Celebrating National Family Business Day: The Henry Colbeck Story
Founded in 1893, Henry Colbeck has been family-run for over 130 years — working alongside many family-run fish and chip shops and suppliers across the UK.
On Wednesday 18th September, we’re proud to join businesses across the UK in celebrating National Family Business Day — a chance to recognise the incredible role family businesses play in our economy, communities, and daily lives.
At Henry Colbeck, being a family business isn’t just part of our history — it’s the heart of who we are today.
Over 130 Years of Family Heritage
We were founded in 1893 by Henry Colbeck, right on Newcastle Quayside. The business started off from agricultural beginnings and has grown into one of the UK’s leading suppliers to fish and chip shops — but our values haven’t changed.
After Henry, his son Robert Douglas Colbeck took the reins, steering the business through changing times. The next generation followed, with Bill Colbeck — Henry’s grandson — now serving as our Chairman.
Today, the family legacy continues:
- Douglas Colbeck (Henry’s great-grandson) is our Sales Director.
- Georgina Colbeck (Douglas’ wife) is our HR, Quality, & Marketing Director.
Four generations on, the Colbeck family is still at the heart of every decision we make.
One Big Family – Inside and Out
We’ve always believed that our business is more than just the people on the payroll — it’s everyone we work with. Many of our customers and suppliers are also family businesses, and we’re proud to share their values of trust, integrity, and personal service.
When you work with a family business, you’re not just a number on an order form. You’re part of a community that cares about relationships, not just transactions. That’s why our team — from telesales to HGV drivers — take the time to know customers personally, understand their needs, and go the extra mile to help.
Standing Out from the Corporate Crowd
In today’s fast-paced, corporate world, being family-owned means we can stay true to our values. Decisions aren’t made in distant boardrooms — they’re made by people who know our customers, understand our industry, and are invested in its future.
We don’t just supply fish and chip shops — we support them. Whether it’s by working closely with suppliers to secure the best products, delivering orders with care, or creating packaging that helps shops stand out, everything we do is grounded in long-term relationships and mutual success.
A Thank You to Our Extended Family
On National Family Business Day, we want to say a huge thank you — to our customers, our suppliers, and our staff. You’re all part of the Henry Colbeck story, and you’ve helped us grow from one small operation on the Quayside to the business we are today.
Here’s to many more years of working together, supporting each other, and keeping the fish and chip industry thriving for generations to come.
If you’re a family business, we’d love to hear your story. Email us at marketing@colbeck.co.uk or share your photos and memories on social media, tagging #HenryColbeck and #NationalFamilyBusinessDay.
