With an imminent move to larger premises, plans to take on staff and growth targets which are set to be smashed, it's clear that Paul Lamont, Managing Director of Flowell Oil Tools has ambitious plans for the business.

"This is just our second year of trading," said Paul. "The target was to achieve 50% growth in 2014 and it looks like we're going to achieve in excess of this. We're also moving from Whiterashes to much larger premises in Turriff, which will allow us to take on our first two staff."

After 23 years working as an engineer in the oil and gas industry, Paul took the plunge and set up his own company, which designs and subcontracts the manufacture of oil well completion accessories in 2012.

Following a successful first year, Paul approached Business Gateway for advice and support on taking his business to the next level:

"Business Gateway referred me to their Growth Pipeline, allowing me to access a wealth of expertise and resources, which will hopefully help me achieve my goals. I will also be working with Scottish Development International on a focussed export program."

The company has been awarded funding from the Scottish Funding Council and is currently working on an exciting product development which will be new to the market.

Paul said: "Initially an innovation voucher was awarded to prove a conceptual idea and now a follow up voucher will help take the idea from concept to a working prototype. Once complete I am hoping that I can take it into production and sell the product worldwide.

"Regarding our current products, we would like to think that ours are of outstanding quality and competitively priced, with a great deal of focus on the user friendly aspects of the design. After all, if the field engineers like our products hopefully the company's good reputation will grow."

Paul was working for a leading oil services company when he identified a gap in the market and decided to fulfil a lifelong dream and go it alone.

"I had always wanted to start my own business although I was apprehensive about it. A former colleague persistently kept telling me that I have the necessary skills to set up my own venture and so after much thought and discussion I took the plunge and haven't looked back since."

"Creating something that's my own and I am proud of is the most satisfying and rewarding part of running my own business, and I also love working in the oil and gas sector. The hustle and bustle of getting equipment ready for a rig is fantastic - the pressure mostly brings out the best in people to deliver, and when you've done it, you feel good," said Paul.

Andrew Mackay, Business Adviser, Aberdeen City and Shire, said: "Flowell Oil Tools is a company that is going places and we have worked with Paul to develop his thriving company by supporting his successful application to the Growth Pipeline. We look forward to continuing to work with Paul as he develops his venture even further.

"The plan is to continue growing and developing products until one day Flowell Oil Tools will be a recognised and respected brand in the oil and gas sector worldwide," said Paul.

For more information on Flowell Oil Tools please see www.flowell.co.uk

To find out how Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire can help your business grow visit www.bgateway.com/Aberdeen or call your local office on 01224 968174.