Direct Seafoods
Seafood Holdings Ltd was started in 1991 by food entrepreneur Toby Baxendale. He funded his University studies by working in a restaurant that he co-owned. Part of his role as restaurateur was to buy produce from all the London principle wholesale markets: Nine Elms for the fruit and veg, Billingsgate for the fish and Smithfield for the meat, poultry and game. By 1992 the wholesale side of Toby's business was substantial and so the restaurant was sold - Billfields Food Company - commenced trading.
After years of specialising in meat - Toby turned his attention to developing the fish trading side of the business. An opportunity presented itself when Lyn Gower, the MD of a Colchester based catering fishmonger, decided to sell her business. Seafood Holdings Ltd was set up to buy this business.
In 2002, Toby acquired a London-based fishmonger, giving the business a strong foothold in the capital among premier London hotels and restaurants.
In 2007 and 2008, the growth has continued when Fleetwood's C&G Neve, Newcastle's Taylor Foodsand Brixham's Kingfishercame on board. Additionally, the company has opened a new Direct Seafoods supply depot in Edinburgh.
In late 2009 we purchased Openshaws a premier supplier of high quality Fish bringing local fish into local businesses.
These coastal depots give Direct Seafoods a truly national presence.
