Aberdeen-based offshore firm targets new markets with support from SDI
Last updated: May 2024
Balmoral Comtec, an Aberdeen-based provider of buoyancy, protection and insulation solutions, is focussing on global markets with an exciting new product – thanks to support from Scottish Development International (SDI), the international arm of Scottish Enterprise.
With a history spanning more than four decades, Balmoral Comtec has a wealth of experience providing solutions for subsea projects in harsh deepwater environments – from the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil and West Africa. In recent years, the company has used this experience to successfully transition into the renewables sector, developing systems for fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind platforms.
By focussing on renewables, Balmoral Comtec has been able to build on its longstanding relationship with SDI and take advantage of new opportunities.
SDI has supported the company by helping it target new global markets and by promoting its new HexDefence® scour protection system. HexDefence® integrates seabed protection and flow reduction to minimise offshore operational costs and potential cable failure.
On a mission
A standout area of support for Balmoral Comtec has been SDI’s trade missions. SDI's programme of virtual and physical overseas missions to strategically important markets give Scottish companies the opportunity to learn about new markets and to connect with potential buyers.
“The SDI team is very good at setting up opportunities and getting the right people in a room,” said Ian Milne, Head of Business Development – Renewables for Balmoral Comtec. “Over the last four years, we have either physically or virtually been in the USA, France, Japan and South Korea. In Tokyo, we presented to a room of around 150 people.”
Ian also noted that a key aspect of support around the trade missions and follow-up meetings has been SDI’s translation services and unparalleled knowledge of the culture and how business is done in-region.
Ian Milne, Head of Business Development – Renewables for Balmoral Comtec
Vital for business
Balmoral Comtec’s Sales Director, Gary Yeoman, attended the trade missions with Ian. Gary commented: “Getting key people from industry together has been critical for us. They allow us to go somewhere with a lot of focus and it makes good use of our expenditure because of that focus, and everything has been set up for us.”
“The trade missions have been vital to us, and I think they are of great benefit to every organisation that attends them,” he added.
Marion Murray, International Trade Specialist for SDI, said: “Internationally, Balmoral Comtec is an exemplar in its field. Balmoral Comtec is an extremely proactive and innovative company and it is a pleasure supporting them to showcase and promote some of Scotland’s leading edge technologies.”
Want to learn about exploring new markets, export opportunities and support?
To find out more on growing your business outside Scotland, get help, advice and support from Scottish Enterprise.
Discover more on how to access overseas' marketsopens in a new window
You might also be interested in
-
Renewables and low carbon
Explore Scotland's renewables and low carbon opportunities. We have everything from hydrogen energy, carbon capture and energy storage to decarbonisation of heat and transport.
-
Financial and tax incentives
We support companies by helping them attract investment, with R&D funding and assisting them with tax incentives.
-
Our people and skills
Access an exceptionally well educated, skilled and talented workforce to meet your needs.
We're here to help
Explore Scotland's renewables opportunities and supply chain networks with our help.