The Improved Access to Finance Working Group (FWG) was established in 2009 following the launch of A Fresh Start - the renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture.
The Group is chaired by David Bassett of the British Trout Association (BTA) and is made up of representatives from:
Further input is provided from associated industry e.g. feed, financial services and others on an ad hoc basis at the invitation of the FWG.
Key issues for the group include:
- Poor historic profitability profile of industry
- Financing of SMEs/collateral/borrowing
- Relationship of insurance and investment
- Clearing Bank engagement; Lack of appropriate data
- Education of industry and stakeholders.
The group last reported progress to the Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (MGA) on 23 February 2011.