Fish City earns Belfast Business Promise Badges for Community, Environment, and Local Economy Commitments
Here at Fish City, we’ve always believed that doing good business means doing good for the community, the environment, and the economy. That’s why we are thrilled to share some exciting news: we have achieved Pledges 2, 3, and 5 of the Belfast Business Promise, a mark of excellence spearheaded by Belfast City Council.
This recognition not only reflects the hard work and passion of our dedicated team, but it also speaks to the values that shape everything we do. As an award-winning seafood restaurant in Belfast city centre, we’re deeply rooted in Belfast’s community and driven by a mission to lead by example in ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices.
What is the Belfast Business Promise?
The Belfast Business Promise is a city-led initiative designed to help local businesses operate more ethically and sustainably. The framework includes eight pledges, ranging from fair employment to environmental protection, with organisations evaluated through a rigorous process involving baseline testing and expert panel reviews.
We are proud to be a Belfast Business Promise Supporter—a status that means we have signed up to uphold all eight pledges and have begun the journey toward full compliance. This isn’t just a badge of honour; it’s a commitment to long-term transformation.
A Triple Achievement: Pledges 2, 3 and 5
We’re delighted to share that we have been formally recognised for our achievements in three crucial areas of the Belfast Business Promise.
Pledge 2: Working in Partnership with Our Communities
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Fish City. Whether it’s through collaborating with local groups like Team Haven, supporting local initiatives like Safer Waters, or offering our team opportunities to volunteer with Ulster Wildlife and engage with the wider community, our commitment to giving back is unwavering.
To meet the standards of Pledge 2, we provided documentary evidence of our sustained and strategic community involvement. We’ve not only engaged with community leaders and organisations, but we’ve also developed actionable plans to support their missions.
We’re especially proud of our focus on inclusivity, which includes training our staff on hidden disabilities (e.g. JAM) and ensuring our services are accessible to everyone—demonstrating our commitment to a Belfast that’s inclusive and welcoming for all.
Pledge 3: Protecting Our Environment
Long gone are the days when sustainability was optional. Operating a sustainable business, increasing efficiency, and minimising cost and environmental impact is essential to a business’s bottom line and long-term viability. We’ve made significant strides in reducing our environmental impact, and receiving the Pledge 3 badge is validation of the concrete actions we’ve taken.
This includes:
Conducting a full assessment of our environmental impact
Establishing a baseline for performance
Investing in energy efficiency and low-emission technologies
In-house training for our team to be environmental stewards
Identifying key personnel responsible for sustainability within the business
We’ve aligned with Belfast’s circular economy objectives, ensuring that our operations not only reduce waste but also create opportunities for reuse and regeneration.
Pledge 5: Supporting the Local and Social Economy
Our roots are local, and we believe that supporting other local and social enterprises is vital to Belfast’s continued growth and resilience. This pledge recognises our commitment to preferentially sourcing within a 50-mile radius of our business, supporting and engaging with small businesses and social enterprises, and embedding social value in every aspect of our procurement process.
From choosing local suppliers to encouraging our employees to support ‘Love Local’ campaigns, we are making daily decisions that contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. Our procurement processes are regularly reviewed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all types of suppliers—particularly those closest to the point of service.
A Team Effort
These achievements are not just boxes we’ve ticked—they’re a reflection of who we are as a business. From our front-of-house staff to our management team, everyone at Fish City has played a role in ensuring that we live our values every day. This recognition is as much a testament to our people as it is to our policies.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients, partners, and stakeholders. Your continued support has made these milestones possible. Whether you’re dining with us, collaborating with us, or working alongside us, your trust inspires us to aim higher.
Why This Matters
The Belfast Business Promise provides a structured, transparent, and impactful pathway for businesses to make real change. It goes beyond traditional CSR frameworks by offering measurable criteria and clear expectations. For us, it’s not just about gaining recognition—it’s about creating a legacy of positive impact.
By committing to all eight pledges—and achieving three so far—we’re joining a growing movement of businesses that are shaping a better future for Belfast. We hope our journey will inspire others in our industry and beyond to get involved, take action, and drive change.
What’s Next?
Our journey doesn’t stop here. As a Belfast Business Promise Supporter, we are committed to working toward achieving all eight pledges. With this momentum, we’re more motivated than ever to continue:
Expanding our environmental initiatives
Deepening our community partnerships
Strengthening our support for local and social enterprises
And importantly, innovating within our business to provide even greater value to our customers and community
We also plan to share more about our progress in the coming months, offering insights into what we’ve learned and how we’re evolving. Transparency is key—and we want to bring our community along with us every step of the way.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you’re a fellow business in Belfast, we encourage you to consider signing up for the Belfast Business Promise. It’s an opportunity not just to enhance your business, but to play an active role in building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient city.
And for our valued customers: know that every time you visit Fish City, you’re supporting a business that puts people and planet first. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you're a part of our story—and together, we’re building something special.