IT’S a business which has been passed down through five generations of one family and, with Lisa Martins currently leading the way, it looks like there’s still many more years of trading to come with Needham’s Fishmongers.
Originating in Oldham, Manchester, and now based in Newport Market, the business has been running for more than 130 years and has seen a lot of changes in that time.
And with a helping hand from her father and previous owner Rob Needham, Mrs Martins is more than looking forward to the future.
Starting off in Oldham, the family was forced to move away during the war because business began to deplete as a result of the shortage of docks and boats which were able to be used.
The fishmongers ended up moving to Newport as a result and was originally based in Newport Arcade. But in 1960, Mrs Martin’s grandfather moved the business across to the market where it has remained ever since.
Rob Needham took the company over in the early 1980s, and so has been either running or helping to run the company for over 40 years. He said that the biggest change he has seen in this time is people’s shopping habits, and suggests that this is a consequence of lifestyles becoming so much busier.
Three years ago he stepped down from the manager’s position and handed this over to his daughter, Mrs Martins. But taking a back seat with the business has been a positive thing for Mr Needham as he said: “this is the most I’ve enjoyed the job in years”.
And Mr Needham is still a large part of the business as Mrs Martins has been building her family while taking over the company. She also admits that she still uses her father’s guidance and expertise within the business, but that she is the one who takes the responsibilities of the job onboard.
The changeover between the pair has therefore been gradual but Mr Needham said: “Lisa is very capable”, adding: “she could run this company alone tomorrow”.
Each generation of the family has added a new burst of enthusiasm into the business, and Mrs Martins is no exception as she has started to indulge in the street food movement. Among the items currently on sale from the stall are pots of fish chowder or portions of cooked fish. She also expressed a desire for more events like the Newport Food Festival.
She said: “It brings the community together and the streets are buzzing” and added: “it would be great if they did a festival in spring as well”.
The longevity of the business is something which is admired by customers, and the reputation of the company is one which is strong. Customers have been using the fishmongers for a long time, and as a result they know that the Needham name is one which can be relied upon. The family-orientated nature of the business is one which gives the shop something special when compared with larger companies.
And there are now hopes that the sixth generation of Needham’s Fishmongers is in tow too.
Mrs Martins said: “My six year old son is already helping out here.”. But both Mrs Martins and Mr Needham insist, however, that it is the decision of the next generation if this business continues and that it’s just an option for the youngest generation.
With supermarkets today providing an easy option for people to get all their food in one place, one thing Mrs Martins suggested she would like to see in the future is the use of markets increasing.
She said: “It’s more ethical to buy locally. People want to know where their food comes from, and they want that personal reaction.”
The business has already seen an increase recently in passing trade from the relocation of the bus station. Cutting through the market is now one of the fastest routes into the town centre, and so more people are exposed to their products bringing an improvement in business.
And both Mrs Martins and Mr Needham believe that the redevelopment of the city centre is also something which will help their business. Mr Needham said: “This is the best opportunity we have had in 25 years. Fresh food is going to be available here, and people are going to utilise it.”
Needham’s Fishmongers can be contacted on 01633 264339.
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