NAFC Marine Centre appoints new business development chief – Fishupdate.com

THE NAFC Marine Centre in Shetland has announced that Alan Bourhill has been appointed new business development manager and will join the organisation on June 2.

Alan studied for his MSc in Mariculture Science and Technology at the Centre during 2003/04 before joining Grading Systems (UK) Ltd as marketing assistant. Most recently, he has been working at No Catch Ltd as fish health and welfare manager.

Welcoming Alan to the team, director Tony Hawkins said: “One of our main objectives is to work more closely with the local fishing and fish farming industries and Alan is well equipped to take forward that aspect of our work.

“We also want to ensure that our facilities at the Centre are used for the benefit of local companies and the wider local community. I am confident that Alan – with the support of the entire staff – will help reinforce our position as an important source of support for the maritime industries, upon which Shetland depends.”

Commenting on his appointment, Alan Bourhill added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team and very much looking forward to working together with everyone at the Marine Centre to take the organisation forward.

“The scope of the work that the Centre undertakes in support of the marine industries is very impressive and I know my job will be very interesting and challenging.

“Initially, I’ll be focusing on exploring future developments and enhancing the commercial activities that the Centre provides for the aquaculture and fisheries industries.

“My experience of working in industry has given me an understanding of the challenges of conducting business with continually evolving legislation and customer requirements. We want to support the growth of businesses in Shetland by continuing to offer a high quality service that is tailored to industry requirements.

“My role will also include supporting the academic staff at the Centre who work very hard to meet the needs of local industry through delivering first class research and development projects. I hope to increase the grant income generated for scientific projects as well as investigating commercial research work.

“I feel that I’m joining the staff at a very positive time. The vision for the NAFC has always been to be a centre of marine excellence and, by continuing to work hard and listening to the needs of industry, I believe we will achieve exactly that.”

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