The UK's so-called cost-of-living crisis could drive further consolidation within the country's fish and chip shop industry as disillusioned owners unable to make ends meet throw in the towel.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Fish Fryers Federation (NFFF), said the industry is bracing for the worst.

"It's going to be a tough year for a lot of businesses," he told IntraFish.

With the new year not even into its second week, Crook said he has already seen a couple of fish and chip shops close down permanently, including one owner who paid nearly £50,000 (€59,821/$69,973) for the business only to sell it for £15,000 (€17,947/$20,392) just four months later.