Fresh evidence has emerged that some north-east firms are finding it difficult to hold on to their staff, because of a buoyant oil and gas industry.
Last week’s 19th Oil and Gas Survey findings from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and the Fraser of Allander Institute identified staff retention as one of the biggest problems facing the energy sector.
The problem has now raised its head in an Aberdeen marine technology company’s latest accounts.
Nautronix, celebrating its 30th year, said its headcount grew by 29% to 107 during the year to June 30 but it also reported higher staff turnover.
It attributed the problem to the success of the offshore industry, which drives up wages and forces service companies to work harder at encouraging people to stay.
Nautronix said: “The group continues to ensure that remuneration packages are competitive, while there was significant investment to ensure that employees have comfortable surroundings in which to work.
“Other benefits are being looked at or have been introduced to ensure that the overall package for employees is attractive and helps support staff retention.”
The firm was back in the black during the year, the accounts show. The figures, just released by Companies House, highlight pre-tax profits of £730,000, compared with losses of £156,000 the year before.
Turnover also rose in the latest period to £16.17million, from £11.39million previously, confirming figures that were reported by the Press and Journal in July. Nautronix, founded in Perth, Western Australia, in 1983, specialises in communication and positioning technology for the global offshore oil and gas industry.
The company opened new headquarters in Howe Moss Crescent, Dyce, last year. It also has offices in Stavanger in Norway, Houston in the US and Rio de Janeiro and Macae in Brazil.
Mark Patterson and Ian Suttie acquired the firm for about £18million in 2002 before selling it to private-equity firm SCF Partners for tens of millions eight years later. Mr Patterson re-invested some of the proceeds of the sale and stayed on as chief executive.