Owner of Beck's Fish and Chip Shop has good first year

Mr Beck is looking forward to his second year of owning of Beck’s Fish and Chips at North Elmham, near Dereham, after he took it over last March.

Its former owner, Ian Betts, had closed because of soaring costs.

The 34-year-old, who lives in Fakenham, previously managed Platten's in Wells and Eric's Fish and Chips in Thornham and says he is amazed by his local community’s support since opening.

Matthew Beck, Owner of Beck's Fish and Chips (Image: Matthew Beck)

“The first year has been fantastic and much better than I could have imagined when first starting up,” he said.

“I started with certain processes in my mind on how things would work but quickly realised that some were not the best way to do things for the business or customers.

"For instance, I was going to cook food and have it in the hot cabinet ready for customers, so there was no wait after being served, but after the first day, I realised that it would be much better to cook everything to order so the food is much fresher.

Beck’s Fish and Chips started frying on March 14, 2023 (Image: Matthew Beck)

“The local community has been amazing and supportive although it's only been a year. I feel like we have made bonds with so many customers and it is a joy to serve them every week.”

His biggest challenge has been adapting to running a business, and the administration work which comes with that, unlike the front-facing customer service work he had spent 15-plus years doing.

Mr Beck thanked his team for all their hard work to get his business running smoothly, adding: “We are looking forward to year two.

"It's always a challenge in today's economy but we are looking to build on the success of our first year and I will also be looking at adding new items to the menu.”