Cod of Duty ready to deliver quick-fire grub in Stafford

Matthew and Corina Martin have become a hit with residents around Stafford with their Cod of Duty van and their crispy battered cod.

The couple made the decision to run their own business after years of working in the hospitality industry and after being made redundant from their jobs back in November.

Mr Martin said they began looking at the idea after they were told by the officers and sergeants mess at the Beacon Barracks about changes to their contracts.

He said: "We were told that our contracts were being put on a spread over, which meant we would be losing money, so we started thinking out what to do next.

"Corina then came up with the idea of starting a fish and chip van, so we discussed the idea for a while and then, after being made redundant, we pushed on with it."

The couple started out at the end of April and have developed a set route around Stafford, going to Charnley Road and Coton Fields on Mondays, Woodseaves on Wednesdays, the New Army Estate on Fridays and Coton Fields on Sundays.

Mr Martin said it had cost £34,000 to get started through buying the van and equipment and running costs, with a start-up loan from Best Britain helping them get underway.

When it came to the name, he said it had come through a play on words game between himself and his wife, with Cod of Duty being the best of the lot.

He said: "I am a bit of a gamer and I do like Call of Duty, but it really was just a play of words that we both liked.

"With this, there have been days that I have been stressed beyond belief, but I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I am happier than I have ever been doing this.

"I do hope we can inspire people as if you've got an idea, you should follow it as we did."