BIM conference provides insights on business growth and succession planning

Business owners from Ireland’s seafood sector gathered at Johnstown Estate in Enfield this week to attend BIM’s Business Growth and Succession Planning conference. The event, supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and run in partnership with AAB, saw business leaders in seafood, agriculture, and other sectors take to the stage to share insights and experience in navigating growth, scaling, and succession planning.

In her welcome address, Caroline Bocquel, CEO of BIM, highlighted the importance of the seafood sector in Ireland, emphasizing the nearly 16,000 jobs it provides, predominantly in coastal communities. She noted the sector’s resilience amid market changes, including those resulting from Brexit, and highlighted the evolving structure of the industry.

“The resilience of the sector has been thoroughly tested over the past five years with an unprecedented scale and pace of change. As well as market changes as a result of Brexit, with reduced imports and exports to Britain, and new markets developed including Japan and South Korea, the structure of the sector continues to evolve.”

Caroline also spoke about the global seafood sector, forecasted to reach a value of €160 billion by 2031, citing opportunities arising from changing consumer preferences for higher value species and advancements in aquaculture.

The conference featured leaders such as Brian Farrell, CEO of Kepak Foods, and John Herlihy, Chair of Consello Group, who shared insights on scaling businesses, leadership, and competitiveness. Succession planning was also a key focus, with business leaders including Simon Best from Acton House Farm and Ryan Scatterty from Thistle Seafoods sharing their experiences and strategies.

Business owners attending the event were reminded that business growth and succession planning is an ongoing process, and were encouraged to avail of the follow-up business support services to help them start their journey.

The event was aimed at seafood businesses with over 10 employees. BIM will be hosting a series of regional events throughout 2025 for smaller businesses, including micro-enterprises and sole traders.