The Blue Sea Food Company is one of the business case studies used by the Department of Work and Pensions in their national See Potential campaign.
See Potential is a campaign that helps employers realise the benefits of recruiting people who are either long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, rehabilitating drug or alcohol addicts, care leavers, homeless or at risk of being homeless. The campaign is backed by Sir Richard Branson, Deborah Meaden and Simon Cowell.
Trevor Bartlett, Managing Director of The Blue Sea Food Company, said: “Our business is growing and has been recruiting to realise the potential of the business and expand. We believe in giving opportunities to people who don’t normally get them. The people that we have employed are hard-working and committed and have helped continue our success.”
The company employs 60 full time staff which grows to around 150 employees during the high season. Blue Sea Food is also looking to develop apprenticeship opportunities with local colleges over the next couple of years.
As part of the award winning South Devon Export Network, The Blue Seafood Company has been working with the TDA to maximise exporting opportunities and grow. TDA works with local businesses like The Blue Seafood Company to support them with business development, exploring new markets, developing skills and accessing funded support programmes.
The company is growing into new markets including France, Spain, Portugal, USA, Asia and China. Exporting now accounts for 40-45% of their business, increasing to over 50% with live products.
Rebecca Davies, Senior Economic Development Officer for TDA, said: “See Potential changes lives for the better and brings many business benefits too. It’s great to see Blue Seafood being recognised for their efforts and ability to see potential in people, while expanding their business”.
