Posted on Monday June 25, 2018

The reputation of New Brunswick's fishing industry speaks for itself. Our seafood products are renowned (and sought out) across Canada from coast to coast. However, although they help to drive the economy and society of the Maritimes, fishers and other industry stakeholders face numerous issues. The weather, accidents, equipment breakdowns and upgrades, labour shortages and concerns about the industry's future are just some of the daily challenges.

Approximately 7,000 to 8,000 New Brunswickers earn their living in this industry. While fishing is certainly a rewarding occupation, it is also a highly competitive one that requires determination and perseverance.

A dockside conversation

Staying abreast of the reality of this industry and listening to the people who rely on it is essential in order to offer services tailored to their needs ? and at UNI, we understand this well. This is why we recently met with Hugues Robichaud, lobster fisher and owner of the Tuna Clipper 1, dockside to chat with him about the state of the industry.

First, when asked ?What is your biggest ongoing challenge as a business owner?? Mr. Robichaud replied without hesitation, ?To perform and stay competitive in order to keep returning to shore with a quality product!? Competition is fierce and fishers are under daily pressure to produce; this is clear.

Another challenge for Hugues Robichaud is working far from home. ?I was really impressed. I was working out West and dealing with my advisor on the phone. It was a pleasant surprise to be able to do transactions even in fairly large amounts over the phone,? he said.

His main goal? ?To simplify my life and avoid headaches.? How to get there? By delegating some of his financial responsibilities ? like payroll ? so he can spend his time focusing on his daily obligations.

Planning the present... and the future

Whether you're a lobster fisher, like Hugues Robichaud, or a crab or herring fisher, aquaculturist or processing plant owner, UNI can help you plan and organize your finances more effectively in order to lighten your workload both today and into the future.

Whatever your particular needs, an experienced, attentive UNI Business account manager can guide you through any situation, such as:

• Financing the purchase of a fishing licence, boat or equipment
• Repairs
• Planning for succession, retirement or to transfer your business
• Coping with unforeseen events
• Organizing a payroll service
• Planning financial investments
• Online business solutions
• Accounts payable and receivable management; etc.

We're here to help

Do you need advice? Call us today! 1-855-842-2511

UNI Business today is...

• 7 account managers specializing in the fishing industry
• 4 regional offices
• Access to external complementary partners
• An experienced technical and administrative support team located near you
• A head office situated in the heart of the fishing industry
• Essential business and auxiliary service solutions (payroll management, personalized credit cards, online business solutions, accounts payable/receivable management)