One of the world’s leading subsea training and trials facility, The Underwater Centre, has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.
The report, which was launched at a special event in London, is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses. To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, significantly outperforming their industry peers.
The Underwater Centre, which is based at the shore of a seawater loch, Loch Linnhe in Fort William, has an extensive onshore and offshore site where there are a large range of vessels and equipment and a team of expert staff and instructors delivering subsea training, testing and research work for clients across many sectors.
Steve Ham. The Underwater Centre’s Commercial Director, commented: “We are delighted to have been included in this year’s list and it is testament to the hard work of all our staff, supporters and most of all, our clients.
Steve Ham, Commercial Director
“I would like to specifically thank Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which has supported us over the years.
“We have been operating in an increasingly tricky marketplace with the ongoing downturn in the oil and gas industry, however, we have continually been working to adapt what we offer and tailor our services to the needs of our clients and this has proved successful.”
The Centre’s unique location allows it to provide year-round realistic and industry-like training and testing in a tidal, open-water environment with access to depths of over 100 meters.
It is the ideal location to perform training while still being centrally located in the largest town in the Scottish Highlands.
Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group said: “High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need. But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance. That’s why this event is so important: demonstrating the strong alliance between UK Government, financial market participants, investors, entrepreneurs and companies to support these inspiring businesses.”
