Three of the UK’s leading fish and chip businesses with multiple sites have been revealed today (Thursday 26 October) as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

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

Catch Seafood with three premises across West Yorkshire and Newcastle upon Tyne Harlees with seven premises across Wiltshire and Dorset The Good Catch with six premises across Merseyside, Manchester, Cheshire and Liverpool

Open to businesses that operate three or more establishments, the finalists have been assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria including responsible sourcing policies, outlet appearance and facilities, menu development and innovation, supplier relationships, marketing and promotional activity, and staff development and training.

Over the coming weeks, judges will make unannounced visits to premises of respective businesses to undertake further assessment of business practices, in addition to assessing 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: "Operating three or more outlets can be a demanding task, with owners having to adopt a structured approach to ensure that a high standard of professionalism is executed across all establishments.

"Logistics and reliability are a priority for any multi-establishment business to run smoothly, but it takes a skilled team to ensure the whole operation delivers at a consistently high standard. Our finalists demonstrated that they not only manage a successful business, but that they are upholding the wider values of our industry as well. I wish them all the best of luck in the final round of judging.”

Award sponsor Terry Larkin, Group General Manager at JJ Food Service Limited and FOODit, added:"The standard of entrants this year was very strong – in particular, we were impressed with the effort made to position fish and chips as a healthier option in the fast-growing home delivery market. It was great to seeoperators successfully engaging with consumers on social media to promote dishes and increase sales. Businesses have also shown a strong commitment to the responsible sourcing of fish.”

The winner of the Best Multiple Fish & Chip Operator Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.

www.fishandchipawards.comor follow @FishnChipAwards #FishnChipAwards.