INNOVATION
Innovation and continual improvement in what we do has always been our family’s philosophy. We have either been at the heart of or pioneered our own initiatives over the years.
We were instrumental in establishing the Shetland line caught Mackerel fishery via a collaboration with local fishermen and the renowned Simpson and Ward business. This fishery has since gone on to become one of the major success stories in Shetland industry, generating millions for the local economy and delivering the best of seafood to our customers.
Over 20 years ago, John Simpson was the first Shetland merchant to export whole fresh fish to France. This initiative marked a new era for Shetland and has grown into an essential diversification for the industry.
Later, we established a line-caught fishery market for cod, in conjunction with French partners, which added extra value to inshore fishermen and, again, delivered an elite product for our customers.
Not so long ago, all Shetland fish was hand-lumped box by box into trailers for palletisation on the Scottish mainland. Although it caused considerable consternation, Simpson and Ward brought an end to this out-dated practice and began packing and palletising in Shetland. This simple move was painful in its implementation, but it was worth it in the end: it revolutionised fish quality out of Shetland, adding immeasurable value to our industry and enhancing product quality for our customers.
When the UK decided in a referendum to leave the European Union, we tackled the challenges head on and, with our transport partners DFDS, we were ready on the 3rd of January 2020 to export fish seamlessly. We have since invested in software to assist in this process – again adding value to the industry and ensuring product is available to customers in Ireland and the near continent.
In recent years, we have been the sole Shetland representative exhibiting at the annual European Seafood Expo. Our presence there and our dedication to promoting Shetland fish demonstrates our commitment to the industry and our passion for our business.
Like you, our passion is in fish.
We hope you can see from our pages and philosophy that we are passionate about what we do and take great care in how we do it.