Newquay-based business, The Fish House at Fistral, has been presented with the Start Up Business of the Year 2015 award by the Start Up Loans Company.
The restaurant was opened in 2014 by Paul and Elise Harwood, following initial investment via a Start Up Loan from regional delivery partner, SWIG Finance. With extensive experience as the Head Chef at Rick Steins Café in Padstow as well as Assistant Executive Chef at the Seafood Restaurant Group, Paul Harwood decided to launch his own restaurant and focus on local, fresh produce.
The Start Up Loans Company were impressed by The Fish House’s first year trading figures which helped make them stand out amongst thousands of other businesses supported by the scheme in 2015.
Tim Sawyer, CEO of the Start Up Loans Company said: “It is a real achievement that the Fish House has established itself as a real contender in a highly competitive area of the country for restaurants.
“We read through a number of the restaurant’s reviews on TripAdvisor and were highly impressed by the comments. The Fish House is an excellent example of what is possible for start-up businesses to achieve and why the Start Up Loans Scheme is so important.”
The husband and wife team made an application to SWIG Finance for a Start Up Loan to help fund the costs of renovating the building and received advice and mentoring from SWIG Finance mentor, Graham Ashton.
Paul Harwood said: “We really wouldn’t have been able to open the restaurant without the funding and support from the Start Up Loans Scheme and SWIG Finance. We are so pleased to have won this award which makes all the hard graft of the last year worth it!”
Lisa Moore of SWIG Finance, who nominated The Fish House for the award said: “Paul and Elise presented an excellent business proposition and have proven themselves with their excellent first year of trading.
“The Start Up Loans Company were very impressed by their business and we are thrilled that they have won such a prestigious award.”
