Seafood Scotland’s ‘Business Development and Value Added Support Programme’ has proved successful, resulting in an additional funding package for Scottish businesses through to March 2015.
The two-year project, which ran from April 2011 to March 2013, aimed to promote competitiveness and profitability in the Scottish seafood sector, develop new markets, maximise opportunities in existing markets and raise awareness of Scottish seafood to buyers, reduce wastage and maximise the value of the catch.
“Seafood Scotland worked with 119 companies to offer business and market development support, market insight and intelligence, quality, environmental and technical support, and assistance in raising standards,” said Graham Young, head, Seafood Scotland.
The project resulted in 22 new major customers gained, 18 new products launched and six certifications achieved. A total of 48 full time and eight part time jobs were created, and 204 full time and 17 part time jobs were secured.
“It was very successful and the results will help individual companies to continue the development of their businesses. The value of new sales generated by the programme was just under £4m,” he added.
Participating businesses invested £2.7m of their own capital in delivering project activities.
The project was co-funded by the European Commission, the Scottish Government via the European Fisheries Fund, Aberdeenshire Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with support from Seafish.
