SURREY PROFESSIONAL SECURES POSITION AS A NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARD WINNER

Surrey professional secures position as a National Fish & Chip Award winner. The National Fish & Chip Awards has promoted Georgia Lye from Seafare Guildford in Surrey to Employee of the Year status at the trade awards ceremony which took place in London.

The Employee of the Year category was introduced for the 2024 edition of the awards – which is organised by the fish and chip industry association, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) – to recognise the individuals who excel at making valuable impact in many workplace areas, and within the locally community.

Nominated by their co-workers, the three finalists – Georgia, Zak Bishop from Squires Fish Restaurant & Takeaway in Braunton, Devon; and Vaughn Jones from Scarlett’s Fish and Chips in Trearddur Bay, Wales – were tasked with an interview with the judges and sponsor who appraised their work ethic, contributions to business successes, customer service, and more.

The hard work has finally paid off for Georgia who was presented with her new title by TV presenter Matt Baker. She says of netting the prize:

“I’m absolutely delighted to win the Employee of the Year Award – fish and chips is a way of life for me, and my family, and has been for three generations. The competition is a great way to promote fish and chips and encourages young people into the industry. I’m so proud to represent the industry, and my family.”

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, says:

“We are thrilled to present the Employee of the Year award to Georgia! This recognition is testament to her contributions at Seafare Guildford, which also has far-reaching effects into her local community. The industry will continue to innovate and elevate thanks to people like Georgia, who as well as being a heavy hitter when it comes to professionalism, high standards and passion for the fish and chip sector; she is also the most genuine and hardworking person, and we shall continue to support her progression.”

Also congratulating Georgia is Bobby Joyce, sales & marketing director from sustainable fish and seafood supplier Smales, which sponsored the award. He adds:

“As a family-owned company with almost 90 years of trading history, we know that good employees are the lifeblood of any successful business and having the foresight to recognise, develop and encourage your staff will ultimately drive positive improvement.

“To see so many talented people working hard to raise standards for our famous national dish is truly inspiring and will help to keep fish and chips as popular as ever for future generations. We are extremely proud to support this award which gives these great people their deserved recognition.”

For over a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has proudly supported the fish and chip industry through the National Fish & Chip Awards. This year, Seafood from Norway will again welcome award winners to an exclusive study trip to Norway for an immersive three-day experience, highlighted by a day program aboard Langøy, one of Norway’s advanced frozen-at-sea vessels. This trip underscores the shared commitment to sustainability and excellence between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s fish and chip community.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.