Knowing Business Value Helps Build What Comes Next
The Trident Fish & Grill: Building a Resilient Northern Rivers Business
For more than 40 years, Trident Fish & Grill has grown from a family food business into a recognised Northern Rivers experience, with stores in Alstonville and Lismore and plans for further expansion across the region.
Managing Director Chris Photiou attributes that longevity to quality and consistency, understanding customers, looking after people and being prepared to adapt without losing sight of the family values behind the business.
That adaptability has been tested
Their Alstonville store opened just four weeks before the first COVID lockdown, while the years since have brought floods, supply shortages, rising food and operating costs and a fire that forced the Lismore store to close for nearly three months.
Through each challenge, the focus has remained on building a resilient business capable of sustainable growth. Chris says some of the most important lessons have been understanding the business' numbers and customers, putting the right people in the right positions and being prepared to change direction when circumstances demand it.
Why The Trident Chose an Independent Business Valuation
As The Trident expanded, understanding its financial performance, management structure and future growth opportunities became increasingly important.
Collins Hume was engaged to undertake a business valuation, giving the owners an objective benchmark for the business and greater insight into the factors influencing its value.
“We wanted an independent business valuation to give us a clear understanding of what the business was ‘actually’ worth, rather than relying on our own assumptions,” Chris says.
“As The Trident continued to grow, it was important to understand where the value sat within the business and have a benchmark we could use when making decisions around future growth, investment and expansion decisions.”
Understanding What Drives Business Value
The process provided considerably more than a valuation figure. It helped identify and investigate financial performance, business systems, management structure and brand, while highlighting the importance of reducing reliance on any one individual.
For Collins Hume Senior Business Advisor Nathan McGrath, this is one of the key benefits of obtaining a professional business valuation before there is a transaction on the table.
“A business valuation can give owners a much clearer picture of what is driving value in their business and what may be holding it back. That information can then be used to make better decisions about growth, investment and the future direction of the business,” Nathan says.
The Trident now has a benchmark against which future decisions can be considered, including how investment and expansion may affect the long-term value of the company.
“For me, the valuation wasn't about putting a number on the business to sell it,” Chris says.
“It was about understanding what we've built, identifying where we can improve, and making sure the decisions being made today are building a stronger and more valuable business for the future.”
Business Advice to Support Growth
That forward focus is supported by an ongoing relationship with Collins Hume. As The Trident has grown, Collins Hume has provided advice around financial performance, business structure and planning, helping the owners understand their numbers, identify opportunities for improvement and put stronger structures in place.
Collins Hume Partner Kelly Crethar says the valuation complements the work the business has already done to strengthen its foundations.
“Chris has a strong understanding of where The Trident has come from and a clear ambition for where he wants to take it. Having an independent view of the business’ value gives him another important measure to use as he plans that growth,” Kelly says.
For Chris, Collins Hume's role extends well beyond compliance.
“For us, Collins Hume isn't just about accounting and compliance. It's about having a trusted business adviser in our corner who understands where we've come from, where we're trying to go, and can help us make informed decisions along the way.”
Local Business Leadership Recognised
The strength of The Trident's leadership was recently recognised at the 2026 Ballina Business Excellence Awards, where Chris was named Outstanding Young Business Leader.
Chris described the award as recognition of the wider team, family, customers, suppliers and mentors who have supported their business journey.
“This award isn’t just about me. It’s a reflection of the incredible people I’ve been fortunate enough to have around me,” he says.
Kelly says the recognition reflects the resilience and ambition she has seen in the business.
“Chris and the team have continued to invest in the business, their people and the region while navigating some significant challenges. Their success is a great example of what can be achieved when strong business fundamentals are combined with a willingness to keep learning, adapting and looking ahead,” Kelly says.
Discover The Trident Fish & Grill
The Trident Fish & Grill is a third generation family-owned restaurant showcasing the best fresh quality seafood across the Northern Rivers. With origins that hark back to where fish and chips all began in the UK, The Trident focuses on serving up great food, friendly service and supporting local communities. Find out more about the business, check out the menu and follow their journey as they continue to grow across the Northern Rivers. Visit Chris and the team at thetrident.com.au or follow them via Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
