Three of the UK’s leading fish and chip businesses for staff training and development have been revealed today (Tuesday 10 October) as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Shortlisted as finalists for the Staff Training and Development Award - one of 15 categories in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards – the three shops that will now compete for the top title in this award category are:

Penaluna’s Famous Fish & Chips in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf Mister C’s in Selby, North Yorkshire Eric’s Fish and Chips in Thornham, Norfolk

To reach this stage of the competition, the three shops have been assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria, including internal training policies and assessments, training support and forward plans for staff development.

Over the coming weeks, judges will make unannounced visits to shop premises to undertake full reviews of staff training and development practices, in addition to evaluating both the quality of the fish and chips on offer and levels of customer service provided. This final stage of competition judging will determine the overall national winner who will be announced at the 30thanniversary awards ceremony.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: "A fish and chip shop’s employees are just as integral to its success as the product on offer, and a robust staff training programme is key to developing a workforce for the future.

"This award recognises fish and chip businesses that go above and beyond in providing their employees with comprehensive and high quality training, while demonstrating commitment to personal development and career progression. Our finalists have shown unparalleled investment in staff training and I have confidence that the staff at these establishments will be the future champions of the fish and chip trade."

Award sponsor Philip Blakeman, Managing Director at James T. Blakeman & Co Ltd, commented: "As a family business with over 60 years’ experience and recognised as one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of sausage and meat products, staff training has always been an important part of our success.

"The entrepreneurial owners of fish frying establishments cannot overlook the importance of good quality training for their burgeoning young staff members and be mindful of their role in the future success of the business.

"As a proud sponsor of The National Fish & Chip Awards, I believe this category showcases those businesses that are a credit to the industry and positively encourages others to follow suit. We would like to congratulate the finalists in reaching this stage of the competition.”

The winner of the Staff Training and Development Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.