‘A positive work-life balance with plenty of time for the family’
MARRIED couple Matthew and Corina Martin are enjoying their new venture as joint owners of a mobile fish and chip business.
The pair, who have two children, spent many years working long and unsociable hours in the hospitality trade meaning they had less time together as a family,
But after taking redundancy, they decided to start their own business to get a better work-life balance – and launched Cod of Duty.
Matthew said: “It was really all about lifestyle, and fitting around our family. I had been working for a large blue-chip pub chain, but the hours were terrible, so I left and got a job in car sales.
“Following redundancy, I joined my wife in catering at MOD Stafford but contractual changes led to some hard thought about the way we worked and prioritised family life.
“We decided to take a leap of faith, take redundancy and start our own business. We had talked about selfemployment for a while and had an idea that a mobile fish and chip van would be a good business idea.”
After contacting Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, who helped them secure a loan to buy a secondhand van, the couple were up and running and ready to go.
Now they make weekly visits to Seighford, Ranton and Yarnfield and take private bookings and function work at weekends.
Matthew added: “We have never worked harder, but this is our choice and we make all the decisions.
“Importantly, it puts us in control and gives us what we always wanted – a positive work-life balance with plenty of time for the family.”
Aly Davidson, start-up advisor at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “It’s great to see Matthew and Corina doing so well.
“They both have an incredible work ethic and drive to make their business a success. I always say there is a business in all of us, and sometimes we just need a push to bring it to life.”