Scotprime Seafoods Limited B

This is the second of a two-case series (397-035-1 and 397-036-1). The Scotprime (B) case study details the development of a new seafood processing business by two experienced and senior fish industry managers. The company they worked for was bought by the Hanson Group and major changes made in the structure of the business. Ron Cook and Fred Buchan saw themselves as having little or no choice but to set up on their own. The strategy they formulated, involving an alliance with a major international customer and another firm in the same industry, has worked extremely well when allied to the extensive industry skills of the two partners. Over a five-year period the company grows rapidly by a mixture of acquisition and internal growth. However, economic recession in Europe has brought a rapid halt to turnover growth in a low margin business. The case ends with a question mark over the future development of the business.