Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Pause Icon A two-lined pause icon for stopping interactions. Quote Mark A opening quote mark. Quote Mark A closing quote mark. Arrow An icon of an arrow. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Menu An icon of 3 horizontal lines. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Twitter An icon of the Twitter logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Information An icon of an information logo. Plus A mathematical 'plus' symbol. Duration An icon indicating Time. Success Tick An icon of a green tick. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Facebook Messenger An icon of the facebook messenger app logo. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Facebook Messenger An icon of the Twitter app logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. WhatsApp Messenger An icon of the Whatsapp messenger app logo. Email An icon of an mail envelope. Copy link A decentered black square over a white square.

Fife shellfish business plans expansion but outlines ‘major challenge’ ahead

Errin Todd, chief executive of Todd Fish Tech
Errin Todd, chief executive of Todd Fish Tech

A Fife company which developed a unique shellfish transportation system plans to add to its workforce after expanding its premises.

Established by husband and wife team Errin and Keith Todd, Todd Fish Tech produces the Lobster Pod, which has been sold worldwide.

It moved into new premises at West Way in Dalgety Bay in March 2020 and has now expanded further.

Errin said: “We took one unit initially, but we’ve expanded out to take another two.

“It just gives us the space that we need.”

The new units have provided the firm with a warehouse and workshop facility.

They also provide Todd Fish Tech space to store the tools, supplies and equipment it uses to manufacture its shellfish storage systems.

It also means the business, which currently has seven staff, can add to its headcount.

One member of staff is required immediately and Errin also plans to add at least two more next year.

Sales up 50% for Todd Fish Tech

It comes as the business reports a 50% increase in turnover, though Errin would not reveal the figure when asked by The Courier.

“We’re looking at a 25% increase year-on-year and we’re looking at a further increase this year as well.

“It is great for a young company,” she added.

“The last few years have been difficult for everyone and we’re very grateful.

Errin and husband Keith Todd, co-founders of Todd Fish Tech.
Errin and husband Keith Todd, co-founders of Todd Fish Tech.

“About 40% of our customers are repeat customers and that tells us they are happy with what we’re doing.”

There have, though, been challenges for Todd Fish Tech.

Errin said the UK’s exit from the European Union has meant European suppliers want much larger minimum orders than before.

She said a lack of space was a real barrier.

A major challenge ahead?

Another challenge is the uncertainty around the future of the Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

The grant allowed customers access to a 50% discount on Todd Fish Tech products.

However, Errin said its replacement may be axed in a move that would provide a significant challenge for the industry.

Todd Fish Tech's new base in Dalgety Bay.
Todd Fish Tech moved into its new Dalgety Bay premises in March 2020 and has now expanded to take two more units.

She added: “When we were in Europe, there was a grant called the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and that was £234 million.

“Last year’s grant was £100m and most of our customers would get that.

“That grant has been very useful but there are rumours it might stop.

“That would cause real issues for our customers, but also for us.

“There is a rumour the grant won’t be used for capital expenditure, so that could be a real challenge for the whole fishing industry.”

Conversation