Dominion Gas
Russel Davies, Group Managing Director at Aberdeen-based, oilfield services company, Dominion Gas talks through the company’s internationalisation and what they look for when they’re hiring.
What kind of services does Dominion Gas provide?
Dominion Gas is Scotland’s only independent oilfield services company. We supply a full range of diving, welding containment equipment from our company headquarters in Aberdeen. The company was founded in 1987 and we’re fast approaching our 25th birthday.
What’s the background of the company?
In late 2007 and 2008 we acquired Global Gases and then Arragan Isotopes, both additions were followed by a period of rapid growth. Towards the end of 2010 our CEO stood down and after restructuring the management team we brought in more technical expertise to help drive the business forward.
We have facilities in the UK, Norway, Singapore, Ghana and Australia. Argon Isotank, our subsidiary group, distribute products and services across the oil and gas industry to a broad range of international clients, operating across more than 24 different countries around the world.
Do you employ many graduates?
A post graduate student joined us in October 2010, through a scheme run jointly by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and the University of Aberdeen. The training scheme was 30% funded by each.
The student gets tangible experience and, from our perspective, we have the opportunity to take someone through their Chartership, through the whole process, up to qualification, which is satisfying in itself. He’ll find out the result soon, so fingers crossed.
In terms of recruitment, there is definitely a cyclical element to Scotland’s oil and gas sector. A large company, for example, could suddenly turn around and need 500 people to fill a number of positions.
Are you looking to new markets?
We’re continually diversifying our opportunities and business offerings. In 2009 we moved into markets in Ghana to take advantage of West Africa’s growing oil and gas industry. From our regional base we offer maintenance, transport and logistics, project management and engineering design and cylinder testing services.
How will the growth of the renewables impact the business?
Many Scottish councils are pushing renewable energy and hydrogen power, getting behind things like smart houses and wind mills but plans for these have stalled somewhat.
Many of our main contractors are getting involved with hydrogen gases and we’re no exception. We’re also consolidating the major oil regions we’re currently in - India, Brazil and Australia.
Activity levels in Scotland's oil and gas sector are increasing and we're cautiously optimistic about the future.
Across the whole group, our turnover is around $23 million. Our growth is 20% higher than last year and we’re expecting a 20% increase in growth next year. We’re investing between $1.5 and $2 million in the business – so we really are going for gold.