Spanning over 85,000 square feet, Seafish UK's processing plant in Hull has three production lines that allow it to produce 3 tons of packed retail products per hour.
Photo: Seafish UK.
Fastnet Fish Ltd—a fresh and frozen fish wholesaler owned by Andrew Marr International (AMI Group)—has announced the acquisition of family firm Seafish UK Ltd, a leading supplier of value-added seafood products to the retail and foodservice sectors.
In its release, Fastnet Fish noted that the acquisition coincides with the retirement of Bob Carter, Managing Director and also the main shareholder of Seafish UK, after an outstanding career of almost 60 years in the seafood industry.
Previously, in 2024, Carter had already stepped down from the day to day running of the business to let daughter Emma Acklam and sons Andrew and Robert (2nd generation) take the reigns as Board of Directors.
"Bob has been a highly respected figure within the sector, dedicating decades to building strong supplier and customer relationships and helping establish Seafish UK as a trusted and successful business within the industry," the release now highlighted.
"Everyone at Fastnet Fish, AMI Group, and Seafish UK would like to thank Bob for his immense contribution to the seafood trade and wish him a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement," it added.
Bob Carter with his daughter Emma and sons Andrew and Robert outside the Seafish UK headquarters in Hull, England.
Following the acquisition, the until now family-owned supplier of value-added seafood products based in Hull, Yorkshire, England, becomes part of Fastnet Fish—based in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England—which, as mentioned above, is in turn part of the AMI Group of companies and specialises in raw material procurement and supply chain management.
One of the largest companies in the UK seafood industry, besides Fastnet Fish—and now also Seafish UK, which, according to the announcement, will continue to operate independently—Andrew Marr International is also the owner of other companies in the sector such as J. Marr Seafoods, Peter & Johnstone, and Marrfish.
"This acquisition is a great fit for both companies," said Emma Acklam, Sales Director of Seafish UK. "By combining our expertise and strengths, we can give our customers and suppliers confidence in our ability to deliver top-quality products."
"Seafish UK will continue to operate as an independent business while benefiting from the support and resources of the wider AMI group," continued the also board member and daughter of the majority shareholder.
"Seafish is a well-run business with significant potential, and we are delighted to welcome them into the Fastnet Group," said, for his part, Danny Burton, Managing Director of the Fastnet Group, commenting on the acquisition.
"It is very much business as usual for Seafish UK. They have a great team of people in place, and we will provide senior support as required throughout their growth journey," he added, confirming the words of Emma Acklam.