The ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry have launched this week, marking the start of a nine month hunt to find the UK’s best fish and chip businesses.
Casting the net further than ever before, The 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards are calling on major city centre fish and chip businesses to get their entries in – hoping to ‘hook’ some from Manchester.
Now in their 29th year, The National Fish & Chip Awards organised by Seafish are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK – aptly known as the frying ‘Oscars’.
Celebrating the great British tradition of fish and chips, they showcase the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses across the UK through 13 award categories.
Mel Groundsell, Corporate Relations Director of Seafish, said: “With a fast and simple entry process, getting a bite of the action has never been easier. From traditional coastal resorts to buzzing city centres, entries are open to any fish and chip business, big or small, with a passion for frying and providing fantastic customer service.
“With an incredible level of talent in the UK fish and chip industry, it’s important we recognise businesses and individuals for their dedication and expertise. The awards provide an excellent opportunity to put skills and knowledge to the test, while continually setting high standards for the industry to aspire to.”
The flagship Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest industry honours and is undoubtedly the most hotly contested category with businesses vying for the national crown. Previous finalists have reported sales increases averaging 50% – and more!
Reigning champions James and Bonny Ritchie of Simpsons Fish & Chips in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, added: “Winning the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards was a life changing experience and a moment we’ll treasure forever. It meant so much to us as a family – I genuinely can’t put it into words.
“Taking home the overall title was the ultimate seal of approval from an industry that we’re so honoured to be part of. It’s a true privilege to be regarded as champions and ambassadors in our field and we have grasped any opportunity with both hands to promote the nation’s favourite takeaway. A personal highlight definitely was joining Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on ITV’s This Morning television programme, to celebrate our success – it doesn’t get much better than that!
“From the moment we were crowned the winners we saw a dramatic increase in business across both our takeaway and restaurant – this continues to grow as the word of our success spreads across the country and even further afield. The award has given us real recognition and respect, and has opened many doors we wouldn’t even have dreamed were possible before. We encourage all fish and chip business who are passionate about what they do to enter – speaking from experience it is truly worth it!”
