With social media discovering a new found love for all things nautical over the last couple of weeks, thanks to the TikTok trend starting by the sea shanty singing postman from Airdrie, everyone has their eyes set on the beautiful, briny deep.
But whilst the Scottish former postal worker’s Wellerman song may be riding the waves at the top of the UK music charts, not every sea-faring Scot has found 2021 as smooth-sailing so far.
Scottish fishing and seafood businesses across the country have been slowly sinking amid the tide of new Brexit regulations, and it’s one of Scotland’s industries that needs to find a lifeboat quick.
With world-renowned produce from our beautiful salt and fresh waters, Scotland is famous for supplying some of the finest shellfish, trout and, of course, salmon to around the globe.
In fact, according to government statistics, the Scottish seafood industry accounted for 57 per cent of our overall food exports back in 2019, contributing an incredible estimated £1.02 billion to the economy.
However, as the UK has now left the European Union as a result of the Brexit transition period, the fishing industry has been caught adrift thanks to a series of new customs checks.
Newly introduced post-Brexit paperwork and processes at borders has meant that the distribution of this world-class fresh fish and seafood produce has been majorly delayed, costing the sector an estimated £1 million a day according to industry insiders.
Europe’s largest fish market, Peterhead, in North East Scotland has also revealed they’ve seen a steep 18 per cent drop in the volume of fish landed since the start of 2021, meaning these teething issues have brought the industry to a standstill and are turning the port into a ghost town compared to previous years.
This bureaucracy, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, is also putting off international buyers from purchasing as the delays has left previous deliveries held up at borders, with fish rotting in the back of trucks, and businesses on the brink of permanent closure.
With the industry sinking and huge markets such the one in Peterhead remaining borderline empty, pleas from the fishing sector have been struggling to land, with UK government ministers refusing suggestions for export grace periods.
However, even with this new ‘dis-grace’ period hindering Scottish business, there’s a little bit of hope floating on the horizon.
First off, an industry panel made up of experts from the Scottish Seafood Association, Scottish Food and Drink and the Clyde Fisherman’s Association held crunch talks with the UK government on the damages caused by Brexit and how they can best resolve them.
Another specialist team has also been assembled to help the industry get back on track, brought together by trade body Seafood Scotland, tasked with identifying how the sector can keep its head above water.
Funded through the joint recovery scheme from the Scottish Government and Scotland’s Food and Drink, this crack team will work closely with companies to help address any issues they may have with the new businesses practices exporting to the EU.
Seafood Scotland believe the move will bolster these businesses chances of returning to pre-Brexit levels of trade with Europe as quickly as possible.
The Scottish Government have also cast their net on the sector last week by allocating a £7.75m funding package to support Scottish fishermen, businesses and harbours. The Seafood Producers Resilience Fund with support eligible shellfish catchers and producers, in addition to trout farmers, with £1m supporting investment plans of ports and harbours who have faced a loss of income through landing fees.
With some of Scotland’s oldest fishing businesses, some of which span generations at risk, it’s hoped that this fund will add some buoyancy to the future of this sector.
So, although the start of the year has been rocky to say the least, there’s glimmers of hope that Scotland’s expertise in the industry are pioneering these new, uncharted waters for the sector.
Once there’s more clarity on the exporting situation, here’s hoping that it will be plain sailing for our Scottish fisherman and seafood businesses in the future.
Last week saw a major shift in the retail world as ASOS announced it would be taking over Arcadia brands including Topman, Topshop and Miss Selfridge, whilst Boohoo announced it would be taking over Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton.
What interesting about both of these deals is that they are taking ownership of the brand names and product, not the people or the physical stores.
This is devastating news for all store employees and adds further fuel to the flames over a bleak outlook in the retail sector.
The latest figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium revealed that 13,000 jobs were lost in the sector even before the pandemic hit, and that figure is set to increase following the deals from ASOS and Boohoo.
There’s no doubt it’s concerning that such high profile names are leaving the High Street, further fuelling the notion our High Streets are dying, however it may also be an opportunity for more small and independent businesses to thrive – especially if they have a unique and experiential offering for consumers.
I also predict that company acquisitions are likely to increase over the coming months as we move out of this pandemic, but business leaders will need to be mindful of the big picture to make such deals as seamless as possible for their business and their people.
In some circumstances like ASOS and Boohoo, they are acquiring the product and not the people, but for others such as airlines, hotels or tech start-ups, they should be mindful of merging the best of both companies. Alongside the financial stability of a larger business, the culture of a smaller firm can be worth saving and implementing across the board.
It Made Me Laugh
We often see adverts and content online promoting the latest openings or ‘must-visit’ destinations, but after a year like 2020, we shouldn’t be shocked to hear that the best place to be is in fact our own front doorsteps.
A study from Eurocell Home found that our doorsteps have become the destination of choice (or lack of) for life’s big moments – including introductions to new born babies, proposals and birthday celebrations.
As well as being the meeting point for friends and family to catch-up or drop off gifts and food parcels, those surveyed said that lockdown provided opportunities to build relationships with their neighbours.
The doorstep really has taken a new meaning, but I’m sure its importance will drop to the bottom of the list once hospitality reopens and holidays resume.
It Made Me Weep
Ownership of dogs has soared over the last twelve months boosting mental health and companionship for many.
It’s no surprise really with the nation’s changing routines and circumstances. However, this surge in popularity comes opportunists profiting by operating dangerous and illegal puppy farms.
Last year alone, animal welfare charity SSPCA seized more than 150 puppies from puppy farms – often taken from their mother’s too soon, underdeveloped and riddled with infections due to unsanitary living conditions and lack of vaccinations.
In a bid to combat this, SSPCA has launched an Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme to provide reassurance to prospective dog-owners and support safe and responsible breeding.
Here’s hoping that this will encourage more regulation and we can clamp down on such cruel operations.
