A Grimsby pet food manufacturer is scaling up operations by relocating to new premises and increasing capacity as it targets significant growth at home and abroad.
Specialising exclusively in fish-based products for dog treats, Skipper’s Pet Products was launched by experienced fish merchant and industry entrepreneur Steve Moore a decade ago. He spotted an opportunity to repurpose by-products from fish destined for the dinner table back in 2013.
Now with pet ownership having rocketed through the pandemic, turnover up 500 per cent and the team growing from eight to 20 over the past year, a larger site has been taken on South Humberside Industrial Estate with support from Finance for Enterprise and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund it manages.
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Mr Moore said: “I’ve worked in Grimsby’s fish industry since I was just 17 years old, and I recognised that when fish is prepared for human consumption, there can be large parts that simply go to waste. “I realised that as well as offering a tasty treat for dogs, there can also be health benefits when fish is incorporated into their diet.”
Positive changes in the pet’s coat, teeth and even behaviour has all been given as customer feedback.
“The natural omega three found in fish can even help dogs suffering from inflamed joints and even arthritis, so I felt the business offered a golden opportunity to reduce the amount of waste being produced within the fishing industry, as well as improving the health and welfare of much-loved family pets,” Mr Moore added.
Working with Finance For Enterprise senior business lending manager Tim Daniels, he secured an investment package worth £150,000.
“Having firmly established ourselves as a market leader in our industry, we knew that it was important to cement this position,” Mr Moore said. “This meant increasing capacity to meet demand from both the home and overseas markets. Pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic increased dramatically, and having seen the business grow so quickly during the past two years, we felt it was imperative to act quickly.
“We needed to secure additional funds to facilitate our relocation and investment in new equipment. Having worked with Tim and the Finance For Enterprise team previously, I felt he understood our business, and within a relatively short period of time, we received the call to say that our application had been successful.”
The move has allowed the company to improve efficiencies in its manufacturing processes as well as creating the vital additional working space for the growing team.
Recent months have seen interest increase in several overseas markets, notably Canada and Hong Kong.
Mr Daniels said: “Skipper’s Pet Products is a great example of a business that has built on the heritage of Grimsby by finding new and innovative ways of bringing new products to market. The business has a bright future ahead of it, not just by achieving growth in the UK, but also tapping into new international markets.
“Steve is a person who is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Grimsby’s fishing industry, and the innovative work he has pioneered is helping dog owners to reward their pets with naturally produced treats that can help to keep them fit and healthy.”
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is part of the British Business Bank. Regional funds director Keira Shepperson said: “By supporting businesses like Skipper’s with the funds to recruit new staff and move to larger premises, NPIF is one step closer to creating a more prosperous regional economy for the future. Skipper’s is a great example of northern creativity, finding a unique product that brings specialist fish products to the pet foods industry. As the business looks beyond the UK’s borders to expand, we’re looking forward to celebrating the milestones the team achieves in the future.”
