The Seafood Cluster focuses on collaborative action to identify and solve common problems within the seafood industry in Wales.
The cluster, which was established in 2015, has brought together fishermen, fishmongers, hand gatherers and aquaculture businesses. It has assisted businesses to develop, creating jobs, accessing new markets and securing new business.
The cluster is aimed at businesses that aspire to develop their capacity. A cluster manager supports members to help develop solutions to overcoming barriers to growth.
Cluster activities include:
- Peer to peer knowledge exchange
- Events and workshops
- Specialist training
- Assistance and support from industry experts and specialist mentors
- Study tours
- Sharing costs / resources
- Setting up of specific special interest groups
- Understanding and accessing new markets
- Exploring of trade opportunities
- Research
- Accessing new markets
The Welsh Government, working with the food and drink sectors, have strategically put together a number of Cluster Groups – CEO Cluster, Drinks Cluster, Export Club, Fine Food Cluster, Honey Cluster, Nutri-Wales Cluster and the Seafood Cluster. These clusters were developed to maximise economic growth within Wales and also to respond to sectors that needed direct Welsh Government support. They bring together like-minded people, with the key objective of helping businesses achieve accelerated growth in sales, profit and employment. The clusters are ambitious and aim to deliver real step change as opposed to incremental growth.