A couple who run a mobile fish and chip shop are among the twelve British companies selected as start-up “champions”.
Married couple Matthew and Corina Martin founded Cod of Duty based in Stafford in December 2020, just months after being fired from their previous positions in the hospitality industry.
The couple used two £ 17,000 startup loans to launch the food truck after deciding to pursue their dream of running a grocery together.
Today Cod of Duty regularly visits three locations in Staffordshire and has booked several street markets.
Now Matthew and Corina have been named Start Up Loans Ambassadors for the West Midlands by Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank.
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The Start-Up Loan Ambassador Program recognizes “exceptional” entrepreneurs who have pursued their ambition to become their own boss after receiving support from the government-sponsored start-up loan program.
Cod of Duty is just one of 7,342 West Midlands-based companies that have received a loan totaling more than £ 64 million since 2012.
Matthew Martin – hoping to expand the business of booking weddings, parties and corporate events – said, “We have decided to take a leap of faith, layoffs and start our own business.
“We had been talking about self-employment for a long time and had the idea that a mobile fish & chip van would be a good business idea.”
He added, “The first outing was really nerve-wracking, we did a couple of test runs at Stafford but we had no complaints – and we recently got our first five star rating on Trip Advisor.
“We’ve never worked harder, but that’s our choice and we all make decisions. It is important that we are in control and give ourselves what we always wanted – a positive work-life balance with plenty of time for the family. “
The Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards in partnership with The Sentinel and Stoke-on-Trent Live 2022 are back and ready to be submitted.
Businesses and individuals from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are encouraged to enter in 14 categories including the coveted Company of the Year award.
Further information on all categories can be found here.
The closing date for entries is Monday, January 10th, the award ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 28th.
To inquire about sponsorship, please email paige.jackson@reachplc.com or nikki.kandola@reachplc.com.
The ambassadors of Start Up Loans 2021/22 – who reflect the broad diversity and ambition of the country’s small business sector at the grassroots level – are to be honored today (November 17th) at a virtual event of Start Up Loans.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans said, “The small business community has had a tumultuous and challenging year, which makes it all the more important that we celebrate and promote the sector.
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“The breadth and diversity of this year’s ambassadors for Start Up Loans shows that aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life can be successful even under the most difficult of circumstances with the right support and care.
“I would like to congratulate our ambassadors in 2021 for the perseverance and determination they have shown over the past year and which have resulted in extremely impressive achievements.
“I look forward to working with them and sharing their stories to inspire others in their communities.”
Since 2012, the Ambassador Program has made more than 88,000 loans to business owners across the UK valued at over £ 790 million.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully added: “Startup loans are a vital pillar in our efforts to improve every part of the country and provide opportunities for hardworking, dynamic people regardless of their background.
“From canned wine to woodwork, bridal wear to camel milk, this year’s startup loan ambassadors reflect the incredible diversity and creativity of entrepreneurship across the UK and will lead our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business close .”