The UK Seafood Summit has attracted an impressive line-up of speakers from trade, industry and science for its inaugural event with topics covered including Brexit and the effect of microplastics on the marine environment.
Formerly the Humber Seafood Summit, the annual event is widely recognised as the two most important days in the UK seafood calendar and is organised by Seafish.
This year the Summit has rebranded to reflect the national flavour of the event and has moved to the Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton in the Humber region to accommodate more delegates due to increasing attendance each year.
The keynote speaker for 2018 is Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chairwoman of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, and member of the Government’s Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC), representing all LEPs. This is her first appearance at the Summit and her talk will focus on the growth of the food chain.
“I am delighted to be addressing the UK Seafood Summit. The seafood industry is a key part of the Greater Lincolnshire economy and a sector I am keen to promote both through my role as Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and on DEFRA’s Food & Drink Sector Council,” Ursula Lidbetter said.
This year 300 key opinion formers are expected to join respected industry leaders and government officials from the UK and Europe to discuss issues around consumer demands, consumption trends, innovation, sustainable sourcing, the supply chain, and the changing political, economic and regulatory landscape in relation to Brexit.
Other speakers include Andrew Oliver from Andrew Jacksons Solicitors who will be focusing on the impact of Brexit on international seafood trade, and Simon Smith from The Saucy Fish Company who will talk about innovation and consumer messages, while Dr Peter Kershaw will explore his work for the UN in the effect of microplastics on the marine environment. For a full list of the speakers visit the website.
“We have some exceptional speakers lined up and this summit provides an invaluable opportunity for the industry to come together to network, share ideas and discuss major issues, at a time of great change and opportunity,” said Seafish chief executive Marcus Coleman.
The two-day summit opens on Wednesday 17th October with an afternoon networking event, followed by the Seafood Fayre showcasing seafood from around the UK and local produce. The conference takes place on Thursday 18th October.
