It’s all hands on deck for Ardglass-based fishing company Tom Wills & Sons following a significant investment in a new 60-feet Marine Fishing Vessel, MFV Olive Branch, with support from the First Trust Bank.
Investment in the state-of-the-art trawler which has a capacity to process 90 stone of prawns per day, has allowed the firm to grow by extending its catch period over the 12 month period as they can now switch seamlessly from prawn fishing in summer during the peak season to scallop fishing in winter.
Established almost 40 years ago, Tom Wills & Sons now has a fleet of eight boats and employs 30 share fishermen. Fishing in the Irish Sea between Co Down and the Isle of Man, the family-run business sells its catch to local food processor, Ardglass Fish Sales.
Speaking about the local industry, owner Tom Wills said: “Having fished myself in Ardglass for twenty years and with my sons now involved in the industry, it is great to see how the local fishing sector has flourished. There were little to no boats moored in the harbour when we started out, whereas now it’s not uncommon to see up to 30 boats tie0ing up for the night.
“We are delighted that our own company ambitions are contributing to industry growth, and we’ll continue to work with other local fishermen, businesses and organisations to increase job opportunities and help Ardglass Harbour reach its fuller potential.
“There’s a great sense of community and partnership in the area, and we are grateful to First Trust Bank for its support in helping us further develop our facilities.
“I would encourage members of the industry and young fishermen who are possibly seeking investment to get in touch with their local First Trust branch to discuss their plans and find how the bank can help.”
Donna Armstrong, Agri Advisor, First Trust Bank said: “The importance of the agri-food sector to the overall economy is well known, so we are delighted to support businesses like Tom Wills & Sons who are diversifying and modernising their operations to contribute to industry growth. We support a range of other agri-food businesses in the area and we are keen to further offer our knowledge and expertise to the Ardglass fishing sector and harbour as it seeks to grow.”
“From talking to members of the local fishing community, I know the industry has also been very well served by the Northern Ireland Fish Producer’s Organisation and in particular its outgoing Chief Executive Dick James. We wish him well for his future endeavours.”
