Three of the UK’s leading mobile fish and chip businesses have today (Thursday 3 November) been announced as finalists for the Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award as part of the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

The three finalists - Dodson^s Fresh Catch Ltd in Wakefield, West Yorkshire; Starchip Enterprise UK Ltd in Evesham, Worcestershire; and The Hip Hop Chip Shop in Salford, Manchester - will now compete for the top title in this award category, as part of what are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry.

To secure a place as a finalist, shortlisted businesses have been appraised across a wide range of judging criteria including responsible and sustainable sourcing policies, preparation of products, staff training procedures, monitoring of customer satisfaction levels, and marketing and promotional activity. 

Award sponsor Colin Heathfield, Head of Foodservice, International Sales & Emerging Markets of Pukka Pies Limited, said: "Pukka Pies is delighted to be taking part in the prestigious National Fish & Chip Awards for 2017. The awards are important in both rewarding excellence and creating awareness to the general public about our industry.

"Although we have been sponsors over the last few years this is the first time we have sponsored the Best Mobile Operator Award, and we would like to congratulate and thank all those operators that have entered for the award - particularly those that have made the final. This year will be sure to be a close call with all finalists having done fantastically well to finish in the top three. We look forward to finding out which mobile operator will win this coveted award.”

Over the coming weeks, the successfully shortlisted businesses will be subjected to mystery judging visits from awards auditors to ascertain the quality of the fish and chips and the levels of customer service provided by staff. This final stage of competition judging will determine the overall winner that will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on 26 January 2017.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: "Running a successful mobile business can be extremely challenging and demands a lot of commitment. Our finalists are a great example of how dedication and passion for the industry pays off; from commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing to the skilful promotion of their businesses, their passion to succeed is truly admirable.

"This year we had an exceptionally high level of entries so to be in the top three of a UK wide competition is a remarkable achievement, I look forward to seeing who comes out on top at the final.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. Widely considered as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry, they celebrate the Great British tradition of fish and chips, showcasing the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses through 13 different award categories.