Success Story
| Region/Nation | Yorkshire and Humber |
|---|---|
| Programme | Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) |
| Partner |
Having bought this West Yorkshire fish and chip shop in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Ryan Butterworth faced the immediate challenge of staying afloat despite a significant reduction in trade. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) came to his aid.
Read what Ryan had to say in this CBILS case study.
British Business Bank: Can you tell us what your company does?
Ryan Butterworth, owner of Central Fish Bar: The business was set up around 30 years ago to serve fish and chips. It’s located in the centre of the market precinct in Ossett and serves shoppers and townspeople.
How did COVID-19 affect your business, and why did this mean you needed funding?
I purchased the business in July 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. The lockdowns have meant we’ve suffered a huge loss of trade, as there are no pubs open, no market traders operating and fewer shops bringing punters into town. CBILS has helped by relieving me of the interest payments for the first 12 months of the loan term. Without this, the business may not have been financially viable to keep trading.
How did you find the application process?
Simple and straightforward.
The CBILS funding has helped me adapt to the current trading climate and begin providing a delivery service, to reach customers who are isolating or shielding. This has provided well-needed revenue and created another arm to the business. Ryan Butterworth owner of Central Fish Bar
Can you provide a specific example of how you used the funding to bring about a positive change (or changes) to your business?
The funding hasn’t necessarily helped me bring a change to the business. However, I’ve had to adapt to the current trading climate and begin providing a delivery service, to reach customers who are isolating or shielding. This has provided well-needed revenue and created another arm to the business.
What advice would you give to other businesses applying for a CBILS loan?
Take advantage of the assistance while it’s on offer.
In what way did the funding help your business survive?
It helped me financially, as it relieved me of any interest payments for the first 12 months.
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