Teesdale Business Awards – Katie's hoping to cook up a second award

A YOUNG fryer is vying for a second award after being crowned entrepreneur of the year at Teesdale Business Awards.
Katie Barker took over the former Fryer Tuck chippy, on Barnard Castle’s Horsemarket last year and transformed it into Katie’s Traditional Fish and Chips.
Her efforts were recognised at The Witham last Wednesday (February 15) when she took home the Young Entrepreneur of the Year trophy.
The 23-year-old revealed her chippy could be in line for more silverware in the coming weeks.
She said: “We’re in the process of getting a fish and chip quality award.
“The Fox Hall won it twice so we’re hoping to carry it on.”
Ms Barker, from Barton, has a long history in the business having worked in her parents’ fish and chip shops in Richmond and at the Fox Hall Inn on the A66.
Her parents, Steve and Jennifer Barker, recently gave up the inn, which was famous for its fish and chips.
The young entrepreneur said her Barnard Castle shop was now getting to know its regular customers and revealed how last week’s business award had come as a surprise.
She added: “It was very exciting.
“This is our first award since opening here and we're settling in well.”
She added: “I have grown up around it so it comes naturally to me – I’ve seen it my entire life and I’ve worked in the business for as long as I can remember.
“I picked up a lot along the way so I feel like I owe my parents a lot.”
Ms Barker said she hoped to open more shops in the future and welcomed competition from Burrell’s at 149 on Galgate.
But she added that her attention was firmly set on maintaining high standards for the time being.
“It’s good competition – it makes you do well, pushes everybody and keeps the quality up,” said Ms Barker.
“Barney is busy enough for two fish and chip shops and it’s great the competition is there to keep everyone on their toes.”