Member Article

Youth development holds key for Renown

For one local engineering firm the North East’s offshore and marine industries have played an integral part in the company’s growth over the past 26 years.

In fact, Cramlington-based Renown Engineering’s growth does not just represent its past. In 2012, parent company Renown Group Ltd was recognised as one of the fastest 50 growing companies in the North East, ranking 12th place.

So where does this growth and success stem from? One explanation is external factors: the recent turn of events in the North Sea, a bustling Aberdeen and the developing third round of offshore wind has all meant the North East of England is thriving once again.

As a result, local businesses need to be at their most competitive if they are to take a share of the work. For Renown, this has involved significant youth development, and according to managing director John Hamilton this is what much of the company’s recent success can be put down to.

He said: “We have installed programmes to drive youth development into the business. Apprenticeships, KTP schemes, university placements and projects, and hiring from local colleges and universities has been a key element to strengthening the business over the last four or five years.”

Renown’s involvement with the Government-funded KTP (Knowledge Transfer Scheme), for example, has been well documented, highlighting two projects in engineering and marketing that both received an “Outstanding” grade. The scheme was run through Northumbria University, who have also supplied two current placement students, and full-time engineering graduates. Apprenticeship schemes with Renown have a longer legacy, with the company having always taken on local budding engineers and developing their skills. The hiring of young personnel does not just stop at simply signing a contract, however. Personal development is encouraged to ensure both the people and the company are benefiting from new knowledge.

Recently, project engineer John Parry, a graduate of Northumbria University, was given the opportunity to become a NACE-certified coating inspector … a world-recognised corrosion control award.

The certification was required by Renown to compete further in the marine and offshore industries as high-specification, anti-corrosion coating and painting is in high demand, particularly for the subsea industry.

John passed both levels 1 and 2, providing both himself and the company with a hugely competitive edge.

Other significant contributions from introducing young faces include enhanced design competencies, as well as product development and testing. In fact, in utilising its relationship with Northumbria University, Renown is developing products specifically for the offshore and marine industries with a view to supplying the industry into the long term.

Mr Hamilton added: “Evolving from a fabrication shop 26 years ago into a fully equipped, modern facility, offering engineering services and products as well as design, manufacturing, testing and analysis says a lot about how we want to remain competitive.

“We would have struggled in this evolution if it were not for the youth development we have in place today.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Renown Engineering Ltd .