The hard work, commitment and ambition of three fish and chip shop professionals has caught the attention of the National Fish & Chip Awards, with the judges promoting them to the Employee of the Year finals.

The National Fish & Chip Awards prides itself on holding entrants to the highest standards of industry knowledge, product expertise, sustainable practice, environmental awareness, customer experience and serving the nation’s favourite dish consistently well.

Employee of the Year is a chance to reward those going above and beyond to make positive contributions with teamwork and ideas sharing, showing exemplary conduct and dedication to their own personal development, as well as bringing a sense of community spirit that leaves long-lasting impressions on customers.

The nominations from co-workers and industry peers have given the judging experts a lot of food for thought, with many of the hopefuls showing they are a ‘reel’ catch and deserving of the accolade.

On 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, hundreds of award ceremony guests will vote for the winner who will enter the Employee of the Year Hall of Fame alongside last year’s first-ever recipient, Jamie Toland from Taylors, Stockport.

The nominees are:

Surrey

Georgia Lye from Seafare Guildford

Devon

Zak Bishop from Squires Fish Restaurant & Takeaway, Braunton

Wales

Vaughn Jones from Scarlett’s Fish and Chips, Trearddur Bay, Anglesey

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) which organises the awards, says: “Fish and chip businesses are made up of amazing individuals that live and breathe the industry in a way that you don’t often see.

“This market is being challenged daily and it’s because of people like our three finalists who bring morale-boosting energy, problem-solving solutions and personality which makes things much brighter. They are a credit not only to their employers but the industry itself – it’s a relatively small community and these ambassadors add such vivacity and professionalism. We appreciate all they do and it’s wonderful we can play a part in how they flourish further in in their careers.”

The category is this year sponsored by sustainable fish and seafood supplier Smales and its Sales & Marketing Director Bobby Joyce, adds: “Smales is the largest supplier of frozen-at-sea cod and haddock to the fish and chip sector with a trading history of over 87 years, and the company has built its success and reputation through the hard work of the thousands of people it has employed over that time. 

“We are proud to sponsor the Employee of the Year category as it shows working in fish and chips can give people from any background an opportunity to work and improve their skills, plus offer a long and rewarding career for those who want it. Good staff keep your customers happy, so it is crucial for any business to recognise, develop and reward those people!”

To get your hands on the fish and chip industry’s hottest ticket in town, head to https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.