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R&D pays off for North-east companies

An investment of five years of work and £500,000 of funding is paying off for a North-east company whose recently developed underwater tool now has outstanding tenders worth around US $10 million.

Ecosse Subsea Systems, who developed and patented the SCAR, a specialist trenching plough, say it now has the potential to earn millions more for the company – and will cement the North Sea as a location from which technologies can be sourced on a global basis.

That innovative approach to developing new technology for the energy industry has now earned the company, which was founded in 1996 by Turriff-born engineering expert Mike Wilson, two finalists slots in this year’s Northern Star Business Awards. The Awards Ceremony is the flagship event for Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

Not surprisingly it has been shortlisted in the Commitment to Innovative Use of Research & Development Award sponsored by HGF Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys and also in the new Energy Award, sponsored by BG Group.

“We are delighted to have reached the final stages of these prestigious and sought-after awards which recognise the tremendous hard work and dedication of the team since the company began.”

Ecosse faces tough competition in both categories. The R&D award will be one of the most keenly contested, with four companies in the running, reflecting the region’s strong R&D activity. Set up in 2006 and now operating out of 30 countries, Zenith Oilfield, which is also in the running for the Rising Star Award, invested £1.2million in R&D in 2010 in developing its Z-sight system for the oil and gas industry’s artificial lift sector.

“We are now the leading independent developer of downhole monitoring systems that enable reserves to be produced more efficiently and profitably. Year on year we increase our investment in R&D – a commitment which differentiates us in the market place and ensures we remain at the forefront of our field,” said Managing Director Greg Davie.

Sureclean of Whitecairns has been shortlisted for innovative research and development of new waste treatment solutions designed to clean up liquid and solid waste by-products of oil production including technology for dealing with contaminated water.

John Barron, managing director of Sureclean, said: “We are delighted to have made it through as a finalist to the Northern Star Business Awards, particularly in the Innovative use of R&D Category. As well as providing a boost to our workforce, it highlights our philosophy to provide our clients with a smart, safe and cost effective service.”

Innospection, a specialist in electromagnetic inspection technologies, is also a finalist in recognition of the continued R&D for its SLOFEC Subsea Inspection of Caissons and Risers and Flexible Risers. First introduced in 2007 and well received by the oil and gas industry, the company has continued to further develop its product’s subsea capabilities since then, against a backdrop of economic challenge in the marketplace.

“Our innovative electromagnetic inspection solutions are tailored for the challenges presented by the subsea industry, and we recognise that the market is now at a tipping Point,” said a company representative. “Innospection is delighted to be recognised as a finalist for this prestigious award.”

In the new Energy Award category oilfield services specialist Titan Torque Services has been shortlisted alongside Ecosse Subsea Systems.

In the past 12 months the company has increased turnover by 90%, doubled the size of its Aberdeen facility, developed and launched a new product and announced a new service to the drilling sector.

Launched in 2008, the company has developed an industry reputation for its key service area; the make up and break out of bottomhole assemblies and drill string components. The company was also a finalist in the R&D category in the 2010 Northern Star Business Awards and an award winner in the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise.

The Northern Star Business Awards will be held at the P&J Arena, AECC on Thursday October 6 when up to 1000 guests from across all sectors are expected to attend. For information on the few remaining sponsor opportunities or to book your place, please contact Membership on (01224) 343929 or Events on (01224) 343901 or log on to www.northernstarbusinessawards.co.uk for further information.