Dron & Dickson Reports Significant Growth
Dron & Dickson, specialist in hazardous area electrical equipment, has reported growth in 2010/11 of more than 14.5% with turnover rising to GBP 27.6 million. Pre-tax profits of just under GBP 1 million were recorded in the 12 months to the end of May (approximately GBP 500,000 in 2009/10). Operations director Colin Maver: “The growth reflects the significant ongoing and controlled investment being made back into the business to ensure we provide an exceptional service to our customers.”
“The investment made in competency assurance and training to increase and develop our pool of high-quality staff has played a key role in this success. Achieving IRATA accreditation, for example, has allowed us to offer clients increased service levels along with the assurance that we adhere to the absolute highest safety standards. We have also continued to introduce further efficiencies to ensure we offer a cost-effective and reliable service.”
New Markets
Colin Maver continues: “The majority of work completed has been within the UK and we will continue to grow organically across our UK bases which are all performing exceptionally well. In addition, we are focusing on new markets and have completed work in Germany for the first time in the past 12 months. We also have plans for further international expansion most immediately in the Middle East.”
Record Levels
Record levels of business were secured in the first six months of the year with GBP 55 million of North Sea work awarded by both existing and new customers, including BP, Nexen and Talisman.
Employee numbers both on and offshore have risen from 160 to 220 over the last 12 months to help service the number of oil and gas contracts won in recent months, with further recruitment of high-calibre people planned for the coming year. With demand expected to continue to rise, and a number of new contracts in the pipeline, Dron & Dickson forecasts further growth in excess of 10% for 2011/12.
Rapid Response
Dron & Dickson has a network of wholesale bases in the UK in Aberdeen, Hull, Lowestoft and Stirling to ensure it can provide a rapid response to client need. As well as targeting growth in the oil and gas sector, Dron & Dickson operates in the renewables and decommissioning markets. Additional sectors of industry range from pharmaceuticals to distilleries.
Services
Services provided include design, specify, supply, install, test, commission, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment in hazardous areas both on and offshore; Steel framing and cable management system upgrades, compilation and implementation of hazardous area strategies, and general electrical support to operators and contractors.
The company offers a range of life-cycle solutions and holds numerous supply agreements providing competitive contract prices, matched inventory, spend analysis, KPI reporting and technical support. Through an extensive supply chain, Dron & Dickson can source a diverse range of products.