National Fish & Chip Awards 2018 open for entries
Seafish UK's National Fish & Chip Awards, which are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, are calling for entries for the 2018 competition.
This year, entrants will be able to apply online using a simplified entry process, which has been designed by Seafish to encourage more businesses to enter the awards.
Fish and chip shops across the UK can enter to win in 14 different categories:
Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award
Open to all independent fish and chip businesses with a takeaway facility
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 Fish and Chip Operator Award
Open to 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, cafés, department stores, hotels, travel and leisure
Best Newcomer Award
Open to 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
Open to all fish and chip businesses, this award rewards knowledge and the promotion of responsible seafood sourcing and sustainability practices
NFFF Quality Award Champion Award
Open to all current holders of the National Federation of Fish Friers Quality Award
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
The 'Fish & Chip Friday' - The School Meal Education Award
Open to entry from independent school catering operators and local council catering departments, and rewarding the serving of healthy fish and chips to school pupils
According to Seafish, previous winners of the Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award have seen a sales increase of up to 100%.
Reigning champions Nikki Mutton and Craig Maw of Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Plympton, Devon said: "We were absolutely elated when we won the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards - it was an amazing experience to go all the way and claim the top title, especially after coming in second place the year before.
"From the moment our names were called out from that podium at the London awards ceremony we haven't stopped - we've had a dramatic increase in business and the word of our success is still spreading! On average our sales increased 40% and due to demand we've now hired over 10 new members of staff. We'd encourage all fish and chip businesses that are passionate about what they do to enter - speaking from experience it is truly worth it."
Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: "Since the competition began all those years ago, the fish and chip industry has changed dramatically. Yes, we still have our traditional 'chippies' but fish and chips can now also be enjoyed through many other types of outlet with bars, restaurants, supermarket cafés and mobile vans offering high quality, delicious, fish and chips. The overall fish and chip sector has seen a substantial rise in innovation as businesses venture beyond the norm to diversify their food offerings and improve how they communicate with existing and new customers.
"The range of award categories open for entry has grown in direct response to these innovations, with a category available for every fish and chip business, big or small, with a passion for frying and providing fantastic customer service. With an incredible celebratory year ahead of us, there hasn't been a better time to enter the awards and help us reinforce the UK's reputation as the home of the world's best fish and chips."
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