Grimsby fish merchant has just completed a GBP 100,000 (US$146,849) plus investment in its business to create a new fish factory.

Simon Goodwin of Grimsby Ltd has been a familiar figure on the docks for more than 30 years, but he only set up his own company in 1999.

It has been and outstanding success with turnover increasing many times to around GBP 3 million (US$4.41 million) a year today. He trades mainly at the high end of the market, supplying salmon, halibut and other prime fish to the wholesale sector.

In 2008, Simon acquired his current premises,which was in need of major renovation. He immediately set about a complete modernisation programme which has included an extension and the installation of a number of ice making machines which supply to other fish merchants in Grimsby.

Simon said he is delighted with the way the business has developed. The only cloud on the horizon was the high price fish at present, particularly salmon which has almost doubled in price since the end of last year and currently shows no sign of slowing up.

The Chilean salmon industry, which supplied much of the North American market, was devastated by disease last year and suffered a further blow following the January earthquake. American buyers are now looking to Europe for supplies, notably Norway and Scotland, and this is forcing prices through the roof at present.