Malcolm Large warmly welcomes our new Executive Director, Julie Waites

As the old adage goes, “all good things must come to an end” and that is certainly true of my tenure as Executive Director of FASFA as I prepare to hand over the reins to Julie Waites. Julie officially takes up her new role on the 1st September and will be a terrific asset to the organisation.

For my part, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the many highlights I have experienced during my time at FASFA. From the moment I took over the role from John Rutherford, I was struck by the passion, dedication and commitment to quality and standards that our industry consistently demonstrates.

Over the last few years, I have attended numerous fantastic events, from the National Fish and Chip Awards to vessel launches to numerous stakeholder events throughout the UK. As part of my role as a key ambassador for frozen at sea fillets within the fish and chip supply chain I have also, unfortunately, been called upon to refute several negative and misleading headlines around the availability and environmental sustainability of the nation’s favourite dish. This is an ongoing challenge but one that FASFA has always stridently met head on. I will always champion FAS fillets and refute any myths about the fish and chip supply chain, even if it’s in my new capacity as an enthusiastic customer in conversation with others in the queue on a Friday!

With the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid-19 looming large, the last two years have undoubtedly brought unprecedented challenge for us all, as individuals and businesses. It’s important to note, though, that there are many reasons to be optimistic. In terms of the supply of frozen at sea fillets, our supply chains and trading relationships are strong and market data shows that fish and chips remains a popular and much beloved choice for consumers throughout the UK. Despite Covid, the industry has continued to innovate and thrive in the face of its challenges and the public’s love of our iconic dish cannot be understated.

So, to the future, and a very warm welcome to Julie Waites. Julie comes to FASFA with a huge depth and breadth of insight and knowledge, which she has developed over more than 20 years working in the seafood industry. In her previous role at Seafish, Julie collaborated with FASFA closely for many years, making her the ideal person to take over as Executive Director.

As we were former colleagues at Seafish for many years, and continued to work together during my tenure at FASFA, I can personally attest to Julie’s passion for this industry and the drive she brings to every role she undertakes. I for one can’t wait to see what she has planned for the organisation and I sincerely wish her every success.