National Federation of Fishmongers

07/10/2026

🏆 NFF Excellence Awards Results Are In – Check Your Inboxes!

The results for the National Federation of Fishmongers Excellence Awards have officially been sent out to all entrants.

Check your email inbox. A massive congratulations to everyone who entered and continues to raise the bar for craftsmanship, quality, and service in independent fishmongery.
👉 Can't find the email?

Give your spam, junk, or promotions folder a quick check.

If it’s still missing, send us a direct message or reply here with your shop name so we can verify your email and resend your copy straight away.
Huge respect to all involved—time to celebrate the very best in the trade! 🐟

07/10/2026

All the hard work pays off! The National Federation of Fishmongers Quality Awards 2026/27 showcasing excellence in our trade.

Well done T Buck Seafoods Limited 🫶

⭐ Award of Excellence – National Federation of Fishmongers ⭐

I am delighted to confirm that T Buck Seafoods Ltd has achieved an Award of Excellence – our highest level of recognition – for 2026/27.

The judges were particularly impressed by the depth of experience behind the business. More than 45 years in the fish trade is reflected in the knowledge, buying, preparation and personal service that underpin T Buck Seafoods, while your recognition as Best Mobile Fishmonger – England provides further testament to the standards you have established. The traditional mobile model was another real strength. Combining a farm shop base, mobile round and five regular community trading pitches allows you to take quality seafood and skilled fish preparation directly into the communities you serve, while maintaining the personal relationships that have always been such an important part of a great fishmonger.

The judges also particularly liked seeing Ollie developing within the business. Terry’s considerable experience being passed directly to the next generation through practical, day-to-day mentoring represents exactly the kind of continuity of skills and knowledge the National Federation of Fishmongers wants to recognise and celebrate.

The judging panel felt T Buck Seafoods represents traditional mobile fishmongering at its very best – combining more than 45 years of experience, consistently high standards and trusted personal service, while actively passing those skills and traditions to the next generation.

29/09/2026

MEET THE NFF COUNCIL | Paul Neve MFS (Hull) 🔪

"Quality standards and staff training aren't optional extras—they are essential business development tools."

Meet Paul Neve, NFF Councillor and dedicated independent trainer/assessor with more than 55 years of seafood industry experience spanning Saudi Arabia, Seafish, and retail fishmongery.
Career Highlights:

🏅 55+ Years in Seafood: From Seafish training development to over 20 years on the retail block.
🏆 Master Fishmonger Status (2018): 5-time Morrisons Northern Region 'Mastercraft' Champion and multi-time NFF National Craftsmanship Competition winner.

🏛️ NFF Council Member: Serving since 2024.

Key Focus Areas for the Trade:

Making Compliance Manageable: Translating complex legislation into clear, actionable steps for small independent operators.

Preserving Craft Heritage: Protecting independent counters to ensure block skills and customer-facing expertise remain central to the UK seafood market.

Elevating Training: Championing formal staff development as the primary driver of retail quality and business retention.

Advice for Independents: "Look after your customers and they will look after you."
Help us celebrate the leaders working behind the scenes to support independent fishmongers across the UK!

27/09/2026

🐟 JOB OPPORTUNITY | WEST LONDON

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Fishmonger and Fishmonger Assistant to join a new independent business opening in West London this November.

The new fishmongers will sit alongside a butcher and restaurant under one roof, with an experienced Fishmonger role starting at £50,000 and the opportunity for profit share following successful completion of probation.

Positions available:
Fishmonger
Fishmonger Assistant

📍 West London
📅 Opening late November
📞 For further details, contact Tom on 07549 517783

23/09/2026

NFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: From 20 Years in the Kitchen to Sevenoaks’ Go-To Fishmonger 🐟✨

At the National Federation of Fishmongers, we love showcasing members who blend deep industry roots with a passion for training the next generation. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Greg Chester, founder of The Fish Shop Sevenoaks in Kent!

Greg’s relationship with seafood started early—landing his very first job behind a fishmonger’s counter at just 14 years old. After working there until leaving school, he spent two decades honing his culinary instincts as a professional chef. Spotting a clear gap in the local market for genuine, high-quality, craft-handled fish, Greg took the leap five years ago and opened his own high-street shop.

🔪 In Conversation with Greg
Q: How did you get your start in the trade?
"My first ever job was in a fishmonger’s at 14. I worked there until leaving school, then spent 20 years as a chef. I wanted a change and saw a clear gap in the market for quality fish, so I took everything I learned and opened The Fish Shop Sevenoaks 5 years ago."

Q: How are you supporting the next generation?
"Over the last 5 years, I’ve hired three complete novices and fully trained them from scratch. Passing down traditional skills is everything, and the talented Shaun has been with me for 3 years now!"

Q: What do you want to see for the future of the trade?

"More young people coming into the industry, and a major shift away from supermarket counters selling overpriced fish with zero traceability. Supporting local fishmongers is how we keep vital high-street traditions alive."

Q: What’s your #1 message for the public?
> "Never be afraid to come in and ask us questions! We are always here to give you the best advice on what to choose, how to prep it, and how to cook it."

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👏 Show some support for Greg and the team! Next time you’re in Sevenoaks, drop into the shop for expert advice and exceptional fresh seafood.
📍 Visit them: The Fish Shop Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks, Kent
📲 Follow:

21/09/2026

🎣 We are your voice. We have your corner. 🇬🇧

In an evolving retail landscape, independent seafood businesses need robust, practical representation.

The National Federation of Fishmongers

Looking at this photo, you are seeing hundreds of years of combined trade experience spanning different generations of the craft—decades of early mornings, expert filleting, and total passionate dedication to British fishmongery.

Every year, individual council members of the National Federation of Fishmongers donate hundreds of hours of their own personal time—unpaid from their own businesses —to make sure independent fishmongers across the UK always have a strong, unified voice.

Here is just a snapshot at how we are standing in your corner behind the scenes:

✔ Apprenticeships & Training: Safeguarding traditional knife skills and building structured pathways for new entrants to secure our trade’s future.

✔ Working Standards: Championing high benchmarks of craft excellence, provenance, and customer service that build trust on the high street. Through good working practices and awards of excellence.

✔ Bespoke Food Safety Systems: Creating practical, fishmonger-specific safety management tools designed by fishmongers, for fishmongers to simplify compliance.

✔ A Unified National Voice: Giving independent high-street counters and market traders direct representation where it matters most.
We are run by fishmongers, for fishmongers. If you operate an independent counter in the UK, the Federation is in your corner.

🤞 Judging for this year's quality awards is finalised and we are currently writing responses to entrants. Keep your eyes peeled.

👉 Tag a fellow UK fishmonger in the comments who deserves recognition for keeping the craft alive, or share this post to support independent fishmongery nationwide!

08/09/2026

This week marks the UK’s annual focus on charitable gifts in wills.

It's a chance to reflect on the difference a gift in your will can make to causes and communities that matter to you.

As the Fishermen's Mission approaches its 145th anniversary next month, we're grateful for the generosity of supporters whose gifts in wills have helped sustain our work helping fishermen and their families through tough times.

We may not be able to change the world alone, but a gift in your will can change someone's world.
Our supporter, Val, told us why she has chosen to leave a gift to the Fishermen's Mission in her will:

🗣️ "I admire the Fishermen's Mission for their compassion, and care, not only for working and retired fishermen, but their families."

This week we’re also joining Northern Ireland’s Will to Give in supporting . The membership organisation uses the week to encourage more people to be remembered for kindness by leaving a charitable gift in their will.

A gift in your will for our charity can help ensure that practical, emotional and financial support remains available to fishing families for generations to come. 💙

Find out more by visiting the page via the link in comments.

05/09/2026