Strategies

OUR MISSION – To be the voice of the UK Industry in making Seafood a bigger part of the British Diet, for a healthier Nation and Planet

Skills & Talent

The Issue

Our industry has a perception challenge that leads to a lack of relevant and much needed skills as well as a weak pipeline of future leaders. Our work and the breadth of career opportunities is not well understood. Unless we change this, we will miss the growth opportunity that stands before us all.

The Solution(s)

A cohesive strategy starting at schools and running through to college/University to build the talent and skills pool that can address both near term needs and future growth potential.
Building the profile and reputation of our industry via pillars 2, 3 and 5.
Strong local engagement in the core catching, farming and processing regions.
Promoting our product and industry in schools so that we are relevant from early years.

Ethics & Sustainability

The Issue

Our industry continues to be weighed down by consumer perceptions of stock depletion, environmental harm, and a poor record on the social agenda. Failure to address some of the uncomfortable realities will hamper progress and undermine the growth potential of the category.

The Solution(s)

Build the strong case for fish that the whole industry can unite behind and champion.
Strong collaboration with other UK industry bodies such as SEAA, SSC and Seafish.
A live and dynamic agenda and active prioritisation of the big issues that require an industry wide approach in order for substantive progress to be made.
Use the sub-committee structure to convene relevant experts who can organise efforts and deliver meaningful progress.

Industry Integrity & Reputation

The Issue

Our industry suffers from a perception challenge, driven in part by poor historic practices and in part by some strong “anti-industry media” in recent years. The good work we do and the positive impact we have rarely gets the credit or acknowledgement it deserves. We should not expect anyone else to change or address these issues on our behalf- It is on us.

The Solution(s)

Better understand and articulate the anchors that weigh us down.
Develop an effective PR and comms strategy for our Industry (to fuel pillar 5).
Coordinate and align with our Industry body Seafish on how we work together in this regard so that our efforts complement each other
Get on to the front foot.
Elevate and stand behind third party and standards bodies that we support and back (e.g. MSC).

Smooth & Efficient Trade Flows

The Issue

Our industry relies heavily on both exports (UK fishermen) and imports (UK processors/traders). When trade flows are slowed or hampered it impacts business and jobs and sets us back enormously. Too often policy decisions taken have lacked rounded and fact-based input up front.

The Solution(s)

Make sure that the architecture of our industry is always well understood by policy makers and decision takers.
Build and Maintain strong relationships at home and abroad with key trade flow stakeholders (e.g. Embassies, third country trade bodies and AIPCE).
Use our infrastructure and political outreach to ensure that we are ahead of the game and that there are no surprises.
Develop a proactive agenda – what things would help us grow as an industry and how can we push for them?
An “always ready” trade task force (sub-committee) that can convene quickly and move fast as issues emerge that impact import or export.

Communication & Engagement

The Issue

Our industry does not attach sufficient importance (or allocate appropriate resources) to engaging and communicating with its stakeholders. We will fail to deliver our potential if we do not improve on both fronts.

The Solution(s)

To be the recognised representative voice for our industry to ensure our advocacy is impactful, and we are always consulted and listened to on key issues and policies that may impact us.
In any given period and ahead of every important industry moment /interaction we should be clear on who we need to engage and what we want to be saying to them. (plug into other strategic pillars).
Learn to engage in a thoughtful and proactive way and communicate bravely and brilliantly, learning from who does it best.