Finney’s family

With experience and the right encouragement, 25-year-old Charlotte Jones has become a confident and capable member of the Finney’s team, leading its shop in Amlwch, Anglesey 

I’ve been at Finney’s since June 2017, so it’s been over seven years now and I’ve progressed to senior shift leader. When I first applied, I didn’t really plan on staying long-term. My mum had actually spotted the job on Facebook, and it seemed like a great part-time position. But I fell in love with the team and the atmosphere, and before I knew it, Finney’s became more like a second family to me.

Starting out, I worked on the counter, handling the till and serving customers. Six months in, owners Carol and Mike let me try my hand at frying. That was a big jump, a bit nerve-wracking – and a lot hotter! It’s amazing to see the detail that goes into making the perfect portion of fish and chips – temperature, timing, the right kind of oil – all of that matters. As I got more comfortable, I took on additional responsibilities, like managing deliveries and supervising a team of three other staff members. Eventually, I was trusted to run the shop when the main manager was away, which was such an honour. It’s a big responsibility, but I love the challenge.

Working at Finney’s isn’t just about frying; it’s also about building connections. Carol and Mike are fantastic and really listen to us. They’ve always been there for me, especially when my mum was ill and later passed away. When she was sick in 2019, I moved to the shop closer to home so I could be nearby. I’ll never forget how the team showed up for me during that difficult time, even closing the shop for my mum’s funeral. It just shows the kind of family atmosphere we have here. 

One of the highlights of my career so far was competing in the 2025 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition. I’d always thought about entering but didn’t have the confidence until recently. This year, I just went for it and ended up making it into the Top 12 – further than I expected. Even though I didn’t reach the top 8, it was a huge boost to my confidence. Now, people in the community recognise me and even congratulate me on my progress – it’s pretty surreal!

I also have a bit of creative freedom in the kitchen, which makes the job even more fun. Last Christmas, my manager and I introduced Southern Fried sprouts as a seasonal special. They were a twist on the classic battered sprouts but with a bit of extra flavour. We’re always looking for ways to keep things fresh and fun for our customers.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Finney’s. Working here has taught me a lot about responsibility, patience and, surprisingly, how much I genuinely enjoy the fish and chip trade. I hope more young women feel encouraged to join the industry because there’s plenty of room for us here. And who knows — maybe one day, I’ll be running my own kitchen. For now, though, I’m just happy to be part of the Finney’s family.