The UK’s top five fish and chip businesses excelling in staff training and development have been announced today as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.
Shortlisted as finalists for the Staff Training and Development Award – one of 14 categories in the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards – the businesses are:
Eric's Fish and Chips, Thornham, Hunstanton, Norfolk
Fylde Fish Bar with branches in Southport, Merseyside and Burscough, Lancashire
Krispies, Exmouth, Devon (dish pictured)
Mister C's, Selby, North Yorkshire
Papa's Fish and Chips with branches in Cleethorpes, North Lincolnshire; Hull, East Yorkshire and Scarborough, North Yorkshire
To reach this stage of the competition, the companies were assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria, including internal training policies and assessments, training support and forward plans for staff development.
In the coming weeks, judges will visit the businesses unannounced to undertake full reviews of staff training and development practices. They will also evaluate the quality of the fish and chips and the level of customer service provided.
This final stage of judging will determine the national winner who will be announced at the awards ceremony in London next year.
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 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, staff training has always been an important part of our success.
“The owners of fish frying establishments cannot overlook the importance of quality training for young staff members. As a proud sponsor of The National Fish & Chip Awards, this category showcases the businesses that are a credit to the industry. 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’ 31st anniversary ceremony in London on 24 January 2019.