Grimsby seafood industry supports next generation of chefs

Andrew Oliver, chief executive at Grimsby Fish Dock Group; Patrick Salmon, Joanne Woodhouse and Simon Dwyer, all representing Made Great in Grimsby, and Darren Beecham, group operating director at New England Seafood International.

Grimsby's seafood industry is helping young people in North East Lincolnshire realise their cooking aspirations, with backing for Horizon Youth Zone.

Grimsby Fish Dock Group, the organisation behind Grimsby Fish Market and Port of Grimsby East, is funding Made Great in Grimsby's support for the training kitchen at the £13 million facility. 

Opened earlier this year, a growing family of businesses, organisations and philanthropists are contributing to the charity's annual running costs. They enable Horizon to keep offering state-of-the-art facilities, new opportunities, and first-class youth work to thousands of young people.

And having recently welcomed King Charles III for a tour, with the site the largest in the charity's 19-strong national network, attention is now turning to those looking to forge careers with king prawns and haddock.

Andrew Oliver, chief executive of GFDG, said: "Horizon Youth Zone is an incredible facility for the area. 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. 

“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 support is part of a commitment to aid Grimsby Fish Merchants' Association's Made Great in Grimsby brand in telling of the story of one of the world's largest seafood processing and trading clusters, with the sector worth £1.5 billion to the region.

The announcement was made as seafood processing business, New England Seafood International, became a founder patron of Horizon Youth Zone, as it brings up a decade of operations in the town.

Dan Aherne, Group CEO NESI said, “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 and one that can provide a rich array of opportunities for growth and development.

“We want young people to see the opportunities that exist right here in our industry, challenge themselves to aim high, and have the confidence to take that all important first step. I hope our involvement can help open eyes as to what’s possible and ignite a spark for some of our youth, wherever that takes them.”

Simon Dwyer, representing Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, said: “For over three years we’ve been delivering our Made Great in Grimsby schools and careers programme to hundreds of young people in Grimsby. 

“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. The fish and seafood we produce in the town is sustainable, nutritious, and healthy for all young people. We’re excited about the partnership we have with New England Seafood International and Grimsby Fish Dock Group to deliver exciting experiences for young people."

Those aged between eight and 19 - and up to 25 with additional needs – have access seven days a week, for just £5 membership per year and 50p a visit. It has captured the imaginations of more than 4,000 young people in the brief time it has been operational in the significantly overhauled Grade II-listed Migar House and former West Haven Maltings in the town centre. 

Horizon Youth Zone chair, Mike Parker – once a leading figure in the town and UK seafood industry with Young's - said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to New England Seafood International, Grimsby Fish Dock Group and Made Great in Grimsby for their support of Horizon Youth Zone. 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."

To find out more about supporting Horizon Youth Zone, email fiona.wright@horizonyouthzone.org