Entries are now open for the 39th National Fish and Chip Awards — but what can entering actually do for your business?
For fish and chip shops, restaurants and businesses across the industry, the National Fish and Chip Awards are about much more than winning a trophy.
The awards are the industry’s most recognised and respected awards programme, celebrating excellence across the sector and helping businesses raise standards, gain recognition and showcase what they do best.
And with free entry, valuable feedback and the opportunity to gain national recognition, there’s plenty to gain from putting your business forward.
Here are just some of the reasons why entering could be one of the best decisions you make for your business this year.
1. Get your business recognised
Running a successful fish and chip business takes hard work, dedication and consistency — but how often do you get the opportunity to put all of that in the spotlight?
Entering the National Fish and Chip Awards gives you the chance to showcase what makes your business stand out and gain recognition from industry professionals.
Whether you progress through to the finals or simply take part in the judging process, entering gives you an opportunity to take a step back and demonstrate the strengths of your business.
And if you make it through the rounds, that recognition can become a powerful marketing tool.
2. Give your marketing a boost
Being shortlisted or becoming a finalist gives you something genuinely exciting to talk about with your customers.
From social media posts and website content to email campaigns, in-store signage and local PR, your awards journey can provide valuable content for your marketing throughout the year.
Customers love to get behind local businesses, and being recognised by one of the industry’s leading awards programmes gives them another reason to talk about, visit and support your business.
A finalist announcement can become a social post. A judging milestone can become a story. And a win can become a major piece of news.
One entry could give you months of marketing opportunities.
3. Build credibility and customer confidence
When customers have plenty of choice, recognition can help your business stand out.
Being named a finalist, category winner or National Fish and Chip Awards champion provides an independent endorsement of the standards you work hard to maintain.
It can give new customers another reason to try you, while giving existing customers another reason to keep coming back.
For a business that prides itself on quality, service and consistency, awards recognition can be a powerful way to communicate that to your customers.
4. Benchmark your business against the best
One of the biggest benefits of entering isn’t necessarily winning.
It’s learning.
All entrants who are judged receive comprehensive feedback after the competition, providing a valuable and completely free appraisal of your business.
That means entering gives you the opportunity to see where your business is performing strongly and identify areas where you could improve.
The judging process can encourage you to look at your business from a different perspective — from the quality and consistency of your food to customer service, sustainability, staff development, marketing and more, depending on your category.
Even if you don’t take home the trophy, the insight you gain could help you take your business forward.
5. Motivate and celebrate your team
A great fish and chip business isn’t built by one person.
Behind every successful shop or restaurant is a team of people who turn up every day, deliver great food, look after customers and keep the business moving.
Entering the awards gives you an opportunity to recognise that work.
Reaching the next stage can give your team something to celebrate. Becoming a finalist can create a real sense of achievement. And winning can provide a moment that your whole team can be proud of.
It’s a chance to show your employees that their hard work is noticed — and that the standards they deliver every day really do matter.
6. Create opportunities to attract new customers
Awards recognition can help put your business in front of people who may not have discovered you before.
As your awards journey generates social content, local interest and PR opportunities, it can help increase awareness of your business within your community and beyond.
Businesses that progress through the judging stages can often experience increased customer interest and sales, demonstrating that awards recognition can have a real commercial impact.
The more people who hear about your business, the more opportunities you have to turn that awareness into new customers.
7. Connect with the wider industry
The National Fish and Chip Awards aren’t just about competition — they’re also an opportunity to celebrate the industry and connect with fellow professionals from across the UK.
For those who reach the final, two complimentary tickets to the prestigious awards ceremony are included, giving finalists the chance to celebrate alongside some of the industry’s leading businesses and professionals.
The 2027 finalists will be invited to the Gala Luncheon at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on Wednesday 24 February 2027.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, meet other operators and be part of a day dedicated to recognising the very best of the fish and chip industry.
8. And it’s completely FREE to enter
Perhaps the biggest reason to enter?
You’ve got nothing to lose.
Entry to the National Fish and Chip Awards is completely free, while every entrant who is judged receives comprehensive feedback.
Whether you’re looking to benchmark your business, motivate your team, generate new marketing opportunities, increase customer confidence or simply see how you measure up against the best in the industry, there is plenty to gain.
Could your business be the next National Fish and Chip Awards finalist?
You don’t need to be a previous award winner or a household name to enter.
If you’re proud of your business, your team and the standards you deliver every day, why not put yourself forward?
Entering is simple. Visit TheFishandChipAwards.com, choose the category that’s right for your business and you’ll be directed to the awards portal to complete your entry.
The judging process varies depending on the category, but the awards team will keep you informed every step of the way as you progress through each round.
Your next big business opportunity could start with an entry.
Enter today and take the first step towards becoming a National Fish and Chip Awards 2027 finalist.