Innovative Perth drilling firm Merlin ERD was among more than 150 businesses honoured by the Queen at a reception at Buckingham Palace last night.
Husband-and-wife team Iain and Debbie Hutchison were in London to collect one of the most prestigious accolades in UK industry a Queen’s Award for Enterprise following strong export performance over the last three years.
Merlin, which had quadrupled the value of its international business, was one of only 10 Scottish firms to win the special recognition this year.
The group provides engineering and training to the oil and gas industry, as well as expert consultancy in extended-reach drilling. It has added new markets in Italy and Azerbaijan, overcoming cultural barriers in the process, while improving performance in existing markets.
The Cherrybank firm, which was founded in 2007 and has grown to employ aroun,d 25 people, has seen overseas revenue blossom in recent times.
The reception saw 162 firms recognised by the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York.
Other successful Scottish firms include Clachan-based Loch Fyne Oysters, Glasgow computer game animator Axis Production, and Rothesay’s Bute Fabrics, which designed fabric for seats in London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise receive a visit from a royal representative, and may also use a special emblem on all advertising, marketing and packaging for five years.