Beam, an UK offshore and subsea technology firm with a base in Westhill, Aberdeen, has made all staff redundant and ceased operations, leaving more than 200 employees across the UK and abroad without jobs.
The collapse comes just months after the company’s high-profile merger and rebranding, which saw ambitious expansion plans and a recruitment drive in the north-east of Scotland.
James Reynolds, Beam’s head of talent acquisition and crewing, confirmed the news on LinkedIn:
“Today marks the end of Beam. As of today, all employees have been made redundant. This is incredibly hard to write. Beam was never just a company. It was a group of people bound by a shared purpose and relentless ambition to make a difference in the world of offshore wind and subsea robotics. I’ve learned so much, and I’m immensely proud of what we achieved together.”
Helen Batt, VP of marketing at Beam, also commented on Linkedin:
“The company that over 200 incredibly talented people gave their all to delivering technology to drive the energy transition is no more.”
Former employees expressed shock and sadness at the sudden closure. Ruth Garner, lead photogrammetrist, wrote:
“I’m absolutely devastated that today marks the last day of Beam (formally Rovco/Vaarst). I have seen the company grow from when I started as employee number 7 to over 200 incredibly talented people. As of today, everyone will be made redundant and words can’t express how gutted I feel for everyone.”
Anthony O’Reilly, senior geomatics analyst, added:
“Like the rest of the team, I’ve been made redundant – and I’m honestly gutted for everyone. It felt like the team at Beam were getting ready to kick off this season stronger than ever. And then suddenly – it’s over just like that.”
Rhea Fraser, another former employee, highlighted the calibre of the workforce:
“These are some of the most dedicated, capable, and genuinely brilliant people I’ve had the privilege to work with. The level of talent in that Aberdeen office was something special, and it’s incredibly tough to see such good people impacted by circumstances beyond their control.”
The company, formed from the merger of Rovco and Vaarst in September 2024, had previously pledged to create over 100 new jobs in Scotland and had recently launched new autonomous technology for the offshore wind sector. However, Beam’s most recent accounts showed a pre-tax loss of £8.1 million in 2023, following an £8.7 million loss in 2022.
Other firms in the offshore sector have stepped in to offer support. John Polson, chief executive of Rovtech, said:
“It’s tough to hear about the recent redundancies at Beam. My thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult period; many of whom I know personally having worked with them over the last few years.
Whilst Rovtech are not able to support everyone, we are keen at least to provide a fair opportunity to talented individuals in finding their next challenge.”
As yet, there has been no official comment from the company.
