The Life of Ryan!
- austen
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Fish and Chip shop owner named finalist in the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Ryan Harrison, founder of Harrisons Fish & Chip Co., has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is as much about the entrepreneur as the business,
recognising the people behind the brand and the decisions, resilience and ambition that build companies that last.
Known as the Grammys of entrepreneurship, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK, recognising entrepreneurs from every nation and region for their innovation, impact and resilience.
Past winners include the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their journey.
The 2026 shortlist tells a story that goes well beyond a single celebration. Taken together, the Class of 2026 represents the real engine of the British economy.
The 2026 shortlist in numbers:
● 5,000 applications received
● 740 businesses shortlisted
● £3.3bn combined turnover
● 17,700+ jobs supported
● 2,700+ new jobs being created
● 5,200+ years of combined trading
● 40% women-led businesses
● 10 UK regions and nations represented
● 50% already selling overseas
This is why the Great British Entrepreneur Awards exists. Not to celebrate the loudest voices, but the businesses quietly powering the UK economy.
Ryan Harrison, founder of Harrisons Fish & Chip Co., Oxford said: “5 years ago I didn’t think I would be where I am today. Through fish and chips it has changed my life and given me so many exciting opportunities!”
Harrisons Fish & Chip Cos milestones include:
● 2026 Menu Innovation Winner National Fish & Chip Awards
● 2026 Top 10 Takeaway of the year National Fish & Chip Awards
● 2025 Top 40 Takeaway of the year National Fish & Chip Awards
● 2025 Top 3 Quality Accreditation National Fish & Chip Awards
● 2024 Top 40 Takeaway of the year National Fish & Chip Awards
As part of his prize at the prestigious NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards Ryan has just returned from an educational trip to Alesund, Norway, with Seafood from Norway UK. The trip further enabled him to learn about the provinence of the fish he uses and in turn inform his customers that he serves the finest ingedients with sustainability at the heart of his operation. In September he will do the same for potatoes and visit a farm in Cambridgeshire (Isle of Ely Produce) and see firsthand the best new varities for his shop for the year ahead. He will also present on stage there too about his journey thus far including success in these awards.
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
“When we launched the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2012, we set out to back the
businesses that get on and build, the ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve.
More than a decade on, over 5,000 applications tell me we were onto something.
These are founders who have stuck with it through every kind of year, and championing them is exactly why we do this.”
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are proudly supported by Allica Bank.
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica, said:
“What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK's
established business community. Having run my own business, I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times.
“Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the UK's GDP and
employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.”
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