The boss of a drilling tools company in Aberdeen has scooped one of the top awards at an event in London last night.
Mike Loggie of Saltire Energy was one of 13 entrepreneurs from across the UK to be presented with an award in recognition of their achievements in growing successful and dynamic businesses at the EY Scotland Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2015.
Mr Loggie previously won the Overall Scotland Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Award at the Scottish final, held at Gleneagles earlier this year in June.
In the Scottish round of the year-long awards programme, Mr Loggie beat 24 other business leaders to the top accolade.
In the final round which completed last night, he edged in front of other Scottish finalists, which included strong representation from the north-east region. These included; Grant Keenan, managing dorector of Aberdeenshire-based Keenan Recyling; Peter Bruce, chief executive of Aberdeen catering firm, Entièr and Murray Kerr, chief executive of Aberdeenshire’s SengS Subsea Engineering Solutions.
Andrew Kerr of Cumbernauld-based CMS Windows, was another who reached the final 13.
David Mitchell, EY director of Entrepreneur Of The Year Scotland, said: “Scotland is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity.
“Saltire Energy and CMS Windows are examples of the high calibre of entrepreneurship operating in Scotland, creating jobs and making a significant contribution to the economy.
“The leaders of these businesses are an inspiration to the wider business community and their vision, knowledge and experience has the potential to help drive Scotland forward. At EY we are hugely impressed by their accomplishments and are delighted to support entrepreneurial success.”
A supplier of drilling tools to the offshore oil and gas industry, Saltire Energy was established by Mr Loggie in 1986 and has since grown it into a group of three highly successful subsidiaries with a presence in 50 countries. During the past three years, the company’s turnover figures have increased by 68% and it has grown its on-the-ground presence in Australia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East as a result of client demand.
The winners were selected by a judging panel of peers that have been involved in creating or leading successful businesses over many years, and was chaired by John Spence, chairman and chief executive of resorts company, Karma Royal Group.
The judges were impressed with Mr Loggie’s hands-on approach and robust business strategy, which enabled his business to continue growing during the downturn in the oil and gas sector. The panel was equally impressed with his company’s exceptional customer service and Mr Loggie’s “passionate commitment and determination to give something back”.
Richard Steeves, the chief executive of Swindon-based Synergy Health was crowned overall winner on the night, following his £1.2billion merger with a US rival.
Mark Harvey, EY partner and market leader for Scotland, said:“EY is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping them build valuable connections both at home and internationally.
“The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK awards offers our Scottish entrepreneurs access to an extensive network of like-minded leaders whose relationships and interactions have the potential to mutually benefit their businesses.
“We are very proud to be associated with these innovative entrepreneurs who are ambassadors for Scottish business.”
The gala event took place at the Brewery and was hosted by Jeremy Vine.