A fundraising page has been set up for the owner of a popular scotch egg business after a major fire destroyed his entire production unit at Highbridge’s Oaktree Business Park on Monday morning (May 18th).
Eight fire crews from across the county were called to the scene on Bristol Road at around 8.50am after thick smoke was seen rising from the industrial estate, as we reported here.
One unit was completely destroyed and two neighbouring units suffered heavy smoke damage. The cause is under investigation but is believed to have started accidentally involving cooking oil.
Alec Chick, founder of Chickies Scotch Eggs, told Burnham-On-Sea.com the blaze had been “catastrophic,” wiping out the premises where thousands of his award‑winning scotch eggs are normally produced each week.
The business, which Alec built from a cottage kitchen on Exmoor into a brand stocked at Clarks Village and supplied to major companies, has now been forced to halt all production. “It was a devastating morning for us,” said Alec. “The fire spread quickly, but I am so grateful for the support of our neighbours and the amazing fire crews for preventing it spreading further. This is a huge blow, but the community response has meant a lot.”
A fundraising page has been set up by Alec’s granddaughter, Chloe Chick, to help Alec rebuild. The appeal can be found here: GoFundMe page.
Chloe says the fire destroyed everything inside the unit, including equipment, stock, inventory, Alec’s phone and laptop — “countless things that helped keep his business running.”
She added: “In a matter of moments, over 10 years of hard work, dedication and passion was gone. He had to stand and watch everything he had built burn to the ground in front of his eyes.”
Chloe said her grandad’s first concern was still his family, despite losing so much himself. She described Chickies Scotch Eggs as a business built on Alec’s “drive, determination and incredible attention to detail,” with customers travelling from far and wide to buy his products.
“I know times are difficult for everyone, and asking for help is never easy,” she said. “But even sharing the page could make a huge difference. Any support means so much to Alec and our family.”
