Seafish has spoken with some key female role models from across the UK seafood industry to celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March).
For an industry once predominantly populated by men, there are now a number of high-profile women driving innovation within their sector. However, with a recent report by the FAO finding only one out of the 100 biggest seafood companies has a female CEO, there is still a need to highlight the talented and driven women in the seafood industry.
Seafish has interviewed five successful women who are leading the way and shaping the future of the industry. The participants were asked a variety of questions, with the aim of shedding light on the challenges they’ve faced both professionally and personally, and the advice they have for women wanting to enter the industry.
The interviewees include CJ Jackson, author and CEO of Billingsgate Seafood School; Katie Miller who works on the Sustainable Seafood Coalition for the NGO ClientEarth; Susan Ord, Fish & Chip shop owner and entrepreneur; Errin Todd, CEO of Lobster Pod (an innovative shellfish transportation startup); and Anne-Margaret Anderson, Policy Co-ordinator for The Scottish White Fish Producers Association.
Errin Todd explains how the industry has changed positively over the last few years, with more women active in the industry, but as Katie Miller says, there is still work to be done to encourage more women into the sector:
“There is definitely an imbalance in the seafood sector but it’s certainly not only a man’s world, and I’ve never had the impression anyone thinks I shouldn’t be there because I’m a woman.”
Mel Groundsell, Corporate Relation Director at Seafish, said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate the women driving innovation and positive change in all corners of the seafood industry. The commitment, drive and passion displayed by this remarkable group of people should make us all proud and will hopefully encourage new entrants of both genders into the wonderful world of seafood.”
The full interviews can be read here.
