Local MP for Hastings and Rye, Sally-Ann Hart, has welcomed the announcement of up to £23 million, to support businesses which have been most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of adjusting to new requirements for exporting.
The UK-wide fund will be targeted at fishermen who export their catch as well as fishing export businesses who can evidence a genuine loss in exporting fish and shellfish to the EU. Support will be available immediately and paid retrospectively to cover losses incurred since 1 January 2021. The scheme will be targeted at small and medium enterprises and the maximum claim available to individual operators will be £100,000.
The fishing industry has already been hit by the reduction in demand from the hospitality sector in the UK and other export markets as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic with market prices falling by as much as 40%.
More details will be available on eligibility criteria in the coming days.
Following the announcement, Sally-Ann, said “This £23 million scheme will provide vital support for fishermen and seafood exporters in Hastings and Rye. There has been a lack of demand for fish from the restaurant industry in the UK and Europe, and the fishing sector has had the most significant new export requirements to adjust to.
“I am determined to work closely with local businesses to make sure that they have the support they need, and I am pleased that the Government will be helping local exporters to meet new requirements.”
The Government will provide further support to businesses in adapting to new export processes. This includes targeted, proactive and hands on support to fisheries exporters to help them successfully meet the new requirements. This includes a new training package and focused workshop sessions.