The Bay Fish and Chips

The Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, has won multiple awards for its fish and chips and its dedication to sustainability.  Founder Calum Richardson champions eco-friendly practice and local produce around the world and, with just 16 staff, says no business is too small to make a difference.

“Sustainability is a core part of The Bay’s daily practices and business DNA,” Richardson says. “We were truly one of the first fish and chip businesses to turn the tide on single use plastic, paper, and food waste, as well as setting the bar high for our suppliers – encouraging positive change throughout the supply chain.”

The business, which served around 240,000 customers last year, sources 90% of its ingredients from a 50-mile radius and was the first fish and chip shop to sell Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified haddock. This means it is fished sustainably and can be traced back to an MSC certified fishery.

In 2018, the Lonely Planet Ultimate Eatlist guide voted The Bay as one of the World’s Top 50 Eating Experiences – and the highest-ranking British entry. This has had a positive ripple effect on nearby suppliers and local businesses.

VIBES credentials

The Bay Fish and Chips won the Management SME category in the 2012 VIBES Awards.

Founder Calum Richardson says: “VIBES is an amazing recognition for the business, and the team, that our vision is, in fact, a reality.

“The Bay has always set out to lead the charge in championing best environmental practices, sharing what we do with the wider hospitality and trade industry, and educating our customer base by living our values every single day.

“It’s so good to have a respected organisation like VIBES showcasing the best of Scotland’s efforts to showcase how going green can bring businesses real benefits, whilst caring for our planet.”

Environmental and business benefits

• All fish is sourced from sustainable sources and cooked using a high efficiency frying range, and can be fried, baked, or griddled
• All waste oil is accounted for, uplifted by Bay’s supplier and converted into biofuel
• All food waste is collected and recycled into compost by Aberdeenshire food waste specialist Keenan recycling
• All The Bay’s packaging is compostable and all non-food waste is recycled with Aberdeen-based EIS Waste Services
• The company uses the Enjo chemical-free cleaning system and monitors water, gas and electricity to reduce its carbon footprint
• There are no neon signs in the shop, which is painted with environmentally-friendly paint
• The Bay sources 100% of its energy from renewable sources with Good Energy.

Wider benefits

• Sourcing from local suppliers supports the local economy – and reduces food miles
• Championing local suppliers in store – including Aberdeen-based Couper Seafoods and Peterhead-based Amity Fish Company – has helped drive demand for products The Bay’s suppliers
• The Bay believes in ethical sourcing and use Fairtrade products where possible
• No by-product is wasted. Even the starch from potatoes is collected with specialist technology and returned to a Scottish pig farmer to feed his livestock.
• All staff receive Marine Stewardship Council training to ensure they can understand and convey information relating to sustainability to customers
• Staff are encouraged to use the government’s Cycle to Work scheme
• Widespread press and social media coverage has helped promote key sustainability messages. These were included in more than 98% of the 93 articles in 2018 featuring The Bay Fish and Chips.
• Founder Calum Richardson actively promotes the benefits of sustainable business, including presentations in Japan and America.
• European Business Awards for the Environment finalist in 2013 for the SME category

Website: https://thebayfishandchips.co.uk/