SEEING the economy quickly spiralling downwards, Tom Oliver decided to replace his calculator with a frying pan.

The chartered surveyor gave up his comfortable job 21 years ago to take over a fish and chip shop in Exeter — and the decision paid off.

Today, the Fish Supper House, in Okehampton Road, St Thomas, is a thriving business, and last year Mr Oliver came runner-up for best employer in the Federation of Small Businesses Celebrating Small Business Awards.

Having been a member of the FSB for a decade, last year was the time the 48-year-old had been put forward as a front-runner for the prize

He said: "One of my staff nominated me. I think she valued my wife and I as friends and employers.

"I was very pleasantly surprised when she told us. She said we are always doing things for other people so it was time we got some recognition for it.

"We were absolutely delighted.

"Those types of awards are very positive. A number of customers commented on it. I was pleased to be a part of it."

Mr Oliver employs six members of staff, five of whom have worked at the shop for more than 10 years.

"Normally in this trade people last three or four months because it's a tough way to earn a living," he said.

"But I have terrific staff who are incredibly loyal. I have got someone who has worked here almost 35 years, and another who has been here for 25 years.

"When you are in business, if you look after staff, they look after you.

"We work hard to produce the best product we can. It's like an extended family."

The Fish Supper House is a family business, owned first by Mr Oliver's grandfather, and then his father. He said: "I really enjoy what I do. I like everything about it.

"It's not what I trained as originally, but it was a great surprise when I realised how much I enjoyed it. We have a wonderful bunch of customers too.

"Now it seems the economy is going the same way it did 21 years ago, so I wonder if any other chartered surveyors out there will end up opening a chip shop."

Mr Oliver said he likes being his own boss and recommends joining the FSB to other small business owners.

"I joined the FSB because I was interested in the networking opportunities it presented," he said.

"It is also comforting to know that the FSB is there should I need it. For the vast majority of small businesses, the federation is hugely important."

There are two ways businesses can be nominated for this year's awards — they can either nominate themselves, or a client or employee can nominate them.

An entry form is included here and must be returned to the FSB by Saturday, September 27. Forms can be posted at no cost to: Freepost FSB Region 121.

Winners will be announced on Friday, October 31, at a ceremony at Havana Bar and Restaurant, in the city's Quay.