Harlees Fish & Chips well and truly battered the opposition to win a national award.

The business, which has eight locations including five in Dorset, was named Best Multiple Operator at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023.

It was chosen after an extensive judging process completed by an anonymous panel of industry experts.

In a Facebook message, Harlees said: “We are so proud and excited to have won Best Multiple Operator.

“Well done to every member of our Harlees team and thank you to all our customers for their continued support.”

A family business founded in 1997, Harlees is run by Richard and Lynda Long and daughter Kaylee Herbert.

Richard is the third generation, and Kaylee, pictured left with the award, the fourth, to go into the industry.

They currently employ 95 staff, a mixture of full and part-time employees, with Dorset sites in Corfe Mullen, Poole Quay, Swanage (two locations) and Verwood.

Speaking before the awards, Kaylee said: “We are delighted to have made the top three.

“Our teams have worked really hard during uncertain times over the past two years and deserve this recognition.

“As a company in 2022 we have opened a new shop, started our journey towards carbon zero and have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline for the year ahead.”

The Best Multiple Operator category celebrates businesses which operate multiple fish and chips sites across the UK.

It is sponsored by Meadow Vale Foods, supplier of poultry products to the foodservice and retail market.

Andrew Crook, President, National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), said: “Finding the best operators who have managed multiple sites during a difficult year for the industry is so important to highlight and celebrate their success.

“It’s amazing to see strong businesses thriving and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue to grow in 2023.”

The National Fish and Chip Awards were hosted by the NFFF at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.

It’s the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raising standards across the industry while supporting fish and chip related businesses

Harlees were up against The Chesterford Group in Hertfordshire and Bells Fish & Chips in Durham for the Multiple Operator title.

• harlees.co.uk