Proserv Boss Wins Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2013

The chief executive of rapidly growing energy services company Proserv has been named Ernst & Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.

Judges praised David Lamont for moulding “a phenomenal business of a truly global nature” in overseeing a 25% year-on-year growth during his two years at the company which operates from 30 sites across the globe.

A panel of experts picked Lamont ahead of 28 other business leaders and he will now go forward to represent Scotland at the UK Entrepreneur of the Year final in October.

Proserv, which is headquartered in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, has fast emerged as a leading industry specialist in exploration & production, drilling, and infrastructure technical solutions and services to the global energy industry.

The company has experienced exceptional growth over the past 12 months particularly in the subsea services sector.

During his time at the helm, Lamont, who has 28 years of industry experience, has overseen Proserv’s acquisition of US-based Total Instrumentation & Controls (TIC) and Weatherford International’s subsea controls’ business. Under his guidance the firm has also introduced a new test and manufacturing facility in Aberdeenshire, a research and development hub in Norway and a string of contract wins worldwide.

During August 2012, Proserv revealed annual turnover had soared from $175 million (approx £109 million) to more than $310 million (approx £196 million). This success was reflected in the company’s refinancing agreement of $215million (approximately £133million). The funding has allowed Proserv to consolidate its position for sustainable growth and future expansion.

Lamont said: “At Proserv we work as a team and I see this award as recognition of the hard work of everyone throughout the company in building our business to where we are today. We have enjoyed rapid growth and I am immensely proud of the way we have been able to channel this into establishing ourselves as a respected operator right across the global energy industry, but most importantly in positioning Proserv for a tremendous future.

“It is a great honour to be chosen for the award at a time when businesses throughout Scotland are enjoying fantastic success at home and abroad.”

Proserv operates in six geographical regions namely North UK & Africa, South UK & Europe, Scandinavia, the Americas, Middle East & North Africa and the Far East & Australia and currently employs over 1,700 people globally.

Jim Bishop, Scotland senior partner at Ernst & Young (EY) and the professional service’s firm’s Entrepreneur of the Year leader north of the border, said: “David has moulded a phenomenal business of a truly global nature. His outstanding results were achieved by reshaping and strengthening his team and overseeing important and impressive developments while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

“This was the strongest field in recent years and serves to highlight that the flame of entrepreneurialism still burns bright in Scotland.”