Lar's fish shop lands major award

A BANDON fishmonger who learned the trade by working alongside his mother is celebrating after winning a top industry award.

Lar McCarthy of The Fresh Fish Shop has been announced as the the 2018 winner in the Independent Seafood Specialist category at the inaugural Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Seafood Retail Business Awards. 

Lar was praised by the judges for diversifying his business as well as successfully and creatively marketing his products. Innovative thinking, new branding, a strong social media presence and a successful lunchtime trade of hot takeaway seafood dishes cooked by a chef instore, were some of the many offerings which impressed the judges. 

Lar  discovered his passion for seafood as a young child, when he helped his mother on her fish stall in Clonakilty.

It was during this time that he learned the ins and outs of the fish merchant business, skills which he has carried over into his current role.

He  said: ‘ I am delighted with this win and think it is testament to the work we have put into understanding our customer’s needs and tastes. ‘Working alongside my mother as a child and seeing first-hand the importance of positive customer relationships has been of huge benefit to my own business. I’m looking forward to growing the business with the help of the business support package I’ve won.’

The Seafood Retail Business Award was established to identify and acknowledge the seafood business managers with the best business skillset. It also strives to facilitate shop owners and managers in the sector to innovate and improve the management of their businesses.