North-East fish processor closes its doors, leading to dozens of job losses

19/02/2020
Prime Seafoods, which has factories in Peterhead and Fraserburgh, closed its doors yesterday

A NORTH-EAST fish processing firm has went bust leaving almost 70 workers jobless.

Prime Seafoods, which has factories in Peterhead and Fraserburgh, closed its doors yesterday with immediate effect, with the 68 employees being told that the company was battling insurmountable financial difficulties.

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Chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, Jimmy Buchan, said he was “shocked” by the abrupt demise of the firm which has traded since 1980.

He said: “I’m absolutely flabbergasted this has happened. It’s very sad to see people lose their jobs and businesses coming to an end.”

Mr Buchan said that, despite the “devastating news”, he hopes those affected will be able to find new jobs “as soon as possible” as there is a demand for work in the general area.

Fraserburgh and District councillor, Brian Topping, has pledged his support to those affected.

He said: “I’ve been in touch with the company to see what Aberdeenshire Council or the Scottish Government can do to help.

“It’s really devastating news for the business but, more importantly, for the workers and their families. This is likely to have a knock-on effect on the whole town.”

Prime Seafoods is registered to George and Susan Forman. Aberdeen Business News tried to contact them both today for reaction but was told they did not wish to comment.

The last published accounts for the firm, which detail financial statements up until the end of May 2018, indicate that Prime Seafoods had turnover of £28 million and suffered pre-tax losses of £236,000, which came after a trading shortfall of more than £317,000 the year before.

 

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