Churchill Drilling Tools — an Aberdeen-based oil-field service company that specialises in drilling innovation — is celebrating after winning the high-growth markets exporter of the year category at the HSBC Scottish Export Awards last month.

The company decided to expand into the Middle East in 2016. From its regional hub in the UAE, it has secured a dominant market share for its technology and has seen its revenues exceed targets four-fold.

CEO Mike Churchill (pictured with his wife Ailsa) said: “Our export journey has been incredible. In the Middle East, for example, we have gone from a standing start in 2016 to today being the leader in our market.

“This export success is a reflection of customer demand for our tools. We put the customer front and centre in everything we do, and we make use of our close-knit technical team to provide the personal service that our customers need and expect.

“The levels of repeat business and the development of new relationships reflect well on our approach, and we will continue to pursue a people-driven strategy as we seek to expand further.”