Doug whyte hydro group

The hotel is not currently trading. Oil and gas clients include major operators and contractors in UK and overseas subsea markets. Register here for the Energy Voice daily newsletter, bringing you key news and insight from across the global energy landscape. Thank you for signing up to our newsletter. We have been training our own apprentices since well before it was fashionable to do so, but one of the reasons for that is our skills needs are unique.

We need good team players with a thirst for knowledge, who are looking forward to the technical challenges ahead. That desire to rise to the technical challenge has clearly kept Doug hungry for a long time, but what other challenges does the business face?

In recent months the value of Sterling has fallen, which has made my products more cost-effective for overseas buyers. Export pricing is easier. I point out that perhaps, for a global player with big interests in every continent, the loss of EU markets might not be as acute as for some other businesses. However, we are protected a little. Just four per cent! We claim we want to compete with Germany — well, around 30 per cent of German businesses export. The landscape in which UK businesses operate needs a lot of looking at, says Doug.

Business rates are a scandal — they are a tax on jobs. I think councils just see businesses as awash with cash that can be tapped when they need it.

Red tape is another problem that holds business back. The fact is, most small businesses are just ticking over, barely making a profit. You hear politicians talk about helping small businesses but in reality, what practical measure do they introduce to help? Over half the workforce works in SMEs but who is out there fighting for them? Politicians just create taxes, red tape, and let it wash over people who are struggling to cope.

It is very frustrating. Looking to the future, where does he see himself and the business going? Double success for Hydro Group at Made in Scotland awards. Hydro Group announces double shortlisting for Made in Scotland awards. The inaugural awards, created by Royal Bank of Scotland and Business Insider, were held on Thursday 21 April at RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh, to celebrate Scottish innovation — highlighting the achievements of organisations and individuals across all sectors of Scottish industry.