Hydro Group Embarks on Internationalisation

Scotland’s economic links with the rest of the world are strengthening, with international activity playing a key role in the success of the oil and gas industry.

Scottish firms are currently active in over 100 markets across the globe, and global sales have increased by 8.4 percent from 2011/12 to reach £8.2 billion [Scottish Enterprise Survey of international activity in the oil and gas sector 2011-12].

Internationalisation through exporting skills and resources into foreign regions is often the best investment a business can make to ensure its products and services successfully reach global limits, says Hydro Group managing director Doug Whyte.

Having an on-the-ground presence in an overseas region can help a company gain a competitive edge and significantly help with developing client relationships.

Earlier this year, as part of the strategic growth plan, Hydro Group opened a SE Asia office to offer its range of subsea optical cables, electrical cables and connectors to the wider energy and subsea engineering markets, and broaden the company’s global reach.

However, it is essential that when a company moves into foreign regions, it ensures business consistency and compliance over international borders, with the people employed to head up a new division proficient in company messaging and best practices from existing offices.

Hydro Group has already seen success in sharing skills across international borders by training a key member of the new Singapore office. Gabriel Tan was appointed, a highly competent and skilled local technical support supervisor, having spent 16 years in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) as a highly qualified electronic technician and trainer.

To maintain and guarantee the level of knowledge and capabilities for which Hydro Group is known globally, Gabriel went from Singapore to the Group headquarters, in Aberdeenfor intensive training over four months. Throughout this time he became proficient in Hydro Group’s manufacturing processes and technology, as well as the company’s machining methods, moulding procedures, electrical test and inspection procedures.

The process has enabled Gabriel to return to Singapore to establish operations with the confidence and experience that is essential in order to make the enterprise a success.

The transfer of skills is vitally important to the success of the Singapore office and Hydro Group as a whole, ensuring that the company delivers a consistent service and quality product globally.

Gabriel’s role will have great influence on the recruitment and training of local employees. His blend of technical and supervisory skills will enhance the service and support offeredfrom the Hydro Group Singapore facility.

As the international export of skills, goods and services increases, global expansion is key to ensure a company grows and evolves with the times. As well as providing employment for locals, the training of regionally based teams helps to develop well equipped staff with Hydro Group’s skills and knowledge, to ensure company standards are retained, but they are also in tune with the language and culture of the region. An SME needs to ensure that its standards are maintained and that those employed understand the ethics and ethos of the company to guarantee successful results when moving into international regions.

[mappress]

Press Release, December 13, 2013