Craig International, the Aberdeen-based procurement specialist, is actively expanding beyond its traditional oil and gas roots through sustainable initiatives and market diversification. The company has invested a seven-figure sum in decarbonising its operations, including a new energy-efficient headquarters and solar-powered warehouse in Aberdeen.
Craig International and other subsidiaries of Craig Group have seen an increase in turnover from £188 million to £197 million, although pre-tax profit to April 30 2024 has dropped from £2.4m to £1.2m.
Speaking to the P&J, Joint managing director Steve McHardy commented: “We’ve got some new non-oil and gas related contracts that we’ve taken on board. To pick up some new work, not within the energy industry, is quite refreshing, to be honest.
“So we’ve diversified to a certain degree, and we’re going to be offering this year some new services.”
The firm has achieved a 30% reduction in fossil fuel usage through initiatives such as switching to electric vehicles and battery-powered forklifts, resulting in a carbon emission reduction of over 4,400kg.
Staff numbers at Craig Group have grown from 159 to 177 in the past year, while the company’s Middle East operations now account for 35% of group turnover, with that workforce growing from five employees in 2018 to over 70 today.
Steve Gibson, director of Middle East operations, noted: “With an increasing focus on the energy transition in the region, there are significant opportunities for our sustainable, digital procurement offering in both the oil and gas and renewables sectors.”
The company’s digital initiatives include its ecobuy platform, which helps customers source environmentally friendly products, and its Energy Surplus platform for trading surplus products globally.
