Perth drilling consultancy Merlin ERD is celebrating after receiving the royal seal of approval with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The firm has been handed the UK’s highest business accolade after an outstanding international performance which has seen it more than quadruple the value of its exports over the last three years.
It is one of only 10 companies in Scotland to be given the award this year, with managing director Iain Hutchison describing it as “a magnificent honour”.
“The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is an internationally recognised title which demonstrates the height of our achievements,” he said. “It reinforces our position as the leaders in our field of specialised drilling for the oil and gas industry.
“We will display our royal-backed credentials with pride, and I’m sure our success will reflect well on both Scotland and Perth as a stamp of business excellence based locally but operating globally.”
Officials praised the Cherrybank firm, which was founded in 2007 and has grown to employ 26 people over the last three years, for a blossoming in exports after overseas revenues rose by 377%.
The group which provides engineering and training to the oil and gas industry, as well as expert consultancy in extended reach drilling has added new markets in Italy and Azerbaijan, overcoming cultural barriers in the process, while improving performance in existing markets.
It is also the holder of the innovation gong from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce’s Star Awards, and is in the throes of a£2 million redevelopment of its Cherrybank headquarters.
The firm, which specialises in the long-reach techniques necessary to exploit oil and gas reserves in tough-to-reach places, has attracted revenues totalling £10m since launch.
Its work is vital to oil explorers because it allows them to access deposits from existing wells up to 20km away.
The company also holds training courses for the industry, in global locations from the Caribbean to Australia.
“We pride ourselves on offering the best in British engineering to our clients,” said Fife-raised Iain. “To win royal recognition for what we do on a global platform is fabulous.
“Like our engineering achievements, it sets us apart in the oil and gas industry and displays an instantly identifiable, outstanding level of service and success that the industry recognises and respects.”
Other successful Scottish firms include Clachan-based Loch Fyne Oysters, Glasgow computer game animator Axis Production and Rothesay’s Bute Fabrics, which designed fabric for the seats in London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise receive a visit from a royal representative, and are invited to attend a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace. They may also use a special emblem on all advertising, marketing and packaging for five years, as a mark of their success.
UK Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Companies that are growing, innovating and championing UK business overseas deserve the recognition that these awards bestow.
“With more than 100 international trade winners this year, it is clear that Britain is emerging as a leader in selling its quality services and products throughout the world.”