The involvement and support of local government is essential in developing a thriving UK fishing and seafood industry. To help raise awareness of the industry and the Company’s work within in, the Company hosted a stand at the 2022 Local Government Association Conference. A team of four, including Fisheries Programme Manager, Alison Freeman, met with hundreds of councillors, senior executives and CEOs showcasing the Fisheries Charitable Trust’s projects and educated delegates on the challenges and opportunities facing the fishing and seafood sector. The LGA Conference was held in-person for the first time since the pandemic, which resulted in a strong turnout of local government from across England.
The level of interest in the FCFCT stand, across coastal and landlocked authorities, was outstanding, with many new and promising relationships forged. Councillors were keen to learn how their local authority could support their local seafood industries and become involved with our charitable work.
One highlight from the conference was a visit from Lisa Nandy, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. We discussed the importance of fishing and aquaculture to coastal communities and the role the sector plays in supporting onshore and offshore livelihoods.
The Conference followed a presentation at the LGA’s Coastal Special Interest Group, which featured the FCFCT and the Fishing Animateur project.
You can follow the LGA Annual Conference as it happened via Twitter.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
