Fish processing and supply firm could close chilled division

Hull-based fish processing business Smales could close its chilled division, leading to job cuts of around 100.

The firm, which has traded in the city since 1937 and employs around 200 people, said it had been impacted by a major account loss.

“A long-established Hull fish merchant and fish processor, F Smales & Son (Fish Merchants) Ltd have to regrettably announce the potential closure of the Chilled Seafood Division and their factory on Witty Street, Hull,” the firm said in a statement.

“The potential closure is due to the loss of business with a major account and vertical integration within the industry.

“The Chilled Seafood Division represents approximately 20% of the company’s turnover.

“The effect of this potential closure of the Chilled Seafood Division of F Smales & Son (Fish Merchants) Ltd may result in the loss of 95 jobs in Hull. This is very disappointing news for our loyal workforce.”

The business supplies fish and seafood to supermarkets.

The firm has stressed that its £70m turnover trading division, which supplies frozen fish products, remains unaffected by the potential closure of the chilled seafood arm of the business.

Its official statement adds: “The Trading Division is operating in a growing market and the Directors wish to accelerate the company’s business opportunities in this area in the future.

“The company is in a strong and secure financial position moving forward. As such, F Smales & Son (Fish Merchants) Ltd are re-evaluating business strategy to potentially switch focus to the Trading Division.”

In recent years, the company has invested heavily in its operations and has launched a next day delivery service to UK customers.