As Paul prepares to step back after nearly three decades, KFE moves into the capable hands of his children Tanya and Nikki, who take on the roles of Managing Director and Sales Director, respectively. Both bring unique experiences and shared values, ensuring Paul’s legacy continues
For Nikki, the decision to join the family business came naturally when his uncle retired in 2014. “Being able to work closely with Dad and Tanya really appealed to me,” he says. “I’ve grown up around fish and chips, so it felt like the right time to return after being away from the industry for a while.”
Tanya’s path was less direct but equally meaningful. Initially focused on building her own career, she turned down Paul’s first job offer. However, after starting a family, her priorities changed and she joined KFE part-time in 2008 in the accounts department. This lead to a full-time job in the service department before moving into sales as Sales Manager.
“Over time, I began taking on much of Paul’s work, allowing him more time to visit customers. I’m deeply passionate about the company, our staff, customers, and our wonderful network of suppliers. I’m thrilled to continue the legacy he created whilst working alongside not just my brother Nikki, but also my husband Matt who is also instrumental in our business plans.”
PAUL’S LEADERSHIP
Paul’s approach to leadership has left a long-lasting impression on Nikki and Tanya. Nikki highlights his unwavering focus on customers, commenting: “Since the very first days of KFE, Dad has always put the customer first. Having operated shops himself, he understands their needs, which has lead to many long-standing relationships with customers.”
Tanya admires Paul’s courage and compassion, calling him an “incredible role model in both business and life”. She adds: “He made bold moves, like leaving the police to start a fish and chip shop with my mum, and later founding KFE. His kindness and his ethos of treating customers like family created a true family business atmosphere.”
Both Nikki and Tanya acknowledge the mixed emotions that come with Paul stepping down. Tanya echoes this sentiment, adding: “While I’ll miss working closely with Paul, he deserves a quieter life with my mum and their dogs. His creativity and positivity have always been inspiring, and even his quirky ideas – like the life-size elephant at the KFE Annual Ball or the F1 simulator car at exhibitions – added charm to the business. Paul’s achievements over nearly three decades are commendable, and I am honoured to continue his work.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
Looking ahead, both Tanya and Nikki are enthusiastic about opportunities to take the business forward. Tanya is excited about KFE’s expansion into new markets with the Qook! brand of commercial kitchens. “Nikki is leading this effort, and the relationships being formed under Qook! by KFE are exciting. Our first customer, Geoff Whitehead, installed a unit earlier this year, and I am confident he won’t be the last.”
Nikki, while excited about Qook!, emphasises that KFE’s core business remains its foundation. “KFE will always be a supplier of the best frying ranges on the market to the fish and chip sector. This is our core business, and it’s something we will never move away from.”
Both Nikki and Tanya are committed to maintaining the values and traditions that have made KFE a trusted name. “We’re a family business whose reputation is built on that family name,” Nikki says.
“As a family, we have been in fish and chips for over 50 years and we are as passionate about the industry now as my grandparents were when they first started. We will continue to nurture long- standing relationships through industry-leading after-sales and service.”
Tanya highlights how observing a similar transition at its Dutch partner QBTEC, marked by owner Gijs Okkerman stepping back, has helped reinforce confidence that the next generation can successfully take over. She comments “The expansion of the QBTEC factory this year and advancements in technology exemplify their dedication to remaining at the forefront of the industry. Simultaneously, our Belgium and German agents are also experiencing a generational transition. This synchronicity allows us to navigate these changes together, fostering an environment of shared ideas and best practices.”
With their combined expertise and a clear vision for the future, Nikki and Tanya are ready to lead KFE into its next chapter, building on the strong foundation that Paul has built. Tanya concludes: “Paul has created an amazing company, and we intend to continue being market leaders.
“Paul has always been about bringing the industry together, from organising trips to charity events, ensuring fish and chips remain a beloved national dish. This sense of unity and the strong relationships with staff, customers and suppliers is something Nikki and I promise to uphold.”
