With the Skipper Expo now held every two years, alternating between Ireland and Scotland, the organisers were keen to provide Scottish exhibitors with space to showcase their products.
‘We believe it’s important for the fishing industry to come together under one roof, and with the Irish Skipper Expo being the only commercial fishing exhibition in Ireland & the UK this year, it’s a key opportunity for Scottish companies to reconnect with their customers in a face-to-face setting,’ said Mara Media’s Sharon Boyle. ‘We’re delighted to welcome seven Scottish companies to the Irish Skipper Expo 2025.’
Among these is Gael Force, a longstanding exhibitor at the Scottish Skipper Expo, having participated in the event for the last ten years.
‘Now that the Skipper Expos have moved to biennial events, we didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to support our customers and the fishing industry. We haven’t exhibited the Irish Skipper Expo for many years, although some of our colleagues attend as visitors, therefore we are delighted to have a presence in Ireland this year,’ said Gale Force’s Doug Bowman.
‘Our roots are firmly established in the commercial fishing industry and the Skipper Expo offers another chance to engage directly with our customers, listen to their needs, and understand the challenges they face. This invaluable insight helps us refine our product offerings and ensure we continue to meet evolving demands. We are committed to supporting the industry’s long-term success, and events like this enable us to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and on this occasion, seek opportunities with other businesses to represent us in the Irish market. Our team will be on hand to offer expert advice, discuss product developments, and demonstrate how our solutions can enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability and present economic gains for fishing businesses.’
Ireland has always been an important market for naval architect MDI, with are numerous ambitious owners and operators looking to get the best out their vessels and develop more capable or efficient designs. MDI is able to work well with smaller owners and operators in understanding their specific needs as well as the Irish sector and regulatory framework.
Since being acquired by new owner Callum Shearer in 2021, Caithness Creels has been expanding. It has already been a regular exhibitor at the Scottish Skipper Expo in Aberdeen, and this year the company makes its first appearance at the Irish Skipper.
‘With former success from the Scottish Skipper Expos over the years, we’re looking forward to be in front of industry once again and connecting with our Irish market in person for the first time,‘ Callum Shearer said, commenting that they will be bringing twenty creels and creel samples, tailored specifically for the Irish market. With a growing team of 22 employees, Caithness Creels has been busier than ever, offering a wide range of products, including parlour and prawn creels, chandlery – guaranteed quality gear from some of Europe’s largest manufacturers.
Charity & Taylor (Electronic Services) have a network of offices and agents covering the whole of the UK with navigation & communication sales and a network of agents covering Ireland mostly with our Starlink and VSAT sales.
‘Being part of the Global Aage Hempel Group based in Spain we have access to all the main marine navigation and communications manufacturers. We are also approved Starlink Resellers through our Group owners Grupo Arbulu where our total Starlink group sales are growing at a considerable rate. We also have a large VSAT network on fishing vessels and work boats,’ a Charity & Taylor representative said.
