Seafish Friers Quality Awards
We were the first chip shop in the area to be presented with the Seafish Friers Quality Award in 1998 and have achieved the award every year since. We were also the regional finalists in the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year in 1997.
Fish and Chip shops that have the Seafish Friers Quality Award are nationally recognized for producing first class fish and chips in a first class environment.
Questions & Answers About Seafish Friers Quality Award
What is the Seafish Friers Award?
The award is given by the Seafish Friers Industry Authority (Seafish) to reward high standards in fish and chip shops. All aspects of the frier's businesses are inspected from the quality of the fish and chips to the friendliness of the staff and the handling and cooking practices.
Why does Seafish run the Award?
Seafish introduced the award to encourage and reward high standards in fish and chip shops. Friers across the country were keen for Seafish to introduce the award because, like Seafish, they believe that quality is of real importance in the food industry and that customers deserve the best.
Is it worth bothering about fish and chips - surely burgers and ethnic food are more popular nowadays?
Fish and chips is still Britian's number one hot takeaway - in 1995, nearly 300 million servings of fish and chips were sold. That equals six servings for every man, woman and child in the country.
When did the Award begin?
the first inspections for Friers Quality Award began in February 1996.
What is Seafish?
Seafish or the Seafish Industry Authority is a statutory body which acts as a service organisation for the fish industry. One of its main activities is marketing and quality assurance and that's where the Seafish Quality Awards fit in. In fact, Seafish run a family of Quality Awards - for retailers, wholesalers, processors and this newest one for friers.
How did this shop get the Friers Awards?
To achieve the Friers Quality Award, a shop has to pass an inspection by one of Seafish's Quality Assurance Officers. The inspection is very thorough indeed, covering all aspects of the business. Over 193 points are inspected including about 40 temperature checks. When you see the Friers Quality Award logo you can be assured that everything has been checked - even behind the scenes.
Why should a fish and chip shop consider applying for this Award?
Fish and chip shops applying for the Award get an expert, independent assessment of all areas of their business and advice in any improvements that should be made. The Seafish Quality Assurance Officers can also give advice regarding legislative requirements.
Having the Award is also an excellent marketing tool for fish and chip shops, as the logo can also be used on window stickers, posters and advertising materials to tell existing and new customers that the shop has been recognised for its excellent standards of quality.
How much does it cost?
There is a one off charge of £60 plus VAT to apply for an inspection but there are no other costs involved - even if a shop fails first time and requires another inspection.
How long does the shop hold the Award for?
The Award is valid for a year and to ensure that the high standards are maintained Seafish Quality Assurance Officers visit regularly to carry out spot checks.
Does this Award mean this shop is the best in the country?
It means that it is certainly one of the best because of its extremely high standards.
How long does an inspection take?
It can take anything from a couple of hours to nearly a whole day depending on the size of the shop. But regardless of size, every business is thoroughly inspected.
What does the shop get for winning the Award?
The frier receives a Friers Quality Award certificate and a logo to display in the shop.