The company was founded after the first world war by Smith Sagar. He opened a retail fishmongers in Burnley town centre and also bought premises in Canning Street in the old railway stables.

Original Shop circa 1930, Howe Street, Burnley. Mr and Mrs Sagar pictured on the right.

In 1958 Lawrence Dent left his home town of Hull and came to run Smith Sagar, previously having worked in the fish industry in Hull. He expanded the wholesale business in Canning Street serving fishmongers and fish and chip shops throughout East Lancashire.

Lawrence M Dent, 1926 - 1990

The business continued to flourish during the 1960’s and 1970’s and in 1980 Lawrence's son Jonathan took over the running of Smith Sagar. In 1989 Jonathan expanded onto New Smithfield Market, Manchester, as this was and continues to be the focus of wholesale food distribution in the North West. From here Smith Sagar attracted new customers from Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales and Yorkshire.

Smith Sagar Shop in 1963, The Mall, Burnley.

Smith Sagar still has strong ties with Burnley, delivering in the area daily to a variety of customers. In 2009 Smith Sagar decided to expand further into the catering and restaurant sector by investing in Wellgate Fisheries, Clitheroe. This gives a dedicated service to restaurants throughout the North, with specialist knowledge of local and seasonal seafood. Jonathan Dent continues to be Managing Director of Smith Sagar and his daughter Stephanie joined the company in 2002.

Commer Van, circa 1970.