Fishing 2011 Responds To Industry Demands

The move follows discussions with key suppliers and fishermen from across the UK. Fran McIntyre, managing director of QD Events which organises the show, said the postponement was in response to an industry demand for one, high-profile event each year serving the whole of the industry.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the Fishing Expo and the organisers plan to bring together all the exhibitors and visitors who have supported the show over the years on the evening of Friday, 25 March at the SECC to reveal their plans for the event.

This was a very difficult decision to make and one that involved prioritising the best interests of the industry, commented McIntyre. "We strongly believe that there should be a Fishing Expo in Scotland which pulls together the best of UK and European suppliers for our skippers and boat owners across the UK," she said.

"We're also convinced that the whole industry would be best served through working together, using everyone's strengths, to deliver an all-encompassing and successful event in 2012."

David Moir, show manager for Fishing Expo, said: "As an ex-skipper, it's important for me to deliver the best for our audience. The plans we have for taking the show forward are exciting and we're going to use the party on 25th March to reveal these plans."

Exhibitor Chris Anderson of Anderson Marine commented on the decision: "This demonstrates common sense and empathy on the part of QD Events. We're looking forward to working with them to plan and build a bigger and better event in 2012."

David Wood of Northern Oils said: “This has my full backing and that of many of my industry colleagues. I share the commitment of QD Events to bringing the show back as a major business and social occasion for the industry and believe that in 2012 it will be an event which can bring delegates from across Europe and one which we can be proud of in the UK.”

Visitors too, are behind the move, with John MacKenzie, Skipper of the fishing vessel Acorn saying “We don’t want to lose a Glasgow show, but don’t want it to be anything less than full. We’re looking forward to an evening event to socialise with suppliers and colleagues – and to coming back to a big, exciting event in 2012.”