Type=image;ImageID=2978;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Oscar Campbell outside The Fish Stall in Worcester Street;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=2979;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Karolina Cummings, Kamilla Adamczyk at Kabanos, Cleveland St;TitleClass=strong;
The Fish Stall, based in Worcester Street, opened its doors this week (Tuesday 12 November) and offers city residents a range of exotic fish meals brought in fresh every day.
Owner Oscar Campbell entered the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot Idea2Reality competition and battled dozens of other budding entrepreneurs for a share of the first prize.
Oscar was given business support including being awarded a 6 month rent free shop and a contribution to business rates to help set up.
But the 46 year old, a former Moreton School pupil, only found out about the competition shortly before the closing date and almost missed out.
He said: "I am delighted and excited to have been one of the winners of Idea2Reality and to have this opportunity to open The Fish Stall.
"I have been interested in fish for a number of years and had an idea to open this business. I went to enrol on a course at Access to Business when they told me about the competition.
"But there were only 3 days before the closing date so I had to act quickly. I was shocked to first make it to the next stage and then, eventually, become one of the winners! I guess it was just meant to be."
Oscar will order in fresh fish each day from suppliers in Billingsgate Market, Cornwall and Birmingham. Among the fish that will be available include crab, lobster, shellfish and salmon, while there will also be ready meals prepared by The Fish Stall.
Oscar added: "I want to help create a buzz in Wolverhampton. There are a lot of people interested in exotic fish dishes but don't know too much about how to go about preparing it.
"I'm very excited about this venture as it is totally different and adds something to our city centre."
The Fish Stall is the fourth Portas Pilot venture to get off the ground in Wolverhampton. Alternative fashion outlet Corpse Clothing has opened up in the Mander Centre while the Shop in the Square, showcasing a range of products from different entrepreneurs is now trading in Queen Square.
Polish delicatessen Kabanos, which is based in Cleveland Street held its grand opening on Saturday (November 9). The fifth and final Idea2Reality store, Hungry Bistro, is set to open its doors in Lichfield Street later this month.
Nicholas Pitt, Idea2Reality chair, said: "I am delighted to welcome Oscar and The Fish Stall to Wolverhampton city centre.
"We are really starting to see the fruits of Wolverhampton's Portas pilot project which has now seen 4 new retail outlets open up in the space of a few months.
"With the fifth winner of Idea2Reality set to open up later this month, the project has been vital in supporting local entrepreneurs and helping them get a start in business."
- released: Friday 15 November, 2013