The last few weeks have shown how turbulent, not only the oil and gas markets but also world markets have become. As a geographically and sector diverse business we have to spread our risk. We have to remain confident yet be innovative in our approach to our client needs – however life does go on.
Recently, we have seen a number of industry award ceremonies and Orion Group has been recognised in two. Firstly, we were awarded the accolade of the Benromach Award for Excellence in International Business at the SCDI Annual Dinner & Business Excellence Awards.
The judging panel noted that we continued to grow from strength to strength as we look to grow our footprint both at home and overseas. They’re not wrong. We have invested heavily in the business this year and will continue to do so.
Not only that, but our expansion has seen the opening of a number of international offices, from Brazil to Edmonton, with many more planned. We are a local business and Inverness sits at our heart, but we are global in our aspirations and our worldwide office network illustrates that point perfectly.
This continued expansion into new markets matches our ambitions for the future and we are always willing to pursue opportunities wherever they arise. This business model has worked well for us.
It’s always good to see the hard work our dedicated staff put in recognised and we were of course pleased to accept the award. We will never rest on our laurels though and we always strive to be the best in the field.
Later that month, we scooped the Online Recruitment Advert or Campaign category at this year’s Recruitment Business Awards. Our dedicated marketing team was awarded the honour after its successful ‘World’s First Recruitment Company in Space’ campaign. The team has always strived to do things differently than the rest, and this campaign is the perfect example.
Earlier this year, we sponsored a father and son team in the quest to launch a weather balloon into space. The footage was filmed and the spectacular imagery and footage captured by the on-board cameras led to the creation of a digital media campaign by our guys. The first time I watched the video I was in awe – I just didn’t think that such quality of footage was possible.
The press and public clearly thought the same as all the national newspapers carried the story. Now I’m not a man for social media; I never have been and never will, but the team also tell me that it was the most successful content piece in the group’s 27-year history and the most shared social content Orion has produced. That can’t be bad, can it?
The plan was always to donate the completed craft to a local school and that’s just what we did. Some of the team paid a visit to staff and pupils of Charleston Academy in Inverness. I’m told that there was great excitement when the space craft was handed over, and who knows, it may have even led to a passion which could see one of them become an astronaut.
Indeed, in years to come, Orion may even be at the forefront of space recruitment. We certainly wouldn’t shy away from the challenge.
Back on terra firma, the European & Challenge Tour Player Oliver Wilson has been a golf ambassador to the Group for a number of years. Needless to say we were delighted to see him clinch the Dunhill Links European Tour event.
Orion has supported Oli over the last six years and are represented by him as a Golf Ambassador in the UK and overseas. We couldn’t be happier with the way he is performing. You only need five minutes in his company to feel motivated.
Oli is a really good guy; one of the best. It’s been a tough couple of years for him but I’ve always believed in supporting people through the tough times as well as the good and giving them the opportunity to succeed.
All the team are delighted to see Oli back where he belongs and playing golf at the highest of levels once again.
Orion has a long tradition of investing in sporting causes and this looks set to continue well into the future as we have secured a deal with the SGU North District as well as forming a sponsorship deal with a young and very exciting golf prospect, Gavin Hay, assistant professional at Nairn Dunbar – watch this space!