INVERLUSSA SCOOPS TOP AWARD FROM THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS SCOTLAND

Ben has been at the forefront of the company’s progression into the marine service industry, over recent years and was presented with a trophy by the Institute of Directors Scotland, to mark his success as Highland and Islands Director of the Year, at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday 26 March. Ben also beat nominees, from the length and breadth of the country, to make it to the final 4 in the Institute’s Scottish Director of the Year award, for businesses with a turnover of less than £35million.

Surprised to have been nominated for the award, Ben said he was delighted to win the regional title, as it recognises the efforts of the entire team at Inverlussa, in achieving a successful period of rapid growth. The audience at the awards ceremony heard that the doubling of the company’s turnover in 2013-2014 was testimony to Ben’s sector knowledge, drive and entrepreneurial skills.
However, praising the efforts of each and every one of Inverlussa’s team, Ben said

“I see the award as recognition of the fact that we have some very talented people working for us, that is what makes it all work and wins us repeat contracts”. 

The company has followed a strategy of rising to meet the requirements of the expanding aquaculture sector and this has reaped dividends, with major investments in new vessels, delivering the results immediately in the shape of new long-term contracts. The company was initially formed as Inverlussa Shellfish Co Ltd and diversified into the marine services sector in 2006, with the delivery of the firm’s first vessel. Ben said “I started off as a mussel farmer and progressed to Operations Director in 2010 and then MD in November last year. I’ve always had the ambition to grow the company as big as we can and, in the last year, we have had high growth by following the demand in the market”.

Last year saw Inverlussa purchase its 5th vessel, Naomi Jennifer, a 25m coastal landing craft which has secured a services contract in the fish farming sector. Ben said “We are taking delivery of our 6th vessel, Helen Mary, a 28m support vessel, at the end of April. My ambition is to continue to expand in a sustainable way, to provide more services to our customers. We invest a lot of money in our existing vessels to keep them in good order – and good equipment attracts good crew”.