Heading for retirement after 27 years looking after Sutton Harbour and its users, Pete Bromley is currently working alongside his replacement who will take over at the end of 2021.
Pete Bromley’s role is to be taken over by Mark Veale, who has a long Naval career behind him as well as a spell as Assistant Harbour Master in Looe. Mark began shadowing Pete at Sutton Harbour in July, and he will take charge of upholding the regulatory demands of a statutory harbour authority for Sutton Harbour Group, oversee operations staff, represent the harbour’s interests professionally, and manage forward planning to ensure the harbour continues to evolve and meet the needs of its users.
Sutton Harbour is home to both Plymouth Fisheries, one of the largest fresh fish markets in England and a fisheries hub for the South West region, and Sutton Harbour Marina, a luxury 5 Gold Anchor rated marina offering 420 leisure berths.
The Harbour Master’s role is a critical post for both Sutton Harbour Group and within Plymouth’s waterfront community, and involves working in close partnership with local authorities, the Queen’s Harbour Master and Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in the Port of Plymouth.
‘I was overjoyed to be offered this position and elated to take up the role as I’m passionate about the Barbican and Sutton Harbour. I grew up here and I know how people feel about the area, I know that when people think about Plymouth, they first think of the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, the fishing fleet and the history, and careful stewardship of this area is vitally important for the port,’ Mark Veale said.
‘I’ve come to Sutton Harbour from Looe, a predominantly fishing port with tourism included, to Sutton Harbour which is an even greater integral part of Plymouth’s tourism industry. I’ve been a sailor too, and I’m hoping to bring some personality to the role as well as a fresh pair of eyes to hopefully take Sutton Harbour into the next decade with the same diligence and attention to detail that Pete has always provided. I’m aware I have big shoes to fill. Pete has been Harbour Master here for years and has a wealth of experience. I come from a different background to Pete but he’s been very good at showing me the ropes, and I’m learning from the master.’
Pete Bromley, a former fishermen for more than 20 years, came ashore in 1995 to help Sutton Harbour Group develop and launch Plymouth Fisheries on the eastern side of the harbour, working closely with Plymouth Trawler Agents to set up the new fish market and revitalise the fishing industry in Plymouth. Pete served as the first Manager of Plymouth Fisheries before also becoming Harbour Master of Sutton Harbour a few years later.
‘I feel very fortunate to have been involved from the outset in helping to create and then manage a truly accessible new fisheries complex for Plymouth which put the fishermen first, as well as going a long way to supporting the vital South West fishing industry,’ he said.
‘I’m very proud to have paid an active part in this process, and helping fishermen to finally get a fair price for their catch has been personally satisfying. After twenty-odd years as Harbour Master, it is finally time for me to step back, but I am delighted to be handing over to Mark, who I am confident is absolutely the best person for the job.’
