We have long recognised the necessity of diversifying beyond our traditional stronghold in the North Sea energy sector.
While this has been a cornerstone of our operations, the unpredictable nature of that market underscored the importance of expanding our horizons both geographically and industrially. The plan to step outside our comfort zone and head to broader horizons started a little over three years ago.
The results have been there for all to see. Our commitment to diversification has not only strengthened us as a business but also propelled us to new heights. In the past year, we have recorded a remarkable 38% increase in turnover, reaching £11.5m, up from £8.3m. This is a testament to our strategic efforts to enter and thrive in new markets and, in turn, generate enough profit to re-invest in the business.
A critical aspect of our strategy has been our pursuit of global scopes of work. Today, over 60% of our projects are international, spanning the United States, the Middle East, Europe, Brazil, Australia, West Africa and South East Asia. Our success in securing contracts with operators, global engineering businesses, subsea companies and even well-known space firms speaks volumes about our capabilities and adaptability.
Our journey has not been without its challenges. For example, initially we were met with a degree of scepticism by European engineering giants, who often work with large-scale companies. However, through perseverance and unwavering commitment, we began to turn the tide. We demonstrated our value by swiftly responding to client issues with innovative solutions, gradually earning their trust and respect.
This process resulted in a crucial lesson being learned: building lasting relationships requires face-to-face interactions, not video calls.
Frequent travel to key markets like the US, Belgium and Holland has been indispensable in this regard. The prospective client appreciated the effort of us meeting them in person.
It’s also worth noting that finding the right people has been pivotal for JBS. With a dedicated team of 60 professionals at our Peterhead facility, we have fostered a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that we learn from our experiences and emerge stronger.
Our innovative engineering solutions have been a cornerstone of our success. Our Sea Axe Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) technology, renowned for its compact design and environmentally friendly approach, has seen increased global demand. This technology utilises natural erosion, minimises environmental impact and meets the growing client demand for sustainable solutions.
The fabrication division has also thrived, securing numerous contracts including agreements for specialised services such as reel modifications and on-site support.
In addition to our core divisions, our blast containment products have gained traction, particularly in the energy and space sectors. These products, featuring patented fabrics, provide protection against various hazards, including ballistic and blast threats. Furthermore, our proprietary dual-drive screw conveyor systems have proven indispensable in challenging environments, offering superior reliability and efficiency.
We are always looking for new and innovative ways to solve client problems. It sounds simple but, as the more astute among you know, turning an idea into reality takes a tremendous amount of effort.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on supporting energy clients and expanding our capabilities into new markets such as renewables, and the food and drink sector. We are confident that our broad range of products and services, supported by a proven track record, will continue to reap dividends. However, we must also ensure we are responding to market needs and don’t settle into the dreaded comfort zone.
The recognition of our international success with the Going Global honour at the 2023 Northern Star Business Awards was a most welcomed reward for our hard work and dedication.
Diversification and global outreach are not just strategies but imperatives for thriving in today’s dynamic business environment.
However, we must remember that sometimes in the early stages, stepping out of the office and traveling is essential to forge strong international relationships – and drive the business forward.
JBS Group has four main divisions – fabrication, its innovative Sea Axe subsea excavation technology, blast containment systems and screw conveyors. It supports international projects from its Peterhead operation.
For more information, please visit - https://jbsgroupglobal.com/