Ceres Newsfeed

17/03/2026

At The Principal Cafe, fish off-cuts that once went straight into the bin are now being transformed into profitable fishcakes using Ceres Fishcake Mix. There's less waste and stronger margins all with minimal effort 🐟♻️

See how they did it in our latest case study. Link in the comments below.

20/12/2025

Hot food. Cold law. £17 million at stake.

Morrisons has just lost a £17m VAT battle over rotisserie chickens, but the real story is not about poultry.

It is about how UK tax law still draws fine lines between “hot” and “incidentally hot”, how courts rather than policymakers end up deciding everyday commercial questions, and why arguments born during the “pasty tax” era are still playing out more than a decade later.

This article goes beyond the headline.

It examines the legal reasoning, the evidence the court relied on, what Morrisons argued, why HMRC prevailed, and what the ruling quietly signals about how VAT is enforced in practice.

A detailed, fact-driven read for anyone interested in how regulation, pricing and legal interpretation intersect in the real economy.

Link in comments

15/12/2025

“No Labour MPs.”

These signs are now appearing in pubs and restaurants across the country as frustration over business rates hits boiling point.

Some operators are calling it “industrial action for hospitality.” Others say it’s a warning sign that high streets are reaching breaking point.

Is this the right way for businesses to push back?
Or does it risk dividing customers at the worst possible time?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

👉 Read the full article in the comments.

14/12/2025

Leon has gone into administration to close loss-making sites and push through a CVA, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

This isn’t just a Leon story. It’s a snapshot of where UK hospitality is right now: high fixed costs, footfall that hasn’t fully reset post-pandemic, and a tax and wage environment that’s squeezing even well-known brands.

If a 70-site national chain built on “fast casual” volume is having to retreat, what does that say about the economics of the high street in 2026? And what does it mean for independents who don’t have scale to absorb shocks?

The article looks at what’s driving the restructure, what a CVA really does to an estate, and the takeaways for fish and chip shops and wider hospitality operators.

Link in the comments.

14/12/2025

A £1.25m settlement involving Pret A Manger after the death of Celia Marsh has put “free-from” and vegan labelling back under a harsh spotlight.

The case is a stark reminder that allergen safety is not just a front-of-house promise. It lives or dies in procurement, supplier assurance, and the accuracy of every claim made about a product. For hospitality businesses, including fish and chip shops expanding gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based ranges, the lesson is clear: if you say “free from”, customers hear “safe”.

This story looks at what went wrong, why it matters far beyond Pret, and what operators should take from it as expectations and regulation tighten.

Link in the comments.

14/12/2025

Burger King is gearing up for one of the most aggressive UK expansion drives in years, targeting 30 new restaurants annually from 2026.

Their latest results show rising revenue, stronger margins and a surge in digital sales. Backed by fresh investment and a new 20-year franchise agreement, the brand is doubling down even as wage costs and consumer uncertainty continue to weigh on the wider hospitality sector.

We've broken down the numbers, strategies and the implications for our sector in today’s full article.

This is one you’ll want to read.

Article link in the first comment.

14/12/2025

New on the Ceres blog: a fresh review of Episode 235 of The Ceres Podcast, featuring Andrew Markou, CEO and co-founder of BusinessesForSale.com. The article breaks down the key takeaways for fish and chip and hospitality owners, including why cash flow matters more than turnover when valuing a business, what realistic multiples look like, and how building strong systems reduces owner dependence and increases saleability. It also explores succession, smart improvements after purchase, and what independents can learn from a franchise mindset.

Read the full article on the blog, then listen to Episode 235 for the complete conversation and practical insights you can apply in your own shop.

Episode 235 of The Ceres Podcast sees Stelios Theocharous talk with Businessesforsale.com CEO Andrew Markou about cash flow valuation, selling a fish and chip shop, systems-led growth and franchising trends for hospitality owners.

13/12/2025

Labour is putting hospitality at the centre of its new youth employment drive.
From spring 2026, fully funded six-month placements and a big apprenticeship reform (including free under-25 apprenticeship training for SMEs) are meant to move hundreds of thousands of young people into work.

For fish and chip shops, pubs and restaurants, that could open a real recruitment pipeline. But only if the policy detail matches trading reality, because entry-level hiring is already under pressure from costs and closures.

I’ve broken down what’s in the plan, what’s still unclear, and what it could mean on the ground for operators.Read

13/12/2025

A major Home Office operation has led to 171 arrests of delivery riders working illegally, with 60 facing deportation. The government has also brought in stronger right-to-work rules for the gig economy, including delivery platforms.

For fish and chip shops, takeaways and restaurants using app deliveries, the story matters. Stricter checks could change rider availability and add pressure to platform compliance.

Is your business seeing any knock-on effects locally yet?