Gael Force Group warned yesterday that cumbersome planning procedures for fish farms could hinder growth at the marine equipment and engineering group.
Stewart Graham, managing director of Inverness-headquartered Gael Force, said the company had reduced its headcount while waiting for the second phase of a major contract to kick in.
The firm has this ear delivered three feed barges which the Scottish Salmon Company had ordered as part of a £2.5million deal.
Mr Graham said the work created more than 20 jobs at Gael Force, but the company then laid off 10 employees as it waited for the go-ahead for additional barges dependent on planning approvals.
He added: “The Scottish Government needs to take very simple steps to ensure that the various agencies and councils involved in the planning process are joined up to government policy.
“If simplification of process and compliance with policy cannot be achieved to speed up the necessary consents required for economic development, then they need to take action to bring these bodies up to speed.”
Gael force plans to add to its 180-strong workforce once planning permission is granted for the barges, Mr Graham said.
He was speaking after the group revealed an increase in profits during 2014.
Gael Force said that while all areas of the business enjoyed steady growth last year, progress made by its divisions supplying equipment for fish farmers and whisky-makers was particularly encouraging.
The group has also put the finishing touches on a reorganisation of its activities into three main subsidiaries – Gael Force Engineering, Gael Force Marine Equipment and Gael Force Properties and Investments.
Gael Force said it saw considerable potential for the three divisions to expand through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.
According to accounts lodged at Companies House, the group’s pre-tax profits increased £300,000 year-on-year to £1.2million in 2014 on turnover of £18.9million.
The marine equipment wing, which also has bases in Stornoway, Glasgow and Plymouth, contributed £12million to turnover, with the remainder coming from the group’s engineering branch.
Mr Graham said: “The growth in turnover and profits is not attributable to any one thing, rather they reflect the results of our commitment to all aspects of our businesses and each of the sectors we are involved in.
“In particular, through 2014 we have seen growth in aquaculture and the provision of engineering services to the distilling industry but all aspects of our areas of our business have shown steady growth.”