Top County Durham chippy scoops Training and Development Award. The high-‘frying’ team at Yarm Road Fish & Chips in Darlington was honoured as the UK’s best for training and development at the 38th National Fish & Chip Awards, with TV personality and actor Stephen Mangan hosting the most prestigious event in the chippy trade.
With an industry built on heritage and carried forward by skilled professionals, the Training and Development Award recognises the fish and chip shops shaping and reinforcing the trade’s future. This year’s finalist contenders which included Bells Fish & Chips in Durham, County Durham and Stones Fish and Chips in Acton, London, were widely praised for their approaches to nurturing talent.
But 12 months on from winning Takeaway of the Year, Yarm Road was singled out for its excellence and commitment to transforming first jobs into long-term careers, as well as creating clear pathways at all levels. The official competition for the industry is judged by seasoned entrepreneurs who all run their own successful fish and chip businesses, and it was the Darlington chippy’s stance on inclusivity, upskilling, mentorship and workplace culture that earned high-grade marks from the experts.
Will Burrell, owner-manager at Yarm Road, speaks of the family-run business’ dedication to providing experience, opportunities and life-learning to its workforce and what this latest acknowledgement means: “What an honour! Our team, and therefore training and development, have always been at the heart of our fish and chip shop. We have always been very aware that without our wonderful team, we would cease to exist in the capacity that we do!
“To invest in youth has been a particular ambition of ours. Fish and chips has famously given so many young people their first opportunities in the workplace and this is something we’ve wanted to champion. To train them and to develop them, both in the workplace and to assist them in their lives going forward is so rewarding.”
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) manages the annual awards which are recognised by all sectors of the industry, and its President Andrew Crook underlines the essential role of the category:
“The Training and Development Award celebrates businesses investing in their teams and promoting fulfilling, professional livelihoods. Many people start their working lives in fish and chip shops so it’s crucial that those early experiences are supported by solid leadership and the right upskilling, opportunities and environment to grow.
“Yarm Road distinguished itself in the competition with its ability to draw out people’s natural talents and strengths, while working with team members to meet challenges and increase their confidence. The chippy has already shown that its fish and chips rank among the best and this new accolade reinforces how and why. We are so happy for them and grateful for the amazing work being done to protect the fish and chip tradition.”
Jim Morris, sales director at Blakemans, the sausage and meat manufacturer with a 70-year heritage built on ‘family’ values, is the category sponsor. The company is also well-known for its focus on its supporting and developing its people. Jim expresses his congratulations to the new titleholder:
“Training and development sit at the very heart of a successful fish and chip business, and this year’s finalists demonstrated just how much passion and commitment exists across our industry when it comes to investing in people.
“The standard of entries was incredibly high, with each business showing genuine dedication to nurturing talent, building confidence and creating opportunities for their teams to grow.
Yarm Road stood out for its clear vision and the positive culture it has created, turning everyday roles into meaningful careers and setting an example others can aspire to follow.
“On behalf of everyone at Blakemans, I would like to offer our warmest congratulations on a thoroughly deserved achievement and wish Yarm Road continued success for the future.”
Yarm Road and the other winners from the awards have been invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway, hosted on board the long-liner vessel Geir, where they will see first-hand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea. The visit will give operators direct insight into the country’s science-led fisheries model, helping to bring origin, provenance and sustainability to life.
For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.nfff.co.uk/awards.
Image: NFFF