With award category closing dates looming, organiser Seafish is urging fish and chip businesses up and down the country to get their entries in now. The awards challenge business owners and staff, and put successful shops on the map giving them national recognition across the industry and beyond.
Recognised as the frying-world ‘Oscars’, the awards celebrate the great British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses. Now in their 28th year, they’re renowned as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK.
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: “The aim of the awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses in the UK whilst setting incredibly high standards for the industry.
“They provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to put their skills and knowledge to the test, and gain much deserved recognition. Many of our past winners and finalists have gone on to reap substantial benefits from entering, including international fame through industry trips overseas, increased shop footfall and turnover and even launching their own products.
“I’m urging takeaways and restaurants to put themselves forward to not only challenge their own business offering, but to also support the UK industry and help us reinforce its reputation as the home of the world’s best fish and chips.”
Carlyn Kearney of Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Brae, Shetland, winner of the 2015 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award, commented: “Being crowned champion was a huge honour for everyone here at Frankie’s. Our success has helped reminded the UK that Shetland is here and allowed us to showcase our product to fish and chip lovers around the world.
“We’ve had a phenomenal amount of interest in our shop from a wide range of people – with customers travelling from far and wide just to get a taste of our fish and chips!
“The National Fish & Chip Awards are a roller coaster of an experience and we would urge anyone with a passion for producing high quality, great tasting fish and chips to join the ride now!”
The awards represent a significant PR and marketing opportunity, offering businesses the ability to raise their customer and industry profile and increase turnover. The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest honours to receive as a fish and chip business and previous winners have gone on to great success and reported sales increases of up to 100 per cent.
This year, all businesses who submit an entry to the flagship Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be entered in a free prize draw to win a £2,000 voucher from BD Signs of Nottingham – which can be used for the purchase of some new state of the art digital menu boards and signage.
Seafish also send shortlisted businesses on a number of invaluable industry study trips providing participants with an exciting look into the inner workings of the wider seafood industry.
The award categories for the 2016 awards are:
Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award
Open to all independent fish and chip businesses with a takeaway facility and with two or less shops.
Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award
Open to all independent fish and chip restaurants.
Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award
Open to mobile fish and chip businesses.
Best Multiple Operator Award
Fish and chip operators with three or more outlets (including franchises).
Best Foodservice Operator Award
Open to all general foodservice operators that serve fish and chips, eg., pubs, cafes, department stores, hotels, travel and leisure.
Best Newcomer Award
Fish and chip operators who are new to the industry.
Staff Training and Development Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding excellence in staff training and
development practices and policies.
From Field to Frier Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding knowledge of potato sourcing and chip preparation processes
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award
Open to all applicants who are aged 25 years or younger.
Marketing Innovation Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding excellence in marketing and
promotional activity.
Good Catch – The Sustainable Seafood Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses, this award rewards knowledge and the promotion of responsible sourcing and sustainability practices.
NFFF Quality Award Champion Award
Open to all current NFFF Quality Award holders.
Healthy Eating ‘Fish and Chips’ Award
Open to all fish and chip businesses that are excelling in educating and informing their customers on healthy choices and the nutritional values of fish and chips.
For further information on The National Fish & Chip Awards or on entering the awards please visit www.fishandchipawards.com. Follow @FishnChipAwards on Twitter for all the awards news and information.
