Blazing the Trail for SMEs
January 2018
The Great Company (SME) category is always a popular one. Each year we see companies who have shown dedication to their work, a passion to be different and a clear vision for the future. Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, a finalist in this year's SME category, epitomizes all these things.
The family run business is run by Howard and Ann Johnson (pictured above). In 2006, Howard and Ann built an innovative new company providing technical safety and loss prevention solutions to the oil and gas industry.
We spoke to Howard on the company's recent nomination.
Congratulations on your Great Company (SME) nomination at this year's OAAs! How does it feel to be nominated?
"We are delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award, alongside such long established and successful companies."
This is your second time entering the OAAs, and you've been a finalist at other award ceremonies in the past. What do you see as the main benefit for Blaze Manufacturing being nominated in awards such as these?
"As well as highlighting the achievements of Blaze, being shortlisted for industry awards increases awareness of the company and what we do. It also creates a bit of a buzz among our staff and gives them recognition for all their hard work."
It's great to hear about the whole team seeing a benefit and gaining recognition as a whole company.
"When we started out, we probably didn’t anticipate that Blaze would become our whole life, 24/7. It is important to get the right people in place to support you, and the right team to take forward your ideas and ambitions. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the team at Blaze."
And where you are today is clearly a fantastic position. What are your plans for the future?
"Our business strategy is built on a programme of innovation and diversification. We aim to grow the business through market expansion and we have taken learning from the oil and gas industry and applied it to other markets such as renewables and mining. We aim to be able to also bring learning back to the oil and gas industry."
For the full list of nominees, visit our finalists page.
The 2018 Offshore Achievement Awards will take place on the 22nd of March 2018 at the AECC, Aberdeen. Visit our tickets page to find out about how you and your company can be there.
