North West seafood specialist expands fleet via seven-figure HSBC UK funding

A Fleetwood based seafood processing company has welcomed the arrival of a new custom built fishing boat to its fleet following support from HSBC UK.

B&M Fishing has utilised a £1.5m marine mortgage from HSBC UK to fund the construction of a new, custom-built fishing vessel.

Named the ‘Boy Christopher’, the new 11.95 m boat is a twin hold catamaran, powered by two 64kW compliant fuel-efficient engines. The new B&M Fishing vessel also features sheltered landing capabilities and catching areas for Shellfish.

The HSBC UK supported marine mortgage will enable B&M Fishing to increase its catch capacity by 20 per cent, catch more wild fish and hire up to five new members of staff.

B&M Fishing is a LLP set up between AM Seafoods and A&A Fish Limited in 2011. The partnership owns and manages five fishing vessels namely the “Anne Mary B”, “Prosperity”, “Ivy May”, “Julia Anne” and the “Boy Christopher”.

Mark Merrick, director at B&M Fishing, commented: “We’re pleased to add the custom-built ‘Boy Christopher’ to our fleet. The specific features that we’ve chosen will improve efficiency and allow us to continue using fishing methods that have a low environmental impact.

“We thank HSBC UK for enabling us to achieve our vision, that will enable us to keep up with customer demand by providing high-quality and locally sourced shellfish.”

Alastair Woodford, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “It’s fantastic to support B&M Fishing with the new vessel in its fishing fleet. This addition to its fleet of fishing vessels will ensure that the business can meet the demand from importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers for high quality shellfish from the East Coast of England.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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