The Ceres Podcast

Ryan Hughes went from washing dishes at 14 to running the  UK's best fish & chip shop in 2024 . In this episode, he spills the secrets behind his rise, the game-changing moment during COVID-19, and how winning  Fish & Chip Shop of the Year turned his business upside down (in the best way). Hard work, resilience, and a few surprises—don't miss this one! Join the  Ceres Whatsapp Group ->  https://bi...

What's driving fish prices, and why should fish & chip shop owners be more concerned about supply than cost? In  The Ceres Podcast Episode 199, Stelios and David Miller sit down with industry expert Gary Warner from Warners Fish Merchants for an unfiltered discussion on market volatility, fishing quotas, and the future of fish and chips. From debunking stockpiling myths to revealing how suppliers...

Stelios and David Nicolaou dive into the latest industry news with their signature mix of wit and wisdom. No topic is off-limits, from the £1bn National Insurance hike threatening hospitality businesses to Greggs' controversial sausage roll price increase. They also explore how menu simplification could be the key to survival in a cost-conscious market. Expect sharp insights, real-world advice, an...

Host Mark Petrou sits down with David Henley of Henleys of Wivenhoe to explore the highs and lows of building a thriving fish & chip business. From his early days working in a seaside burger kiosk to running one of the UK's most respected fish & chip shops, David shares the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. They discuss surviving a devastating fire, mastering busi...

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA (Night Time Industries Associaton) , joins Stelios to discuss the challenges facing the UK's nightlife industry, from overregulation to economic pressures, and shares his vision for its future. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with one of the industry's leading voices.   Join the  Ceres Whatsapp Group  ->  https://bit.ly/CERESWA Download your FREE copy of the...

Join Stelios on The Ceres Podcast Episode 195 as he chats with Charlie Collins of Frydales (two outlets in Leicester) and Cem Oktem of Oktem Kitchens (four outlets in the North West). They dive deep into the fish and chip industry, discussing everything from rising fish prices and delivery challenges to the impact of labour costs and social media on their businesses. With candid insights and a tou...

Stelios and co-hosts—David Miller, Mark Petrou, and David Nicolaou—dive into VAT policies, delivery trends, and the art of simplifying menus inspired by Pal's Sudden Service. Explore fish pricing, stockpiling, and customer habits as the squad shares actionable tips for navigating today's economic challenges—all wrapped in light-hearted banter. Join the  Ceres Whatsapp Group  ->  https://bit.ly/CER...

Stelios is joined by Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the fish and chip industry. They discuss the challenges of running multiple shops, the heated debate over cash vs. card payments, and the pressing need for fair regulation to level the playing field. Andrew shares his journey, insights on government policies, and the fut...

In this episode of The Ceres Podcast , Stelios is joined by two leading voices in the fish and chip industry:   Tim Barnes : Director of Krispies Fish & Chips (Exmouth & Exeter), known for his innovative approach and dedication to quality in every aspect of his business.   Paul Goodgame : Managing Director of The Chesterford Group (Fishnchickn, Churchills, Toffs, The Boundary Fish & Chips), overse...

With the UK budget still fresh in their minds, David & Stelios unpack a lot of what was said and how it might affect businesses in the UK. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book  and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Deep Fryer Cleaner 📮Join the  Ceres email list  to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To s...

In this Masterclass discussion episode, David and Stelios welcome Stuart Mitchell of Mitchells Potatoes and Patrick Clabon from HG Bliss Farms , a farmer in Norfolk-Cambridgeshire. We discuss market insights and trends impacting the industry. For an even deeper look, check out our blog's full Ceres Potato Market Report , featuring exclusive insights from Stuart, Patrick, and other industry leaders...

In this episode, I sit with Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, at a pivotal moment—just after Labour's first budget. Kate and I have connected over some crucial events: Brexit, the COVID crisis, the recent general election, and now, this budget, which has stirred up strong opinions across the board. We closely examine what this budget means for businesses, especially in the hospital...

Stelios is joined by John Webber, a true authority on business rates with over 35 years of expertise. As Head of Rating at Colliers, John leads a top advisory team and works closely with MPs, ministers, and the media to advocate for fairer rates. In this episode, we explore why meaningful reform remains elusive, the impact of recent budgets, and what lies ahead for UK businesses.  Download your FR...

In this episode, Mark Petrou sits down with two close friends of Ceres, Lesley Graves and first-time guest Des Anastasiou from the renowned Burton Road Chippy in Lincoln. Lesley, a familiar voice from Episode 82 (where she joined Kelly Barnes and Jodie Zeniou), returns with fresh insights into the industry. If you haven't yet, go back and listen—there's plenty of wisdom in that episode, too! Lesle...

Les Howard, now semi-retired, has worked as a VAT consultant, focusing primarily on helping businesses, charities, and churches navigate the complex world of Value Added Tax (VAT). With years of experience, Les has represented clients in disputes with HMRC, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Tax Tribunals.  We welcome Les back for his second guest appearance on the Ceres Podcast to...

Stelios is joined by the award-winning newcomer and young fish frier, Jamie Russo, from Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven. With David taking a brief break, Jamie and I will be diving into some exciting industry updates. Don't worry—David will be back next week to unpack the budget with us, so plenty of insightful analysis is coming! If you have listened to this episode, what do you think? Let us kno...

In this episode, Mark Petrou sits down with Austen Dack, the editor-in-chief of ChippyChat magazine . They delve into Austen's career journey before joining the fish and chip industry, discuss the magazine's role in the community, and highlight key events like the Isle of Ely Open Day. They also discuss the upcoming Chip Barons Ball on Sunday, 8th December 2024—be sure to grab tickets for yourself...

Peter Farrell is a man whose journey through the peaks and valleys of the hospitality industry is truly remarkable. Starting his career at just seven years old, Peter worked his way into some of the world's most renowned kitchens, including The Fat Duck with Heston Blumenthal. His path led him globally, from Michelin-starred restaurants to senior management roles in Sir Terence Conran's restaurant...

In this episode, Mark is joined by Stuart Fusco from Fuscos of Whitby; they discuss their time entering the Seafish Fish & Chip Awards and their winning it in 2014.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Natural Batter Mix 📮Join the  Ceres email list to keep updated and ge...

Les Howard, now semi-retired, has spent his working life as a VAT consultant, focusing primarily on helping businesses, charities, and churches navigate the complex world of Value Added Tax (VAT). With years of experience, Les has represented clients in disputes with HMRC, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Tax Tribunals.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost...

In this episode Mark Petrou is joined by Kelly & Tim Barnes from Krispies in Exmouth & Exeter. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Curry Sauce 📮Join the  Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres...

In this  episode of the Ceres Podcast , Stelios discusses the hospitality news with David Nicolaou from Auckley Friary & Charlie Collins from Frydales in Leicester. If you have listened to this episode, what do you think? Let us know at info@worldofceres.com Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Ep...

We're excited to welcome back Lee Sheldon from Mastering Multi-Units (MMU), which specialises in developing managers, particularly in the hospitality sector. This is Lee's second appearance on the Ceres Podcast—he previously joined us in episode 112, packed with valuable insights. Lee brings a wealth of experience from his years in frontline operations, having held single and multi-unit management...

In this episode Mark Petrou is joined by Adrian Tweedale from Elite Fish & Chips Group. Adrian won Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 1991, and Mark discusses what this was like and what has happened since.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Super Absorbent Cloths 📮Join the  Ce...

In this episode, David & Stelios talk to Terry Jones from Meijer Potato; Terry is a seasoned professional in the potato industry and brings over 30 years of experience to the Ceres Podcast. He resides in North Shropshire and has dedicated his career to advancing the potato sector. Terry began his journey as an operative and factory manager in the fresh pre-pack industry, supplying retailers. In 20...