Export Excellence from STATS Group
March 2018
Entering mature, established markets and competing with significantly larger organisations is never easy. By focusing on its innovative technology and delivering a credible alternative to the norm, STATS Group has managed to increase its export turnover from 47% in 2014, to 77% as of 2016.
This outstanding work has led to a nomination at this year's OAAs, in the Export Achievement category. We spoke to CEO, Leigh Howarth, who shared how it feels to be a 2018 finalist.
Congratulations! How does it feel to be nominated?
“We are delighted to be nominated in the export achievement category which acknowledges the efforts of our staff across the globe in establishing our technologies in new markets and increasing our international competitiveness. It is particularly special as this year we celebrate our twentieth-year in business and reflect on the considerable progress achieved by STATS in becoming a global provider of isolation, hot tapping and plugging services”.
Happy 20th anniversary! Over your two decades in business, how important has export strategy been to STATS Group?
“A successful export strategy is vital to the growth of all companies in the oil and gas industry, particularly in recent years where we have experienced a prolonged downturn in the UKCS. STATS internationalisation strategy and innovative solutions has allowed the company to expand its geographical footprint and grow market share - ultimately, offering operators a credible alternative to traditional technology with key safety and financial benefits.”
And has this strategy changed, over recent years in particular?
“STATS Group has adapted to increasing price competition and shorter client lead times by adopting a regional-based operating model. This has involved investment in office and workshop facilities in Abu Dhabi, Edmonton, Qatar, Houston and Malaysia, to support global operations. This strategy has facilitated key equipment to be located in the regions, allowing assets to be stored and maintained and then shipped to the end user from the closest regional hub, thereby reducing shipping and handling costs for a more responsive service”.
As a finalist at this year's OAAs, what do see as the main benefits of being nominated for an award such as this?
“We are pleased to be recognised by the OAA for the significant growth of our export turnover and proud of the hard work and commitment shown by of our staff across the group in making this possible. The nomination provides positive external feedback on our approach in providing innovative solutions across international markets, which has positioned STATS as a key supplier of isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global oil and gas industry”.
Winners will be announced on Thursday 22 March 2018 at a black tie ceremony at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Nominations will open for the 2019 Offshore Achievement Awards on the 1st of October 2018. Visit our nominations page for more information on categories and criteria.
