Latest news with #Inverness-headquartered
Press and Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen floating wind specialist acquired by growing Inverness energy firm
Inverness-headquartered Aurora Energy Services has acquired Aberdeen firm Encomara, a specialist in floating wind deployment systems and subsea engineering. Industry stalwarts Ian Cobban, Malcolm Bowie, Ian Donald and Raymond Semple, founded Encomara in 2022. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, includes Encomara's innovative Squid system. The technology integrates pre-installed mooring and electrical connections in one modular subsea unit. This reduces the cost, time and risk associated with the deployment, recovery and reconnection of turbines. Aurora chief executive Doug Duguid has described the system as a 'true game changer'. Encomara's team of six will move to Aurora House in Dyce, keeping its brand and identity while continuing to offers specialist advice on floating wind, mooring systems, and subsea field development. Mr Duguid said: 'Encomara's Squid system is a step-change in floating wind development and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our technical strategy. 'Squid allows operators to modularise and industrialise offshore construction and combined with our fabrication and engineering capability, it gives Aurora a unique position in the market. 'We are committed to providing key investment in the Squid system to develop prototypes, in extensive offshore testing and roll-out to market, as we believe this is a true game-changer and it supports our ambition to lead in the energy transition.' Each member of the innovative foursome boasts decades of energy sector experience, including in wave, tidal, fixed and floating offshore wind. Mr Semple previously led regional offshore and subsea divisions for Technip in Brazil and North America, and then global subsea businesses owned by DOF Subsea and Baker Hughes. Before joining Encomara, Mr Cobban was chief operations officer for Inverness-based Global Energy Group. Mr Bowie has been an independent consultant and advisor in design and offshore construction for more than 35 years. Meanwhile, Mr Donald – who won an outstanding achievement gong at subsea industry awards in 2017 – joined Encomara after more than 40 years in executive, technical and project management roles. Mr Donald said: 'Aurora's ambition and capability give Encomara the ideal platform to accelerate our roadmap and bring the Squid system to more markets, more quickly. 'Together, we can industrialise floating wind deployment while staying focused on innovation, safety, and engineering quality.' Mr Semple will take on the role of chief operating officer, while chief technology officer, Mr Bowie, will continue in the same role in Aurora. Current Aurora chief operating officer, Tom Smith, will take on a new role as regional director for EAME (Europe Africa and Middle East). Aurora Energy Services was set up in 2022 by Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan to help drive the energy transition and now employs more than 275 people. The firm has invested £750,000 into its new Aberdeen property, Ury House in Howe Moss Crescent. It has also renamed the building, which is home to its integrated services division, Aurora House. Aurora is part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) consortium after joining last year. It has a large training and competency academy in the capital of the Highlands and also has its own in-house design and fabrication facility at Huntly. The company's global presence includes operations in North and South America as well as Australia.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Five north and north-east firms celebrate King's Awards success
Five north and north-east businesses have today been unveiled as winners of the latest King's Awards for Enterprise. Firms across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands triumphed in the innovation and international trade categories. It is the 59th year of the royal gongs, the third under King Charles III, and the awards are regarded by many as one of the prestigious business accolades in the UK. They are awarded for outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Here are the five businesses in the north and north-east of Scotland who been been unveiled as winners. Aberdeen technology firm Impact Subsea has been recognised for its international trade, providing sonar and sensor solutions for underwater vehicles. The firm is no stranger when it comes to the prestigious accolade, being recognised in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise four years ago. Managing director Benedict Grant said: 'Receiving the King's Award for Enterprise in international trade is an incredible honour. 'And a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of the entire Impact Subsea team. 'It's a proud moment for us, recognising our commitment to excellence and our success in expanding our reach in the global, subsea technology sector.' Winners are allowed to use the coveted awards emblem for the next five years. Inverness-headquartered RSE, has received the innovation award for its new solutions for clean water. RSE made a splash with a £60 million growth in its turnover, rising to £257m. Chief executive Steve Slessor said: 'The King's Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award a UK company can receive. 'It's a tremendous honour and a recognition of the technical expertise and innovation we've developed over more than 40 years. 'We are proud to be a company rooted in the Highlands, supported by several generations of local families. 'Creating skilled, sustainable employment in rural communities remains central to our purpose.' The firm also recently completed the acquisition of two businesses as part of its plans to increase its revenue. Aberdeen software company Fennex has also been recognised for its international trade. The firm exports scalable digital solutions through strong industry partnerships. Strategy director Nassima Brown said: 'It is an accolade for the entire team, and recognition of our standout performance in achieving international business success. 'Since we started in Aberdeen, the business has rapidly developed: our systems now operate in over 20 countries, with 42,000 end-users. 'We see this as a driver of economic growth, and positioning Aberdeen and Scotland as global leaders in digital technology innovation.' Fraserburgh-based engineering firm Gray & Adams is picking up an honour for its innovation. The firm, which has seen its profits almost double to £18.6m, designed an aerodynamic refrigerated double-deck semi-trailer. The trailers are a familiar sight on roads throughout the UK and beyond. They are used by household names such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons and Aldi. Aberdeen firm Rubberatkins has been providing oil and gas clients with rubber products since 1988 and has been recognised for its international trade. It specialises in delivering 'innovative and reliable high-performance sealing solutions for the most demanding applications'. The firm has been rewarded for its design, development, manufacture and testing of high-performance elastomer and plastic products.
