A new group called Recruitment Ventures has been launched in Aberdeen by I7V Renewables, the investment company founded by entrepreneurs Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan. Positioned with strong experience in the energy sector, Recruitment Ventures has completed the acquisition of Granite Recruitment from Clan Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Over the last 17 years, Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan have led two very successful international businesses – PSL Energy Services and the EnerMech Group – that delivered quality service to their customers across the globe – before being acquired by Halliburton and Carlyle Group respectively.
Granite Recruitment’s background in oil and gas, with divisions in Aberdeen and Norwich, is an excellent platform from which to launch the I7V Renewables strategy of supporting businesses in the transition to more sustainable forms of energy.
Granite Recruitment staff, including the management team of Craig and Laura Phillips, will transfer to Recruitment Ventures new HQ in Dyce, with Craig and Laura positioned at group level as managing director and operations director, respectively.
Recruitment Ventures will build on Granite Recruitment’s oil and gas industry focus and its first class reputation in the supply of skilled and engineering personnel for the drilling, maintenance, well services, and pipeline and process sectors.
In tandem with growing the Granite brand, an ambitious growth strategy will see I7V Renewables portfolio recruitment company, Ingenii, build out into the specialist renewables sector, working alongside Granite to service energy transition. Longer term plans include adding a suite of agencies to the Recruitment Ventures umbrella, each focusing on specific sectors and specialisations.
Craig Phillips said: “With a resurgence in oil activity, and a recognition that moving to sustainable energy forms will take time, many oil and gas rigs are being reactivated along with contracts awarded – it’s a great time to be part of the industry. Granite Recruitment have established a strong reputation as a result of their technical expertise and operational excellence, and we look forward to continuing our expansion, both domestically and internationally.
“At the same time, we recognise that many established players are transitioning from hydrocarbons and focusing on green energy projects to meet net-zero carbon and ESG targets, and our renewables specialist, Ingenii, will be in a prime position to service personnel and skills requirements in these sectors.”
Doug Duguid said: “We are delighted to bring on board Craig Phillips and his highly experienced Granite Recruitment team which will underpin the growth of Recruitment Ventures into a major brand. Our vision is to continue providing high quality personnel to the oil and gas sector and to assist our clients transitioning to net-zero.”
Clan Partners Director, John MacGregor, said: “We have enjoyed working with the Granite team to grow the business over the past few years and wish them every success going forward. This divestment marks a further stage of repositioning in our recruitment group’s diversification strategy, while helping to accelerate our growth plans during 2022 and beyond.”
