Independent fishmongers Sea-licious in Fareham appeals for help and support to keep it afloat

An independent fishmongers has found demand for its deliveries has increased, as has its running costs, and these factors combined with a broken-down van has seen it launch a fundraiser in order to stay afloat.

Sea-licious opened in West Street, Fareham in June.

It was set up by married couple Zoe and James Marshall, who wanted to bring fresh fish to Fareham.

Inspired by James’ family’s fishmonger history, the pair took over a shop and turned it into the busy fishmongers it is today.

James owns a commercial fishing vessel and much of the fish is caught locally or sourced from the south coast of England direct from fishing boats.

The business has proved popular with Fareham shoppers, however after the couple shelled out to set up the shop, they have run into unexpected financial difficulty when their van broke down.

They have set up a fundraiser to help and are calling on the public to support them.

Zoe said: ‘We have got a very old van, in which we have travelled the country getting the fishmongers up and running.

‘It has done over 200,000 miles and it’s given up the ghost.

‘Setting up a fishmongers isn’t easy, there’s a lot of equipment needed.

SEE ALSO: ‘Use them or lose them’ say Fareham small business owners on first weekend after lockdown

‘We thought we’d have the van for at least another six months and in that time we would have built up an emergency fund however these things are sent to test us and the van is kaput.

‘So we are raising money, seeing if there’s any way anyone can help, so that we can carry on serving the local community.

‘If there are people shielding, we still want to be able to get their fish to them. As much as it’s not really in my nature to set up things like this, we’ve got to do it. Any help is much appreciated.

‘I know it’s a really hard time of the year, with Christmas and the financial difficulty that people have found themselves in, but we are not asking for a lot. Anything you can spare we would be grateful of, or if you can come into the shop and support us, that would also be great. That’s all we can ask for.’

To donate go to gf.me/u/zasr6f

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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