Fish wholesaler nets new markets with Growth Hub support

Background
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the Stickleback Fish Company is a seafood wholesaler, supplying more than 2,000 product lines to 1,300 customers in the hospitality, education, healthcare and airline sectors.

Based in Welham Green, the company was founded by Managing Director Ross Arnold with just one customer. Today, it employs around 100 people and has a turnover of £20m.

The Challenge
Ross first reached out to the Growth Hub in 2017 when the business was well established, largely focused on the hospitality sector, and looking to grow. The nature of the industry means that markets fluctuate wildly depending on supply levels. Margins are small, so Stickleback Fish relies on high volumes.

The Solution
Ross met with one of our experienced Growth Account Managers, who carried out an in-depth review of the company. He then helped Ross define his strategy and cascade it to his team, encouraging him to think about diversifying into different markets to increase volume and balance production throughout the week.

When the firm was severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Growth Hub also helped Stickleback Fish access a £100,000 match-funded grant through the Business

Expansion Grant Scheme, run by Hertfordshire Futures (previously Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership) and Hertfordshire County Council. The scheme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Hertfordshire Futures, was designed to incentivise SMEs to invest in new equipment to spur growth, boost productivity and create jobs.

Stickleback Fish invested in new packaging, labelling and freezing machinery that increased their factory’s handling capacity and enabled the business to break into the airline sector.

In 2021, the Growth Hub once again helped Ross access a grant, this time for marketing consultancy. This led to the company further developing its strategy, growth plans, mission, vision and values.

Most recently the Growth Hub signposted Ross to Estu to provide customer success training for several of his employees.

The Impact
The Stickleback Fish Company has been able to turn to Hertfordshire Growth Hub time and again over the years, accessing advice, support and vital funding. Throughout this partnership, the Growth Hub has helped the company invest in new machinery, increase volumes, diversify into new sectors, access training and emerge stronger than ever from the devastating impact of COVID-19.

Since 2020, the company has grown from 60 employees to around 100. It has moved into a new £3m factory and is now achieving year-on-year growth of 20%.

Client Quote

“I’ve had a hugely positive experience with the Growth Hub. There are so many things to consider when you’re running a business, but there’s also so much good free advice and support out there that the Growth Hub can connect you with. I’d urge anyone to contact them, no matter what stage you’re at.”
Ross Arnold, Managing Director, Stickleback Fish Company