Stelios is joined by Andrew Markou, CEO and co-founder of BusinessesForSale.com.

Together they break down what really drives the value of small hospitality businesses, with direct relevance to fish and chip shops. The conversation focuses on why cash flow matters more than turnover when valuing a business, what realistic multiples look like, and how owners can increase value by building systems that reduce reliance on them personally.

They also explore succession trends, the do's and don'ts of improving a business after purchase, and why franchising is growing in the UK, plus what independent operators can learn from a franchise-style mindset. Practical, grounded and full of trade-ready insights for anyone buying, running, scaling or preparing to sell a hospitality business.

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In Episode 234 of The Ceres Podcast News Review, hosts Stelios Theocharous and David Nicolaou break down the week's most important stories for fish and chip shops and hospitality operators. With their usual mix of clarity, experience and straight talking, they explore what the headlines really mean for independent businesses on the ground.

This episode covers:

• A quick look at David and Craig's new venture, The Grumpy Fryers, and why fresh trade-led content matters

• The Scottish awards expanding into England, and how that could raise standards across the UK

• Thirteen months of decline in hospitality jobs, and what it signals for the industry ahead of the Budget

• The £50,000 extractor fan that turned into a £2.5 million planning disaster, and the compliance lesson behind it

• McDonald's under renewed scrutiny over workplace harassment, and the wider safeguarding message for every operator employing young staff

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Steven Muscat has spent his life behind the counter at one of Cardiff's best-known family chippies, Yan's Fish Bar. In this episode, he joins Mark Petrou for a warm, honest catch-up that starts with Steven's family roots and the story of how the business began, then moves into what it was like growing up in the shop and eventually taking over the reins.

Together, they dig into the father-and-son dynamic that shaped Steven's career, and then zoom out to the big shifts facing the fish and chip trade today — changing customer expectations, portion sizes, fish choices, pricing pressure, and the day-to-day challenge of staying profitable without losing what makes a great chippy great. Steven also shares why he built the Owners and Lovers community on facebook, his views on awards and recognition in the industry, and what the future looks like for family-run shops in a post-Covid, delivery-heavy world.

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Stelios sits down with Robert Furey, Managing Director of Florigo UK, to talk about how fish and chip shops can stay sharp and profitable in an uncertain economy. They explore the difference between cutting costs and cutting investment, why some operators often pause while others stick to long-term plans, and how replacing ageing ranges can save money through efficiency, reliability, and easier servicing.

The conversation also covers pricing confidence and value perception, practical lessons on click-and-collect and delivery, and the essentials many shops overlook — from insurance details and servicing schedules to fire-suppression compliance.

Finally, they look ahead to the next wave of range technology and unpack what the QBTEC move around Florigo could mean for the wider market.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How to control costs without stalling growth

• The true payback of upgrading old frying ranges

• Pricing psychology and protecting perceived value

• Click-and-collect first, delivery second — and why

• Insurance, maintenance, and fire-suppression basics that matter

• Where frying range tech is heading next

• What the QBTEC/Florigo news likely means for operators

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Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith MP joins Stelios for a straight-talking conversation about the real challenges facing small businesses and the hospitality sector.

From VAT reform and business rates to red tape, hiring struggles, and the pressure on high streets, this episode digs into how government decisions ripple into everyday life for fish and chip shops, pubs, cafés, and independent operators across the country.

Andrew draws on decades in business, including senior roles at Sky and Just Eat, to offer a candid insider's view of Westminster. Stelios pushes the discussion into the issues owners actually care about: the VAT cliff edge, staffing costs, unfair competition, and whether the current system truly supports those keeping Britain's communities alive.

A clear, grounded, and practical discussion for anyone who runs a business or depends on one.

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This week on The Ceres Podcast, Stelios sits down with Cos Michael, owner of Pisces in Heswall, for a powerful conversation about leadership, loyalty, and longevity in the fish and chip trade.

From staffing challenges and delivery platforms to changing customer habits and the art of staying relevant — this episode goes deep on what it really takes to run a modern shop without losing your values.

Cos's honesty and experience shine through. He's grounded, forward-thinking, and genuinely cares about his team, his customers, and the industry. This is one of those episodes that reminds you why good people make great businesses.

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In this special episode, Jamie Russo sits down with three leading Scottish operators — Edward Thompson (The Principal Café), Murray Watson (The Carron Fish Bar & Carron Catering), and Stuart Atkinson (North Street Chip Shop). Together, they dive into what makes Scotland's fish and chip trade unique — from rising costs and staffing to changing customer habits and the great fresh vs frozen-at-sea debate.

Real talk, practical insights, and plenty of passion from the heart of Scotland's frying community.

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Chef Daniel Rosser of Noah's in Bristol joins Stelios to share how discipline, simplicity, and relentless consistency helped him turn a quiet spot under a flyover into one of Bristol's most talked-about restaurants. A raw, inspiring conversation about building something great—without shortcuts.

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In this unmissable episode of The Ceres Podcast, Stelios Theocharous is joined by Kelly Barnes, David Nicolaou, Mark Petrou, and David Miller for a no-nonsense look at the state of the fish and chip industry.

From VAT shortfalls and cod quota cuts to changing customer habits and the growing pressure on shop margins — the Podsquad dig into what's really happening behind the counter. David Miller shares insights from the supply chain, Mark Petrou teases a new business model, and Kelly Barnes reveals her ambitious plan to raise £25,000 in one day to celebrate Krispies' 25th anniversary.

This episode is packed with honesty, humour, and hard-won experience — the kind of conversation that reminds you why fish and chips isn't just a meal, it's a way of life.

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The Podsquad is back! Stelios Theocharous, Kelly Barnes, David Nicolaou, and Mark Petrou serve up straight-talking insights on running a fish & chip shop in tough times. From customer loyalty to bold leadership and community spirit, Episode 226 blends hard truths with humour, leaving business owners with practical takeaways they can use right away.

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