Seafood processing sector survey — Seafish

Seafood processing sector survey

We collect information from UK seafood processing businesses each year to ensure that the scale and performance of the sector are accurately measured.

Our processing survey helps us to put together an accurate picture of the seafood processing sector in the UK. The results are shared with government and industry to support business and policy decisions. 

Photo features a pair of hands cutting a scallop shell with a knife.
Our processing survey is open to all seafood processing businesses in the UK. The 2024 survey runs April to June.

Why participate in the survey? 

The seafood processing sector faces potential challenges and opportunities:

  • changes to the regulatory landscape
  • new trading relationships, immigration policy and workforce availability

It is important for industry and government to have accurate, up-to-date information on the sector. The survey helps us to create an accurate picture of financial performance and socio-economic importance including jobs and Gross Value Added (GVA). The more data that businesses provide, the more accurate our report. 

The survey data also informs the other work we do for the processing sector. It gives businesses an opportunity to tell us what support and resources are needed.

2024 processing survey timings

The timeline for the 2024 survey is:

  • April to June: Survey period
  • July to September: Data collation and analysis
  • October to December: Share results with industry and government

How do you take part in the survey?

A ten to fifteen minute phone call during which we'll ask you about:

  • main activities of your business
  • species you process
  • size and make-up of your workforce
  • accounts information to supplement publicly available data

We may also email you a financial survey to complete.

We will attempt to contact all UK seafood processing businesses and invite them to take part.

How will your data be used? 

We use the data in different ways. Our most recent surveys have contributed to:

  • Demonstrating local jobs supported by the sector to schools to help attract new entrants. 
  • Identifying how businesses are likely to be affected by leaving the EU and providing relevant support and guidance on importing and exporting. 
  • Evidencing sector reliance on EU labour to government, influencing new migration policy.
  • Providing evidence to government and local councils on low industry margins, proportionately high energy costs, and regional discrepancies in business rates. This demonstrates the need for business cost relief. 

The results of our 2022 survey are available on our Seafood Processing Enquiry Tool. We also published bespoke data on the impact of the pandemic and leaving the EU. 

Get in touch

If you have questions about the survey or enquiries about how industry estimates could be used to support your business please email processingenquiries@seafish.co.uk 

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