The skills training aims to highlight the importance of fish and seafood dishes in helping operators across the hospitality sector to boost menu appeal. Neil Poxon, who joined Direct Seafood as operations support manager at the start of the year is spearheading the drive.

He said: “The fishmongers at each of our depots have a huge depth of skills and experience, but it’s now more important than ever that we give all the support we can to our customers, who are the chefs, restaurateurs, and caterers at the sharp end of the economy.

“Our network of depots means that we can work closely with individual chefs and small groups at a local level, to offer menu advice and prepare fish and seafood to their requirements, as well as support national customers through the Direct Seafoods network.”

Alongside in-house skills training, Direct Seafoods is also relaunching its programme of masterclasses and training session for chefs across all its depots. The focus will be on helping chefs to develop the practical skills needed to prepare, cook and present a range of fish as well as ensuring menus fully factor in sustainability issues.

Direct Seafoods won the Marine Stewardship Council Award for Fresh Fish Food Service Supplier of the Year 2021, recognising its commitment to sustainability, and the diverse range of products it offers.