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Revolutionizing the fishing industry

It is rare to find a product that environmental pressures, enforcement committees and the global marketplace can agree on, but Succorfish seem to have found a solution. Specialising in intelligent, sector specific tracking for fisheries, offshore and defence industries, the firm has spent several years developing their products.

George Hendricks, the firm’s commercial director has been speaking to Bdaily about their latest offering which is set to revolutionise the way the seas are managed.

“Our offices are based on the Fish Quay in North Shields, and from here you can really see the decline of the industry around you.” he explains. “And this is why we have focused on developing a product which can secure the fish industry for future generations.”

Their latest product offering focuses on helping fisherman to continue fishing whilst also protecting marine habitats, and has been successfully trialled in the South West of England.

“The product maps geofence areas, which are then logged to an accuracy of two metres,” George continues. “This is positive from an environmental enforcement perspective, and also for fishermen as it allows them to keep on fishing in the piece of mind that they are not doing anything illegal.

In the course of the technological development, Succorfish worked closely with with a stakeholder group including the likes of DEFRA, Crown Estates and Natural England, ensuring that they provided the correct solution for their target users.

“We have listened to what people want, which has enabled us to provide the exact solution they are after.” he says.

Succorfish have previously had high demand for their other products, due to the fact that they operate in such a niche area of technology, and now George believes that their latest offering will be no exception.

“The software is incredibly user friendly, and the technology it relies on also makes it very economical.” He continues. “Rather than relying on expensive satellites, it relies on GSM networks, traditionally used for mobile phones.

“We have agreements with all GSM providers so that if a boat is in range of a foreign network they can tune into it, but the software will also automatically transfer to a satellite if you are out of range.”

While the product has been developed in the UK, it is produced in a factory in America - something which appear to be a source of conflict for George.

“It is difficult to source a suitable UK manufacturer due to the size of the equipment, but by producing the product in the U.S., this can make it easier to sell it in the US,” George explains. “However in 2012 we are looking to work in conjunction with one of out UK distributors to start producing in the UK too.”

Selling abroad is something that George is also focused on, looking towards markets in Europe, Africa, Canada and the U.S. for sales.

“UKTI were incredibly helpful in the initial stages of the development of an overseas presence, offering advice on product development and proposals to enter new markets.

“Over the next year we are looking forward to developing this further, and will be cautiously looking to realise the company’s ambitions.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .