THERE'S nothing 'fishy' about Steven Wood's success in proving he's 'a chip off the old block' by getting his business successfully off the ground.

Steven used the FirmBase business start-up programme from ELTEC to learn the essential skills needed to run his own fish and chip shop.

He began his career as a food buyer in a supermarket but soon realised he wanted a 'plaice' of his own. Early last year Steven became 'sole' owner of the Friendly Frier fish and chip shop, Hindle Street, Darwen. "After the local fish and chip shop was knocked down several years ago I realised there was a demand which needed to be met. However, I didn't really know where to begin.

"I discovered the FirmBase programme which laid out a plan for me to work towards and gave me the direction and good advice I needed.

The programme included advice and support from Blackburn Enterprise Trust.