Peter Nicolaou, the owner of Pete's Pan Fish and Chips in Billesley, has opened up about the harsh realities of running a small business in 2026, describing the constant pressure from taxes and energy bills as feeling like 'a gun to your head'. The 53-year-old, who has nearly five decades of experience in the trade, is urging the government to step in with support, including a reduction in VAT and a cap on gas and electricity prices.
A lifetime in fish and chips
Nicolaou's journey in the industry began in childhood, helping his parents in their chippies. After a brief stint in interior decorating, he returned to his roots and opened Pete's Pan on Yardley Road in Billesley in 2007. The shop has remained a neighbourhood staple ever since, serving up traditional fish and chips to loyal customers.
Reflecting on his career, Nicolaou told BirminghamLive: "I did some interior decorating but it wasn't for me at the time. I just want a peaceful life now because this is an industry that you get tied to."
The struggle to stay afloat
Nicolaou's call for support comes as small businesses across the UK grapple with soaring costs and tax burdens. He highlighted the unique challenges of running a chippy, where taking a holiday is nearly impossible without finding cover. "Most people can just ask their boss and go on holiday, I always need to find cover. I can't just close, McDonald's doesn't shut when Ronald McDonald goes on holiday," he said.
He continued: "A VAT reduction would be a massive help, there should be a cap on gas & electric too. You have the taxman banging on the door, gas & electric demanding x, y and z, it's like you have a gun to your head."
Tax unfairness and economic survival
Nicolaou expressed frustration over the tax system, claiming he pays more than large corporations. "The whole economy is just trying to survive. I probably pay more tax than the big corporations and that's not fair, I'm literally treading on water," he added.
His comments echo broader concerns among small business owners who feel squeezed by rising operational costs and an uneven playing field. The call for a VAT reduction is a recurring theme in the hospitality sector, where margins remain tight.
Meet Aaron Hook: The loyal right-hand man
Outside the shop, Nicolaou's right-hand man is manager Aaron Hook, who has been with Pete's Pan since day one. Hook, now 35, first knocked on the door as a teenager looking for work while Nicolaou was preparing to open. Nineteen years later, he remains a fixture at the chippy.
Hook shared why he has stayed all these years: "The passion for the food, there's nothing better than giving someone good food and they come back to compliment you. You get to meet customers and there's something different happening every single day."
A neighbourhood favourite
Hook praised the Billesley community, describing it as a dynamic area where everyone knows each other. "Billesley is quite a dynamic area now where everyone knows everyone. It's a nice area with not much trouble," he said.
He emphasised the family atmosphere at Pete's Pan, extending beyond staff to include regulars. "We're a family at the end of the day, I've been doing this for 20 years. Not just including Pete, but the customers as well," Hook added.
Keeping a British tradition alive
For Hook, fish and chips is more than just a job—it's a tradition worth preserving. "It's a tradition, fish and chips has got to stay alive at the end of the day because it's part of Britain," he said.
Pete's Pan, located at 692 Yardley Wood Rd, Billesley, Birmingham B13 0HY, continues to serve its community, but its owners are clear that without government intervention, the future for small chippies remains uncertain.
