BIM has supported the Galway expo for several years now and their support for the forthcoming show underlines the importance of the event in the Irish fisheries calendar.
Jason Whooley, Chief Executive Officer for BIM said: “We are delighted to sponsor this 10th Anniversary Skipper Expo in Galway. The Irish seafood sector remains a strong and growing business, with seafood exports increasing by 20 per cent in 2012, generating sales of over €845 million. BIM firmly believes that it can achieve the ambitious targets set out in our Strategy for 2013-2017 and achieve seafood sales of €1 billion.
"This vital industry already supports over 11,000 jobs in communities throughout Ireland and we hope to deliver another 1,200 sustainable jobs around our coast. Of course, the sector has many challenges, but it is our belief, that managed correctly, Ireland’s seafood sector will further secure a vibrant and valuable role in the overall Irish economy. The success of the Skipper Expo International show over the past 10 years bears testament to the strong business opportunities presented by Ireland’s seafood industry.”
From humble beginnings – the first show 10 years ago had 57 stands and an estimated 2000 visitors – it has now grown to such an extent that the last expo in March 2013 was double in size in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers. The hallmark of the Galway expo is the friendly atmosphere combined with its proven track record in being a great place to do business.
As well as the excellent turnout from visitors from fishing ports throughout Ireland, there is always an incredibly strong visitor presence from Scotland and other parts of the UK, as well as from the rest of Europe. Star attractions for the 2014 expo will include boat displays and the highly popular exhibitors’ buffet.
Sharon Boyle of Mara Media said: “We would like to thank BIM for their support for the expo, which has played an important role in its expansion and development over the years. We are really excited about the 10th anniversary expo and we are anticipating a large visitor attendance.”
