THE chief executive of Aberdeen-based energy service group Senergy was recognised as one of Britain’s leading entrepreneurs last night.
James McCallum fought off competition from 50 business people to receive the Ernst and Young Support Services UK Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The event, sponsored by the CBI, was held in London.
Mr McCallum was described by the judges as a remarkably focused entrepreneur.
Jim Bishop, E&Y partner and leader of Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Scotland, said: “James is thoroughly deserving of his title. His energy, passion, and strategic vision have enabled him to create a highly profitable and industry leading business.
“The judging panel were also particularly impressed with James’s drive and determination, which they felt would enable Senergy to meet its full growth potential over the coming years.”
It was announced in April that Mr McCallum was moving to the Middle East to help to boost its international growth.
The temporary relocation to Abu Dhabi was part of a drive to double turnover in three years.
The company’s growth – both organic and through acquisitions – resulted in turnover hitting £75million in the financial year to May 2009. About 20% of this came from outside the UK.
Senergy aims to achieve half of its turnover growth in the next three years from the Middle East.
It operates in 14 locations worldwide in the areas of oil and gas services, survey and geo-engineering services and alternative energy.
It employs about 350 staff and 100 contractors.
In June, Senergy officially opened its new Edinburgh office.
Mr McCallum took the opportunity then to outline the company’s plans to lead Scotland’s energy revolution.
He said: “Senergy is challenging convention. We have focused on developing techniques and products that help our clients achieve reduced lifting costs per barrel produced.
“Now we are focused on driving the same type of initiatives to bring forward alternative-energy projects.”
Alternative-energy currently accounts for 7% of the group’s turnover.
The Edinburgh office is a base for Senergy’s specialist client training division, and also gives it access to Scotland’s renewable-energy decision-makers, including Scottish Government and the financial and academic communities.
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