A leading North-East IT support and software company is marking its 30th year in business by announcing a series of global contract wins combined with a celebration of community initiatives.
Solab, established in Aberdeen in 1991, supports, trains and develops businesses across the UK and internationally, delivering expert IT services and solutions. The company, which is now one of the longest established IT services companies in Scotland, was launched thirty years ago as Solutions Aberdeen Limited by Managing Director, Kevin Coll. Since then, the company has seen exponential growth and has become a leader in the field of IT support and software development.
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COVID has ensured that the Solab Helpdesk and IT Support team are as busy as ever, helping to keep their clients running from their offices, factories as well as huge numbers working remotely. Long term partnerships with Microsoft, NetApp, Fujitsu, Dell, Sonicwall and VMw have ensured that the increased demand for video meetings, cloud solutions, VPN’s and security services has been a seamless transition.
Key to recent growth has been the firm’s Onboard Tracker™ software, which now manages crewing logistics, certification and competence data for people working on over 70% of the manned rigs in the UKCS and in over 50 countries. Solab and Onboard Tracker™ have become a leading light in the North East’s Digital Workforce initiatives and help keep tens of thousands of energy workers trained, competent and safe in their daily activities.
The company has secured significant, multi-year contract wins with a range of clients including Subsea 7, Sparrows, Global E&C, Boskalis, Stena Drilling, Technip and Ponticelli PBS, who now use the online hub to manage global Personnel Logistics & Planning, Crew Rotations, Training, Certification and Competence.
As well as its commercial success over the last three decades, Solab has continued to focus on its mission to foster links with the local community by supporting groups and organisations across the North East. The company has supported various Primary Schools in Aberdeen with fundraising initiatives, encouraged work experience in IT and has worked with North-East based charity Avenue to help promote its work in Counselling Services and Child/Parent Contact Centres.
Also at a local level, Solab has supported the Boys Brigade in Kincorth with sponsorship of teambuilding and technology events such as App Design Competitions and Outward Bound experiences for the boys. Michael, a highly regarded Solab team member, makes an outstanding contribution to the local squad as one of their leaders.
George Roberts, Head Teacher, Mile End Primary School, says he will always be grateful for the Solab team’s unwavering support during his time as Head Teacher at Danestone Primary.
“Solab is a true supporter of local education initatives and the company gives its time, expertise and resources willingly,” said George. “During my time at Danestone Primary, Solab equipped the library, raised funds for playground equipment and resolved any IT issues. Solab also played a key role in planning a year of celebrations and initiatives to mark the school’s 20th birthday; initiatives that continue to benefit the pupils and wider community to this day.”
As a national company, Solab also chose to give its backing to a Scotland wide sports initiative. The company has been championing the Judy Murray Foundation (JMF) and their mission to bring tennis into rural and disadvantaged areas in Scotland since its inception in 2017.
Working in partnership as the foundation’s Technology Sponsor, Solab supports their ‘Everyone for Tennis, Everywhere for Tennis’ initiative promoting active families and connecting with communities across Scotland to make tennis an accessible and more affordable sport for everyone.
Melodie Crumlin, CEO, Judy Murray Foundation, says: “Solab’s commitment to JMF has allowed us to concentrate on our core activity of bringing tennis into rural and disadvantaged areas of Scotland and capitalising on Judy, Andy and Jamie Murray’s amazing international standing to create a legacy for this country.”
Commenting on the success of the year to date and reflecting on the success of the last 30 years, Solab Managing Director Kevin Coll, said: “What sets Solab apart is that, whilst we have been in business and thriving for 30 years, we are continually improving and evolving and still have the passion and enthusiasm of a start-up. Our positive culture is also demonstrated by our high staff and client retention levels, with large numbers having been with us for many years.
“These are key factors in creating a stable foundation from which to grow a business and, in our case, it is a strategy which is paying dividends in terms of longevity and sustainability, as well boosting turnover. However, we are always careful to balance our rich corporate history with a community spirited mindset.
“Solab is incredibly proud to work alongside local and national organisations to help encourage community spirit and it’s an honour for us to be able to give our backing to these worthwhile projects.”
During tough market conditions over the last 12 months with pandemic restrictions affecting the energy sector, Solab has stepped up to support its global client base in overcoming many logistical barriers faced by the sector throughout Covid 19.
The adept Solab team implemented many new features to support Global Workforce Mobility and Operations during the COVID pandemic challenges within its revolutionary Onboard Tracker technology to introduce a host of benefits including employee data transparency on quarantine, vaccination status and availability for work.
“The last year has been tough for the energy and renewables industry, but we didn’t sit back, we invested and developed our innovative approach to support mobile workforces across the energy sector, which has proven to an effective growth strategy for us,” continued Kevin.
Solab’s Onboard Tracker technology has earned the company a place in the finals of this year’s Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) in the category of Digital Innovation.
Kevin Coll, Managing Director, said: “To secure a place in the finals of the Offshore Achievement Awards is absolutely fantastic news and is testament to how diligently we have worked to keep Solab and Onboard Tracker™ at the heart of the fastest growing sector in Scotland.
“The digital tech industry is experiencing an undercurrent of change as more and more companies prioritise the use of digital technology to transform the way they operate.
“I would like to thank the Onboard Tracker™ team for the hard work, passion and enthusiasm that enables us to always deliver an exceptional service for our clients as we strive to lead the way in this new digital age.”
Due to current restrictions, the Solab team celebrated their 30th birthday with a virtual team gathering and some well-earned additional holiday time for everyone to spend with their families and loved ones.
“It’s important for me to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of my team for their part in growing Solab into the company we have today,” added Kevin. “I’m humbled and grateful to have such a strong team behind me and I look forward to the next 30 years with optimism and confidence.”
