Grimsby’s seafood industry is backing a new initiative to help young people develop cooking skills and discover career opportunities across the sector.
Grimsby Fish Dock Group (GFDG), which operates Grimsby Fish Market and Port of Grimsby East, is funding Made Great in Grimsby’s support for the training kitchen at Horizon Youth Zone, the £13 million youth facility in the town centre.
The support aims to connect young people with Grimsby’s seafood heritage while encouraging them to consider careers in food, hospitality, manufacturing and the wider maritime supply chain.
Andrew Oliver, chief executive of GFDG, said: “We’re passionate about seafood, we want to see more people eat more fish more often, so where better to start than ensuring the children of this great town are as well-equipped as possible.”
He added: “Hopefully the next Rick Stein, Mitch Tonks or Nigella Lawson emerges from this support and tells the nation of Grimsby’s pride in its seafood story.”
The announcement comes as New England Seafood International (NESI), which is approaching 10 years of operations in Grimsby, becomes a founder patron of Horizon Youth Zone.
Dan Aherne, group chief executive of NESI, said the company wanted young people to recognise the opportunities available locally.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Horizon Youth Zone and to inspire the next generation to consider our incredibly diverse industry, and manufacturing more broadly, as a really strong career prospect,” he said.
Simon Dwyer, representing Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, said the sector already provides significant employment across the region.
“We represent a sector that gives direct employment and career aspirations to 5,000 people mainly residing in North East Lincolnshire and another 10,000 people in the supply chain,” he said.
Horizon Youth Zone provides facilities and activities seven days a week for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Membership costs £5 a year, with visits costing 50p.
More than 4,000 young people have already used the facility since it opened in the refurbished Grade II-listed Migar House and former West Haven Maltings.
Mike Parker, chair of Horizon Youth Zone and a former Young’s seafood executive, thanked the businesses for their backing.
“It highlights the opportunities available within the seafood industry and shows their dedication to helping the young people of North East Lincolnshire discover their talents, develop essential life skills and unlock their potential,” he said.
