Business

Business 071005
Fat Harry's Gourmet Fish and Chip Shop has become one of only five in the Central and South of England area to be shortlisted for the Seafish Industry Authority Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition 2005.
Following months of public voting and an assessment by industry experts in August, the authority selected the popular High Street shop, saying its achievement was testament to the high standards, hard work and dedication of the management and staff.
Leading fish and chip shops from 11 regions will go through to a final to decide Britain's best outlet.
Fat Harry's, the Island's newest chippie, opened its doors to the public in March under the ownership of Jon Platt.
The shop achieved the Seafish Industry Authority Fish Friers' Quality Award in March.
Belfast-born former disc jockey Jonty Stewart, who has owned the shop since May, had no previous experience of running a fast-food outlet when he decided on a complete career change from lecturing in acoustics and audio engineering at the University of Manchester.
'It was a fabulous chance to return to the Island, having lived in Sandown and Cowes between 1991 and 1996, to bring up our kids here,' said Mr Stewart.
Taking over the reins from his friend, Mr Platt, he is delighted with the accolade and is keen to pull out all the stops to become the country's best chippie.
'Fat Harry's is very much a family-run business and, because it is my business, I care more than anyone else about the quality of food we serve, the cleanliness of the premises and making our customers feel relaxed and welcomed.
'It is not just the quality of the food that makes a successful fish and chip shop. You've got to get everything right or it all falls apart.
'We realise there is still room for improvement. We are working hard to improve our standards further and aim to do even better next year.'
Married to Clair for two years, the father of two paid tribute to his staff, managed by Island disc jockey Ricky Platt, better known in the clubs as Ricky Redhead - the brother of the former owner.
The shop employs 22 during high season and ten off-season.
Fat Harry's will know its fate in the national competition in January.