An Aberdeen company is to receive the Queen's Award for Enterprise in recognition of its international trade efforts.

Lord Provost of Aberdeen Peter Stephen will present the award to Hallin Marine UK Ltd next week, in his role as Lord Lieutenant.

Hallin Marine UK began operating in 2006, supplying specialised underwater services to the international oil and gas industries, using remote-operated vehicles and personnel working from vessels and rigs.

This is the first time that the company has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise, in the International Trade section. It is being presented in recognition of its "outstanding achievement" in international trade.

The company has seen a massive, almost 14-fold, growth in overseas earnings to £22million over three years. This outstanding achievement reflects an effective marketing strategy based on establishing strong client relationships.


The Lord Lieutenant said: "Things like this don't just happen; without fail it is an illustration of the enormous amount of hard work and sheer determination in specialised underwater services to the international oil and gas industries.

"To have achieved a nearly 14-fold growth in overseas earnings to £22million over three years is an amazing record.

"I am very proud of the way in which Aberdeen companies have risen to the challenge and for the firm to have achieved this tremendous honour is a wonderful testament to the enthusiasm of its management and staff."

Hallin UK Ltd managing director Mike Arnold said: "We are delighted to be the recipient of the Queen's Award for Enterprise in our first year of eligibility. It is a great honour for the company and reflects the huge effort of all our staff here in Aberdeen.

'We have exciting plans for the future of Hallin in Aberdeen, including the new offices, warehouse and storage facility we are having built to ensure we have the space to cope with our expansion, so let's hope this is the first of many Queen's Awards."

Hallin Marine UK Ltd places strong emphasis on multi-lingual staff, extensive use of the internet and participation in trade events.

India is a major market for the firm, which also serves many other overseas markets.

(GK/KMcA)