Get your entries in to secure your ‘plaice’ at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2014

Fish and chip shops from all over the UK are being urged to submit their entries for The National Fish & Chip Awards 2014, organised by Seafish.

The fish and chip ‘Oscars’ are now open but shops only have until 19 July 2013 to enter the awards before the deadline closes. 

The awards, celebrating 26 years of the UK’s best fish and chips, are free and easy to enter with a wide variety of categories available. And for 2014, there is a new award category, The Best Seasonal Fish and Chip Operator Award, targeting fish and chip businesses that operate on a seasonal basis only such as holiday parks, resorts and leisure sites. Participants can download entry forms at www.fishandchipawards.com 

The National Fish & Chip Awards is recognised as the most prominent and respected seafood industry event with over 1,000 entrants taking part in 2013. Businesses are being urged to put themselves forward to not only challenge their owners and their staff but also put themselves on the UK map of high quality fish and chip shops. 

The awards represent a significant PR and marketing opportunity, offering businesses the ability to raise their customer and industry profile and increase turnover. This year, Seafish will also be sending shortlisted shops on invaluable study trips to Norway and North East Scotland providing an exciting look into the inner workings of the industry.

Calum Richardson, owner of The Bay Fish & Chips and winner of the 2013 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop Award said: “Winning the Independent Takeaway Award was a massive achievement and represented a significant milestone for the shop. I would recommend that every fish and chip shop in the UK take part. The turnover of the shop has increased significantly; immediately after winning the UK title, we saw a 100% uplift on the previous year and we’re busier than ever before. The National Fish & Chip Awards gives businesses the chance to challenge themselves and recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into everything from customer service and quality, to sustainability and great tasting fish and chips. It helps your business shine and it can really catapult your brand.”

Dr. Paul Williams, CEO of Seafish said: “The calibre of the awards gets better and better each year and we are often amazed at the new and enduring talent and dedication of the country’s fish and chip shops.

“Fish and chips are a national institution and the awards provide the perfect platform to shout about how much we love them and show our pride in the excellent businesses selling fish and chips up and down the country.”

Full details of the 2014 awards and downloadable entry forms are available at www.fishandchipawards.com 

This year, there are 14 award categories open for entry:

1. 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.

2. Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award

Open to all independent fish and chip restaurants (with a maximum of three outlets if part of a chain).

3. *Best Seasonal Fish and Chip Operator Award (*new for 2014)

Open to ‘seasonal’ fish and chip businesses – eg holiday parks, resorts and leisure sites.

4. Best Multiple Fish and Chip Operator Award

Fish and chip operators with three or more outlets including franchises.

5. Best Newcomer Award

Fish and chip operators that are new to the industry from 30 September 2011 onwards.

6. Staff Training and Development Award

Open to all fish and chip businesses.

7. Best Multiple Foodservice Operator Award

Open to all multiple foodservice operators that serve fish and chips, eg., pubs, cafes, department stores, hotels, travel and leisure.

8. Best Independent Foodservice Operator Award

Open to all independent foodservice operators that serve fish and chips, eg., pubs, cafes, department stores, hotels, travel and leisure.

9. Community Contribution Award

Open to all fish and chip related businesses that support their local communities.

10.   From Field to Frier Award

Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding knowledge and promotion of responsible sourcing and sustainability practices.

11.   Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award

Open to all applicants who are aged 25 years or younger as of 31 December 2013.

12.   Marketing Innovation Award

Open to all fish and chip businesses.

13.    Good Catch Award

Open to all fish and chip businesses and rewarding knowledge and promotion of responsible sourcing and sustainability practices.

14.   Quality Award Champion Award

Open to all current NFFF Quality Award holders.

GOOD LUCK WITH ALL APPLICATIONS