In today's evolving energy landscape, no business can afford to stand still - and no business should rely solely on one sector, even one as globally important as oil and gas.
Building resilience through strategic diversification is no longer an option. It is a necessity.
That said, diversification must be more than a phrase in a corporate brochure. It must be based on a clear understanding of where industries are heading, what clients really need and how your own expertise can be shaped to deliver those solutions.
At Jbs, we have built our approach around four distinct divisions - controlled flow excavation (CFE), blast containment, fabrication and engineering, and screw conveyor systems - each aligned to the long-term requirements of the energy, marine, renewables, defence, and industrial sectors. Today, Jbs has delivered projects in more than 80 countries, across six continents, and that breadth of experience continues to shape how we grow.
Crucially, diversification does not mean abandoning your roots. Our experience in oil and gas remains vital, giving us the technical strength and industry knowledge that underpins everything we do. However, it does mean investing in innovation, broadening your outlook and developing solutions that anticipate where future needs are emerging.
One key lesson from our own journey is that success still hinges on human connection. It is easy to think that digital meetings and proposals are enough - but the real breakthroughs happen when you meet clients face-to-face. I travel extensively both locally and overseas to meet people, listen to their challenges and understand the nuances of what they need. Building trust in person takes effort, but it opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
A recent example comes to mind. We spent considerable time building a relationship with a major European company. It was a slow process, based on understanding their requirements and proving our reliability. When a larger supplier failed to deliver, Jbs stepped in. We provided a solution quickly and efficiently - and that first project has since developed into a strong, growing partnership.
Responsiveness matters. Industry requirements change rapidly, and clients need partners who move with them. When offshore operators in Brazil required more robust solids handling, it was an opportunity for our dual-drive screw conveyor system to meet compliance needs, providing a safer, innovative and more efficient solution.
Similarly, our blast containment division has seen exceptional growth. Working alongside some of the biggest names in the space industry, our Blastac solutions protect people, infrastructure and assets against blast, ballistic, fire, and arc flash threats. Innovations like our portable pressure test bays and FireMax technology have demonstrated that blast containment can reduce costs, safeguard operations, and - most importantly - save lives. In one case offshore, the introduction of Jbs blast curtains helped avoid shutdown delays and delivered an estimated cost saving of $4.8 million over an 18-month period.
Our Sea Axe Controlled Flow Excavation system is another example of how innovation plays such a pivotal role in growth ambitions. Sea Axe is a next-generation subsea excavation tool, designed to work through natural erosion rather than brute force. It is non-contact, non-intrusive, and significantly reduces environmental impact - making it ideal for offshore wind, cable trenching, pipeline burial and decommissioning projects.
At the heart of our progress is our Peterhead team. Their ability to blend technical excellence with a real understanding of what clients want is what gives us an edge. The North-east is home to many firms with a global outlook - something that deserves greater recognition. It is a real strength that so many companies from this region are delivering projects around the world.
Strategic growth does not happen overnight. It requires a clear plan, consistent execution and, above all, a willingness to get out there, meet people, and earn their trust. Opportunity does not just appear - it is built mile by mile, meeting by meeting, decision by decision.
Jo McIntosh is sales and marketing director at Peterhead-based Jbs. With an extensive in-house track record, the company specialises in controlled flow excavation, blast containment, fabrication and engineering services and screw conveyor systems. Jbs is a past winner of the Going Global category at the Northern Star Business Awards.