One of the UK’s finest fish friers is feeling chipper after being nominated as ‘one to watch’ in the prestigious Red Ribbon Awards.

Rachel Tweedale’s Red Ribbon Awards nomination recognises her achievements throughout her year as Drywite Young Fish Frier of 2015 and marks her as someone within the industry who is destined for success.

Now in their seventh year, the Red Ribbon Awards have become the most sought-after prize for family businesses around the country. They seek to recognise and celebrate the contribution of enterprising families and entrepreneurs to the UK economy.

Rachel, from The Elite Fish and Chip Company in Lincolnshire, said: "I am chuffed to bits with the nomination. It is a fantastic achievement to be singled out as someone to watch. It is also great to know that small family businesses are held in such high esteem.

"However, my achievements within the company are also thanks to what my dad and grandad before me achieved – it is thanks to their hard work that I have been able to get this far.”

The Elite Fish and Chip Company is now a third-generation family business, with Rachel’s father Adrian and grandfather David still involved in the day-to-day running of the company’s three restaurants and takeaways, in Lincoln, Ruskington and Sleaford.

Adrian said: "As a father who was taught by his father, it is nice to be able to pass my skills on and for Rachel to improve on the opportunities we have been given. We have managed to grow and improve with every generation, always moving forward. Rachel deserves our congratulations and we will be so pleased if she wins the One to Watch Award.”

Rachel’s grandfather David added: "I think Rachel is superb, I am really proud of her and to be nominated is brilliant.”

Amalia Brightley-Gillott, Director of the Red Ribbon Awards, said: "This year we have seen more nominations than ever before. I am always astounded by how many exciting, innovative and entrepreneurial businesses are out there, driven by the country’s most entrepreneurial business leaders. There are more than three million family firms and they employ one in three people. These awards are about recognising those businesses, the real engine room of Britain’s economy.”

Regional finalists will represent their area of the UK at the National Red Ribbon Awards ceremony at Wembley Stadium on 15th July where ten companies will be crowned winners.