Scottish Government

The Improved Access to Finance Working Group (FWG) was established in 2009 following the launch of A Fresh Start - the renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture.

The Group is chaired by David Bassett of the British Trout Association (BTA) and is made up of representatives from:

• Industry (salmon, trout, shellfish)
• Marine Scotland (Aquaculture Policy, Analytical Unit, European Fisheries Fund (EFF))
• Insurance sector
• The Crown Estate
• Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE)
• Scottish Development International (SDI).

Further input is provided from associated industry e.g. feed, financial services and others on an ad hoc basis at the invitation of the FWG.

Key issues for the group include:

• Poor historic profitability profile of industry
• Financing of SMEs/collateral/borrowing
• Relationship of insurance and investment
• Clearing Bank engagement; Lack of appropriate data
• Education of industry and stakeholders.

The group last reported progress to the Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (MGA) on 23 February 2011.