Scottish Energy Minister puts CVS on the spot

In August, Scottish Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing (pictured right) visited Mick Beavers, Managing Director of Control Valve Solutions Ltd (CVS) at the company’s new 2,500m2 Portlethen facility on the Badentoy Business Park.

CVS was the first company that the Minister visited as part of a two day tour of SMEs based throughout Aberdeenshire. He wanted to put companies under the spotlight who have been supported by Scottish Enterprise and find out more about how successful they have been and how this success can continue to create and protect Scottish jobs. The Energy Minister was accompanied by David Rennie, Oil & Gas Director at Scottish Enterprise who had a tour and discussions with the team at CVS.

One of Aberdeen’s leading valve repair, maintenance and management companies, CVS, was specifically selected by the Growth Team at Scottish Enterprise for a visit by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing to find out more about how the company has grown so rapidly over the last three and a half years. CVS’ growth has been phenomenal with company turnover increasing from just under £360k in 2009 and is on target to break the £2 million turnover mark by the end of 2012.

With employee numbers set to increase to over 30 in the next three years, only last month CVS relocated to its new flagship facility because it had outgrown its old Links Street workshop. Throughout the company’s journey Scottish Enterprise has played its part by providing a range of business support from strategic workshops through to grants for HSEQ and job creation.

The Minister met with the key management team where there was a round table discussion with CVS’ views on working with Scottish Enterprise and what difference this work has made in facing challenges and overcoming the barriers to growth. Following this meeting facility tour took place which gave the minister an opportunity to see first hand how the company repairs and overhauls valves and other equipment.

Mick Beavers said “It was a complete surprise when I was told that CVS had been chosen for a visit and so soon after our big move but the team at Scottish Enterprise has always been very supportive. External help has been one of the keys to our success providing focus and allowing our management team to think more strategically. It would have been all too easy to get embroiled in our day to day activities and not focus on growth”. In response to the Minister’s questions on business challenges Mick pointed out a few issues relating to the constant battle of correctly financing growth, finding and retaining the right calibre of staff to achieve the high standards that clients expect from CVS and getting more exposure for CVS within the region and across the valve industry.

David Rennie confirmed that CVS is already planning financial and marketing Scottish Energy Minister puts CVS on the spot reviews through the growth team at Scottish Enterprise and these reviews will underpin the projected growth in the business. David Rennie said “What was evident throughout the visit and what has always stood out for me at CVS is the passion and drive to ensure that clients have the absolute highest standard of service 24/7 to reduce platform downtime and improve safety. It’s the “yes we can” attitude that speaks volumes at CVS and this is one of the main reasons why they are where they are today whether it is about repairing a valve or bringing in outside help.”

The Energy Minister said: “It was refreshing meeting a business owner who has accepted the support of Scottish Enterprise with open arms and I would urge any other business owners who are ambitious about growing their businesses to use external business support services”.

He concluded “In terms of the future support that companies like CVS can expect from the Scottish government to create and protect jobs, this has given me an insight into the challenges faced by just one fast growing company and the need to engage with businessowners to help them break down the barriers to growth.”

Control Valve Solutions Ltd
Tel: 01224 583116 / 0151 531 1501
www.controlvalvesolutions.co.uk

Published: 3rd December 2012