New England Seafood International and Grimsby Fish Dock Group Champion North East Lincolnshire's Young People

New England Seafood International's HR manager, Rachel Hopton, centre, and group operations director Darren Beecham, second right, receive their founding patron plaque from Horizon Youth Zone representatives Fion Wright, left, head of fundraising and communications; Lucy Ottewell-Key, chief executive, and Mike Parker, chair of trustees, in the climbing wall zone.

AS Founder Patrons, New England Seafood International join a growing family of businesses, organisations and philanthropists contributing to the charity's annual running costs. They enable Horizon to keep offering state-of-the-art facilities, new opportunities, and first-class youth work to thousands of young people.

Those aged between eight and 19 – and up to 25 with additional needs – have access seven days a week, for just £5 membership per year and 50p a visit. It has captured the imaginations of more than 4,000 young people in the brief time it has been operational in the Grade II-listed Migar House and former West Haven Maltings on Garth Lane.

New England Seafood International is a leading UK-based supplier and processor of sustainable fish and seafood, known for its global sourcing, premium products, and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Founded in 1991, NESI have built roots in Grimsby since 2016. They are a purpose-led organisation that is dedicated to making a positive change for the planet and its people.

Dan Aherne, Group CEO of New England Seafood International said, "We're incredibly proud to support Horizon Youth Zone and to inspire the next generation to consider our incredibly diverse industry, and manufacturing more broadly, as a really strong career prospect and one that can provide a rich array of opportunities for growth and development.

"We want young people to see the opportunities that exist right here in our industry, challenge themselves to aim high, and have the confidence to take that all important first step. I hope our involvement can help open eyes as to what's possible and ignite a spark for some of our youth, wherever that takes them."

Horizon Youth Zone Chair Mike Parker said, "I'd like to say a huge thank you to New England Seafood International, Grimsby Fish Dock Group and Made Great in Grimsby for their support of Horizon Youth Zone. It highlights the opportunities available within the seafood industry and shows their dedication to helping the young people of North East Lincolnshire discover their talents, develop essential life skills and unlock their potential."

Since opening, Horizon has been visited more than 25,000 times by young people from across North East Lincolnshire, giving them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, with 20 activities available for each session. These include an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, music room with recording studio, and the training kitchen, now supported by Made Great in Grimsby with help from Grimsby Fish Dock Group.

Grimsby Fish Dock Group are Grimsby's leading suppliers of trade and wholesale fish for Food Processors, Fish Merchants, Caterers and more. They support Made Great in Grimsby who tell the story of one of the world's largest seafood processing and trading cluster, promoting a seafood sector worth more than £1.5 billion to the region.

Andrew Oliver, CEO Grimsby Fish Dock Group said, “Horizon Youth Zone is an incredible facility for the area. We’re passionate about seafood, we want to see more people eat more fish more often, so where better to start than ensuring the children of this great town are as well equipped as possible.

“Hopefully the next Rick Stein, Mitch Tonks or Nigella Lawson emerges from this support and tells the nation of Grimsby's pride in its seafood story.”

Simon Dwyer representing the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association who own the Made Great in Grimsby trademarked brand commented, “For over three years we’ve been delivering our Made Great in Grimsby schools and careers to hundreds of young people in Grimsby. We represent a sector that gives direct employment and career aspirations to 5,000 people mainly residing in North East Lincolnshire and another 10,000 people in the supply-chain. The fish and seafood we produce in the town is sustainable, nutritious, and healthy for all young people. We’re excited about the partnership we have with New England Seafood International and Grimsby Fish Dock Group to deliver exciting experiences for young people."

Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO Horizon Youth Zone said, "We are deeply grateful to New England Seafood International, Grimsby Fish Dock Group and Made Great in Grimsby for their generous support of Horizon Youth Zone. Seafood is such a huge part of our town's heritage, and we're delighted to have that represented within the youth zone. Their contribution will help provide skills and opportunities to the young people of North East Lincolnshire."

Horizon Youth Zone is delivered in partnership with OnSide, North East Lincolnshire Council and supported by several businesses and philanthropists. The Founder Patron campaign aims to achieve long-term, sustainability, to ensure Horizon Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people's lives for generations to come.

Horizon continues to focus on raising a growing family of Founder Patrons and urges local businesses and philanthropists to join the Founder Patron family. If you would like to support young people living in North East Lincolnshire, please contact: fiona.wright@horizonyouthzone.org