I have huge admiration for fishermen, as I do for farmers, as they are the people who are out in all weathers, consistently battling the elements. In some ways I think it might well be worse for fishermen as often in the winter months their boats are back in the harbour as the seas are too ferocious for them to go out and fish. Many self-employed people will be able to relate to fishermen, because if they can’t go out and fish they have nothing to sell and basically no cash coming in. Yes ok, they can do repair work on their boats, but this also takes cash and is often scary to undertake a great deal of repair work when funds are tight!
So I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has added seafood to its Cluster network because the other drawback to fishermen and farmers is both industries are very isolating. So getting together with other like-minded people, swapping ideas, attending workshops and basically collaborating for profit is a really sensible way forward for this industry and our fishing industry is so important for Wales.
Kath Rhodes
What is a Cluster?
A cluster is essentially business led and is where a group of firms operating in the same sector and in a close geographical proximity identify common issues, themes and opportunities. With a focus on: increasing competitiveness of Welsh food and drink companies to help them develop and grow
assisting business to come together and collaborate on specific projects.
The clustering approach is a tried and tested methodology used by organisations across the globe as a business support mechanism. For Wales it was thought important to have a Seafood Cluster as the seafood industry is such a valuable industry that supports Welsh coastal communities and in the past the sector has received little support.
The Welsh Seafood Cluster offers tailored services and support through regular meeting and contact. Other successful seafood clusters include: New England Ocean Cluster and Iceland Ocean.
How does the Welsh Seafood Cluster work?
Welsh seafood businesses are taking the plunge and successfully working together to improve their market share and safeguard their livelihoods and communities.
Brought together through the Welsh Seafood Cluster, an increasing number of businesses are recognising and reaping the benefits of taking a collective approach, known as clustering.
Free to join, the Welsh Seafood Cluster programme is available to all seafood businesses operating in Wales, providing training and support for the whole sector – from fishermen, fishmongers, to merchants, aquaculture, processors, and hand gatherers.
Importantly, it affords a platform for joint action to solve common industry problems, helps overcome barriers to growth, makes a link between commercial, government and academic partners – with the ultimate aim of adding value to fish and shellfish caught or farmed on the Welsh shores.
Funded through the Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales Business Development Programme, the Welsh Seafood Cluster currently engages with some 60 seafood businesses across Wales and links into Food and Drink Wales trade and consumer events.
Cluster activities include knowledge exchange; events, workshops and up-skilling; cooperative in commercial activities; sharing costs/resources; collaborating for profit; and understanding and entering new markets. There is also access to world-leading research; export insights, industry study visits and trade opportunities in the UK and abroad.
Siân Davies, Seafood Cluster manager explains: “The seafood industry is pivotal in supporting Welsh coastal communities, but historically the sector has received very little support. Working together to overcome barriers and issues has proven to work effectively. The clustering approach is a tried and tested methodology used by organisations across the globe as a business support mechanism.”
Bwyd O’r Môr/Pwllheli Seafood Ltd, Outer Harbour, Pwllheli, Gwynedd
My name is Richard Evans and I own and run a small family wholesale fishmongers that covers the Lleyn and North Wales. The company supplies hotels and restaurants in the area with fresh market bought fish and supplement this with a small amount of local produce.
When I took over the business in Aug 2014 I was completely new to business, though not to the trade. So taking over an old business I wanted to make a splash so I was very happy when Cywain, which is associated with the Seafood Cluster, (SFC), offered to help with the rebranding. Caroline Dawson came in and with the help of a local designer, we got new logos, business cards etc. to give the business a new identity.
The SFC has also helped me to understand the problems of small local fishermen much better. I now have a relationship with a much wider array of local produce through relationships developed alongside the SFC. There are regular meetings where people can air their thoughts and ideas that are then carried forward by Sian Davies and other staff of the SFC to legislators and politicians. This is an important process that I feel needs closer ties as the decision makers are often too far from the factory floor as it were.
There are some gargantuan problems that need addressing, quotas being sold to equity companies is top of the list and the line of feedback up to the decision makers is one of the most important that I can think of.
The SFC also help small producers get to grips with difficult legislation, new packaging, safety on boats and a myriad of other help that is just too difficult for small companies or small producers to understand or manage There is little enough of this out there for us.
Keith Ross, Ross Shellfish, Ross Shellfish Bigorneaux Ltd, Caernarfon
I have been on a study visit to Ireland and a trade mission to Seafood Expo Global 2019, Brussels through the Welsh Seafood Cluster – both have helped my business grow through gaining new customers. It’s been great to attend the Cluster meetings and network with other members and we have had discussions about shared transport and packaging over to Europe. Sian Davies, the Seafood Cluster Manager has been a great help, nothing is too much trouble for her.
Pembrokeshire Sea Salt Co., Bridge Farm, Dinas, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire Sea Salt Co. joined the Seafood Cluster in 2017 with a view to working with ‘other users of the sea’ to promote and protect the seas natural bounty, in a coherent way.
In 2016, Sherrill Evans and partner Josh Wright took a simple idea to make sea salt for use in body scrubs to the extreme. They ended up creating sea salt flake that looks amazing, tastes great and is used by Michelin star and other award winning chefs across Wales and beyond. At Pembrokeshire Sea Salt Co. it’s all about growing the perfect mineral – and one that is pure, sustainable, and ecologically sound. Hand-harvested from the crystal clear waters of their local beach, this natural sea salt harbours a remarkably articulate taste.
Visit Facebook: Clwstwr Bwyd Môr Cymru/Wales Seafood Cluster
