UK-based fish and chips restaurant chain Harry Ramsden’s is taking a major step in its business expansion plans by entering the traditional British licensed trade sector.

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By 2020, the company -- founded in 1928 -- expects to have 300 outlets across the country. By the end of the current year, it plans to be trading around 70 sites, of which 50 percent will be company owned restaurants and 50 percent franchises, Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden's, told IntraFish.

The brand’s first venture in the licensed trade arena is the Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth in partnership with Punch, opened to the public March 15.

“This