Industry Award Reveals Best Chippies for Training and Development

As the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards draws nearer, three standout UK fish and chip shops are making waves in the race to be named the industry’s finest for training and development. The prestigious Training and Development category is one of the year's most anticipated awards, tasked with recognising the businesses that excel in nurturing and empowering their employees.

The expert judges from within the fish and chip sector have meticulously evaluated numerous shops nationwide. Their focus has been on assessing the commitment each business shows to its staff through training programmes, skills development, and providing opportunities for further qualifications. These efforts aim to foster personal growth, building employees’ potential while shaping the sector's future.

The rigorous judging process ensures only the most outstanding establishments are recognised. It is a catalyst for raising industry standards and motivating other chip shops to adopt similar approaches to staff development. The three finalists, whose businesses have demonstrated exceptional investment in their teams, are now in the running for the coveted title following a detailed evaluation of their operations.

The finalists are:

• Eric’s Fish & Chips in Thornham, Norfolk

• Mr C’s in Selby, Yorkshire

• Taylors in Stockport, Greater Manchester

These finalists will travel to London for the awards ceremony on 26 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2024 winner, the Real Food Café Tyndrum from Scotland.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the awards, emphasises the importance of creating a workplace culture that fosters ambition and encourages employees to seize growth opportunities. He states, “Creating a workplace culture that breeds ambition, discipline, and an encouraging environment for employees to explore growth opportunities leads to an unstoppable business. Career fulfilment is crucial for many individuals, and having management providing training and development initiatives sets a brilliant foundation for amazing future leaders.”

Crook further highlights the positive impact of training on local communities, noting that strong employee development drives business success and supports the broader community. The NFFF is proud to support businesses dedicated to building a skilled workforce.

Blakemans, a leading manufacturer of sausage and meat products for over 70 years, sponsors the Training and Development Award. Sales Director James Morris comments, “Blakemans’ continued sponsorship of the Training and Development award is a testament to this industry’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent within family-run businesses. These finalists have shown how employee development is vital in empowering individuals to grow and thrive in the fish and chip industry. This award celebrates the dedication to fostering skilled professionals who uphold the rich trade traditions.”

As the fish and chip industry continues to evolve, the finalists of the 2025 Training and Development Award serve as shining examples of how investment in people can drive long-term success. The focus on personal growth and the cultivation of talent within these businesses not only secures a bright future for their teams but also helps ensure the continued success and sustainability of the industry.