A mobile fish and chip business, based in East Lancashire, has come home victorious for the Ribble Valley Business Awards 2023.
Country Fried, owned by Langho’s Simon and Helen Mathews, were named best small business at the awards, which took place on Thursday, March 23.
The business was also shortlisted in the best food and drink category and also made it to the final five for the beacon award, which is given to the local business that is, in the opinion of the judging panel, the best entry across all categories.
Helen said the team is delighted to have won.
She said: “We were ecstatic to win.
“We’ve only been around for two years so to be recognised among some of the fabulous business in the Ribble Valley is such an achievement.”
Helen said customers have high praise for the business, often leaving five-star reviews.
“We are a family-run business that puts our customers first,” she said.
“We get so many positive comments from customers, who often leave five-star reviews, praising the customer service and great food.
“Some say we serve the best fish and chips they’ve ever had.”
At the end of 2022, the business was shortlisted for a National Fish and Chip Award, making it to the top five in the mobile category.
Coronation Street fans may have also recognised the business’ van after it appeared on an episode of Coronation Street in 2021.
Helen and Simon launched the business in 2020 after being fed up of travelling long distances for a takeaway.
Helen said: “We started the business during Covid.
“We live in Lango and found that we were often having to drive into Clitheroe for a takeaway and the food would be cold by the time we got it home.
“All of these years on and we think we’re quite an innovative business. There isn’t a lot of competition in the direct market.”
The business, along with other fish and chip shops in the UK, hasn’t had an easy journey battling the cost of living crisis.
Last February, Simon told the Lancashire Telegraph a VAT hike and increasing energy bills prices could cripple his business.
Helen said the business has managed to overcome these challenges and has since evolved, focusing more on corporate events and weddings.
She said: “We have evolved and changed the business a lot since 2020. Covid restrictions have eased our business has evolved in line with that
“There weren’t any parties or business event to attend back then. As well as serving the local community we now try to focus more on weddings and other events.
“In the future, we want to keep pushing to corporate and events side of the business – who knows what exciting things the future holds?”
“Hopefully there are a few more award wins in the future too.”
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