“The finest quality Frozen at Sea fish”
Issue 8 • Spring 2016
Catch-Up
Collins Seafoods dives into sponsorship
deal with Hartlepool Swimming Club
Collins Seafoods has always prided itself on being involved with the local community and supporting local clubs in as many ways as possible, so we’re excited to announce we have agreed a splashing sponsorship deal with Hartlepool Swimming Club.
We have pledged to support the local club with brand new swimming kit for the children, as well as helping with marketing and PR support, which includes the redesign of its website and overall promotion of HSC - highlighting news and success stories. We will also ensure the swimming club receives help with its social media accounts from Darlington-based agency, Harvey & Hugo. As the founder of Collins Seafoods, Richard knows all too well about how important it can be to receive help along the way to achieving your dreams. He started the company on his own in 1980 and through hard work, and a little help, has seen it grow into a multimillion pound business. Richard - whose children used to compete as part of the swimming club - said: “When I was starting my business, I was given a helping hand and I really appreciated it, so I know how important it is to give back and help the local community. “The swimmers at the club are very talented, dedicated and motivated and this is why I’m so proud to be part of this sponsorship deal, which will help them in their swimming careers.
“I strongly believe that lack of funding should never stop anyone from accomplishing their dreams.” Hartlepool Swimming Club has served the local area for over 90 years and has produced several Olympic athletes, including current Olympian, Jemma Lowe. The club continues to train talented swimmers with some of the current squad hoping to make it to the 2020 Olympics - which will also be the club’s 100th year anniversary. Head coach for HSC, Ian Bullock, is very honoured that Collins Seafoods has chosen to help the club out in such an important way. He said: “It means a great deal, not only to myself and the swimmers, but the club as a whole to have this fantastic sponsorship from such a distinguished company. “What makes the deal even more perfect is that fish, such as cod, is an essential element of a swimmer’s diet because the valuable protein it provides can help the body to repair muscle damage and it’s also great for replenishing your energy.”
Great Fryday for Sunny’s Plaice
Thousands of fish lovers headed to their nearest chip shop on Good Friday, keeping alive the Easter tradition which has been around for hundreds of years. We were delighted to hear our Frozen at Sea fish was once again being savoured around the region, as some chippys recalled how they had people queuing for over an hour in order to get their hands on the nation’s favourite take away. Lincoln-based Sunny’s Plaice enjoyed its busiest day of 2016 so far, as between 300-500 people headed to each of its three shops – breaking record sales across each site.
Cod proved to be the firm favourite during the Easter period, with 60% of customers opting to pair it up with a portion of delicious chips, however haddock was second favourite, as it made up 40% of products sold by owners, Sunny and Narinder Singh. Sunny’s Plaice and Wraggs have enjoyed an exciting first year of business together, which Narinder credits for the shops’ success.
She said: “We would say our success is definitely down to the fact we always buy a quality product. “Our quality fish and chips is cooked to order and fairly priced, served in a modern clean premises, by an ambitious and motivated team. “Although we are modern and moving with the times, we still cater to traditional tastes, therefore appealing to all age groups and a cross section of people.”
National Fish & Chip Day – there’s nothing batter! As our staff tucked into a delicious portion of Cod and chips to mark what is now our favourite date on the calendar, we were delighted to hear it would become an annual event, held on the first Friday of June. We have already started planning how we will spend June 3rd, which will once again involve us enjoying a fish & chip lunch, as well as sharing pictures and posts across social media. Last year, thousands around the country celebrated the first ever National Fish & Chip Day on June 5th. Naturally Collins and Wraggs couldn’t wait to get involved in a day which was all about giving fish and chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position as the UK’s number one takeaway.
All of our fantastic customers have been reminded to register with NEODA (the amazing people we have to thank for bringing this day into our lives) to receive one of the promotion packs they are providing to build a real buzz around the event and help each shop get as much publicity in its local area as possible.
NEODA has confirmed National Fish & Chip Day 2016 is set to be even bigger than last year as it brings together everyone involved in creating this iconic British dish; from Fish & Chip shops, pub chains, restaurants, retailers, to the fisherman and farmers who provide the sustainable and natural ingredients needed to create this family favourite. Don’t miss your chance to get involved and build support - start tweeting with the hashtag #nationalfishandchipday now and visit www.nationalfishandchipday.org.uk to find out more.
Fish and Chips going for global domination
Collins staff enjoy a day at the races
Everyone knows that we (the Collins and Wraggs teams and the British) love fish and chips, but when we stumbled across an article about how Japan has become a lover of this national treasure, we knew it was serious news for the industry.
We Brits have been enjoying the delicious taste of the number one takeaway since 1860, with an average of 382 million portions of fish and chips eaten every year. This huge figure comes as no surprise to us, as we know there is no better taste than the combination of Frozen at Sea Cod or Haddock covered in crispy batter, lying on top of chunky, golden chips. You may not know, but Japan has always been a fan of fish, with the country accounting for about eight percent of all the fish caught in the world. The Japanese people themselves consume large amounts of fish, with each person eating more than 150 pounds of fish per year, or around three pounds of fish per week. Despite their love of fish, the nearest thing to batter the Japanese have been used to eating is tempura, however it would seem according to what we are hearing, people have had no problem making the jump. Naturally we’re delighted fish and chips is getting global recognition, helping the industry to grow, so we wanted to see where else in the world this twosome is proving popular. America - It’s probably no surprise that our neighbours from across the pond are fans of fish and chips, as they generally have a love of all good food. Three of the country’s top 10 best fish and chip restaurants are located in New York, so if you’re ever in the Big Apple and missing some home comforts, be sure to check them out.
India - While in the UK we often enjoy fish and chips as a ‘humble’ meal, it’s considered a delicacy in India. The dish is usually a hunk of golden pomfret or bakti served with strips of potatoes sprinkled with salt and accompanied with tartar sauce. Australia - They love our fish and chips down under and it’s also where you’ll find the most southerly British fish and chip shop in the world that sells North Atlantic Cod, Haddock, Plaice and Scampi, with all the key ingredients from the UK. Denmark - Bordered primarily by the Baltic Sea and North Sea, it’s no surprise fish and chips is a firm favourite among the Danish. Typical Danish fish and chips are plaice fillets, breaded and fried, and served alongside a remoulade, a slice of lemon, and chips ("pommes frites") on the side. It is normally served in restaurants, not as fast food. Fish and chips is one of our, if not the, greatest traditions and anyone who has ever tried our Frozen at Sea fish will know why it remains head and shoulders above any other take away. We’re confident that in years to come, not only will the UK still be enjoying its weekly visit to the chippy, but the rest of the world will be as well.
While many mums around the North East were being treated to a Sunday roast on March 6th, Dawn, Joanna and Christine headed to Sedgefield Racecourse to enjoy a Mother’s Day with a difference. For the sixth year running, Collins sponsored the annual Fish Fryers Race day, which saw hundreds of families turn out for the first of three meetings held by the racecourse in March. With fish and chips on the menu, despite a flurry of snow, a great day was had by all and we look forward to doing it all again next year – although Dawn hopes her luck might be in more than it was!
Promotions
- Have your say As we value the relationship we have with our customers and listening to them is our number one priority, we’d like to know what promotions you’d like to see in our newsletter. Email or ring us to let us know what floats your boat!
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Team News...
At Collins, we have always had a great team of staff who support each other both at work and outside of it. When one of drivers, Martin, told us his son Nathan was shaving his head for charity, every team member and the company itself, couldn’t wait to help out by sponsoring him. Nathan’s head shave took place on February 4th, to coincide with World Cancer Day, and to date, he has raised an amazing £1,200.
Customer Casebook Q&A’s Where are you based? We have two sites at the minute, both with sea views. One is on North Terrace in Seaham and the other is Marine Walk at the sea front in Roker.
How long have you been in business? Our Seaham site will have been open for five years in September and our Roker site will celebrate its second birthday in August. These are the first businesses I've had, but my father was in the business for over 40 years.
How long have you worked with Collins? I've been working with Collins for over four years now. Why would you recommend working with them? I would recommend Collins to everyone because of the great customer service they offer. Nothing is ever too much bother and everyone at the company is nice to deal with.
What’s your favourite fish to eat and to cook? My favourite fish is Cod but I do like Haddock from time to time for a nice change, as I think it has a slightly stronger taste.
What do you put your success down to? We offer our customers only the best food and service. It’s the key to why they keep coming back.
We would love your chippy to feature in our newsletter, and get the chance to tell everyone why you are number 1 for fish and chips? Our newsletter is delivered to over 1000 people, so to be part of our Fish Shop of the Season, email us today!
All the money Nathan has raised and hopes to continue raising, will be donated to The Children’s Cancer Fund. This charity was set up by a group of medical professionals in 1992 to process unsolicited donations to the children's cancer unit at the RVI in Newcastle. The main objectives of the charity are to provide support, alleviate suffering and improve the care of children with cancer. Nathan chose this particular charity as a thank you in return for the kindness given to him by staff at the RVI during his treatment for leukaemia. Speaking about her son, mum Debbie, said: “We are so proud of the young man Nathan has become and grateful of the care and after care he still receives.” If you would like to donate to this great cause, please visit the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Mould
Meet the Collins Team
Want to get in touch? If you would like any further information or would like to get in touch, please do so:
Team member name: Annie Stubley
www.collinsseafoods.co.uk sales@collinsseafoods.co.uk 01325 315544
Job Title: Accounts Adminstrator
OR
www.wraggsseafoods.co.uk sales@wraggsseafoods.co.uk 0113 2498832
@collinsseafoods
collinsseafoods
@Wraggsseafoods
Collins Seafoods Ltd
Collins Seafoods Limited
Wraggs Seafoods Ltd
What is your favourite fish joke? Why are fish such intelligent creatures? Because they swim in schools What do you order when you go to a fish & chip shop? Fish, chips & curry sauce