The managing director of sub-sea specialist ROVOP (www.rovop.com) has been named by EY Scotland as its Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 for international business growth.

The judges picked Steven Gray for his outstanding achievement in building an organisation that has experienced exceptional global growth since it was founded in 2011.

Aberdeenshire-based ROVOP, which provides remotely operated vehicles and other services to the oil and gas plus the offshore renewables industries, has rocketed to a turnover of £25 million, with significant expansion still to come on the back of new contract wins. It currently employs more than 130 people and continues to attract new talent.

Mr Gray says: “We set out to provide the most capable and modern fleet of ROVs, combined with the best personnel and the highest quality of service, and the energy industry has responded to that ethos.

"Demand has grown consistently, and the high level of repeat business makes us believe that we are on the right track. We have established a strong reputation with some of the world’s leading energy companies, and customers ask us to apply the same high standards around the world.

"More than 80% of our work is now in international markets, and we have completed projects in 14 countries.

“To win an award of this prestige in competition with some of the most successful and innovative businesses in the UK is hugely satisfying. We have assembled a truly remarkable group of the most capable people in our industry, and ROVOP has been successful because of their tremendous commitment.”