Middleton Foods is excited to bring back The Peter Hill Award for 2025 – a special competition that helps support newcomers in the fish and chip industry. With £10,000 worth of prizes to be won, it’s a great opportunity for new business owners looking to grow and succeed.
Honouring a Fish & Chip Legend
The award was first launched in 2023 in memory of Peter Hill, the much-loved CEO of Middleton Foods. Peter had a deep love for the fish and chip trade and always wanted to help others succeed in the industry.
Ryan Baker, Sales Manager at Middleton Foods, says:
“Peter loved the fish and chip industry so much and was always keen to support and nurture new talent in the trade he adored. The Peter Hill Award recognises newcomers to the industry, encourages new talent, promotes quality and excellence and allows us to give something back to the trade. We’d like to extend our thanks to our independent expert judging panel – Fred Capel, Nigel Hodgson and Calum Richardson – as well as Nikki Williams, Field Sales Manager, KFE and NFFF too, for their ongoing support.
“We all miss Peter tremendously. The fish and chip industry stole his heart, and with The Peter Hill Award we’ve created a true legacy to Peter. It’s a fantastic way to keep our great friend’s memory alive, and something all the Middleton’s family are extremely proud of. It sparks considerable interest throughout the industry, which means winning is even more special – it isn’t just the kudos of being the winner, but the amazing prize is hugely beneficial to the winning business. We’re delighted to bring it back for its third year and can’t wait to see who enters, and who will win something money just can’t buy. A carefully curated prize pot, which encapsulates all the aspects of the industry Peter loved so much – areas he was so knowledgeable and passionate about – that will support the winner and benefit their business ongoing.”
Now in its third year, the award has become a big event in the industry, helping winners get the tools, knowledge, and support they need to grow their business.
What Can You Win?
The winner of The Peter Hill Award 2025 will receive an amazing prize package, including:
- £1,000 worth of Middleton Foods stock
- Their own custom batter mix
- Two places at the KFE School of Frying Excellence
- A year’s NFFF membership
- 1-to-1 training with fish and chip expert Calum Richardson
- Tickets to the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2026, including travel and hotel
- Support from the Middleton Foods Batter Boys
- Extra help for National Fish and Chip Day 2026
Plus, four runners-up will each win £300 of Middleton Foods stock and a place at the KFE frying school (with a hotel stay).
Judged by the Best
The entries will be judged by a team of fish and chip experts: Fred Capel, Nigel Hodgson, and Calum Richardson. The team is also supported by Nikki Williams from KFE and the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).
Past Winners
Past winners have gone on to do great things:
- 2024 Winner: SALT Fish & Chips (Cumbria)
- 2023 Winner: Oliver’s Chippy (Warton, Lancashire)
These shops have gained attention and success thanks to the support from the award.
How to Enter
If you’re new to the fish and chip trade and want to enter, you have until 30th September 2025. You can find full details and how to apply at:
www.middletonfoods.com/the-peter-hill-award
Middleton Foods is proud to keep Peter Hill’s memory alive by helping others succeed in the industry he loved.
For more info, call +44 (0)1902 608122 or visit middletonfoods.com