South Shields businessman wins Outstanding Achievement Award at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2020

Richard Ord Snr, of Colmans Fish & Chips, which has shops in Ocean Road and Sea Road, has been recognised for his long-standing contribution to the fish and chip industry, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2020.

The National Fish & Chip Awards is a UK-wide competition celebrating true excellence in the fish and chip industry organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry.

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the fish and chip industry through dedicated service and who has made a lasting impact on fish and chips.

Over 100 leading representatives and stakeholders from the wider sector were invited to put forward nominations for this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award. There was one clear winner - Richard Ord of Colmans Fish & Chips.

Richard has vast experience in the world of fish and chips, having worked in industry for over 50 years. Both he and several generations of his family have been responsible for innovating, modernising and generally advancing the UK’s favourite takeaway.

His determination to protect the environment and championing local producers has seen Colmans Fish & Chips become a local institution that has cooked for many a celebrity. Richard even cooked for the Queen’s Birthday celebrations The British Embassy in Guatemala in 2008.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “Richard is a highly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award. He has made a huge impact on the fish and chip industry over the last 50 years and has been instrumental in creating the culture of openness between fish and chip shops that benefits the entire sector.

“Many shops now open their doors to other owners, to let them see how they do things and how to run an award-winning business. Richard pioneered this approach to business, and the whole industry has felt the positive effects this created. He has won numerous awards over the years, is hugely influential and is absolutely committed to quality and sustainability.”