at all three of her MP addresses—if nothing else, I figured one of them had to land!

To my surprise, she replied almost immediately.

"Thank you so much for contacting me. I would be delighted to join you on Friday, 6th June, to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day… I'd welcome the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and work alongside your team." ~ Sarah Dyke MP

Honestly, I didn't expect a reply, let alone an offer to work a lunch shift with us.

On National Fish & Chip Day, Sarah showed up on time, smiling, ready to work. Together, we delivered 50 portions of fish and chips to a local care home. She handed each meal to residents and spoke with those who wanted a chat. That gesture meant a lot.

Then it was back to Knights. I gave her the whole experience—frying fish, chatting to customers, and walking her through everything we do. I showed her the labour that goes into making fish and chips from scratch. We toured the business, spoke about our award win, and dug into what it takes to survive in hospitality today.

We sat down for lunch—fish and chips, of course—and talked in depth. I shared how critical it is for businesses like ours to be able to invest. We don't want handouts. But if government policy keeps squeezing us—raising NI, ignoring VAT reform—we won't have room to grow. That's not just a threat to the Knights. It's a threat to thousands of family-run businesses across the UK.

A few weeks later, I watched Parliament in disbelief as Sarah Dyke raised our situation during a House of Commons debate:

Yesterday, I urged the Government to back small businesses like the five-generation family business Knights Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury, now struggling due to punishing NICs hikes and soaring Business Rates. We need urgent reform of the taxes on the hospitality sector to protect our high streets and local jobs."

It was a proud and surreal moment—our name—spoken in Parliament. Our voice is heard on the national stage.

"Hearing my name in Parliament? It felt like we finally mattered."

The hospitality industry isn't a one-size-fits-all sector. We're being treated like we are—and it's hurting us. Meanwhile, the shadow economy—businesses dodging tax and VAT—continues unchecked, making it harder for honest operators to compete.

We've always paid our share. All we ask for is a fair playing field.

This year, for the first time, I reached out. And it made a difference.

If you're running a small business and feeling the strain, now is the time. Contact your MP. Show them what it takes to run your business. Let them see the people behind the counter, the hours, the grit, the pride.

"We don't want handouts—we want room to grow."

Your story might be the one that gets heard. And if enough of us speak up, they'll have no choice but to listen.

Did you enjoy this Trade Talks column? Have industry insights or thoughts to share? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line at info@worldofceres.com.