UK firm
Guardian Marine Testing Ltd. (GMT) is in the running to receive a business award at the end of November.
The Redcar-based company will form part of a delegation from the North East of England heading to London for the UK
Chamber of Commerce Awards 2013, due to be held at the Brewery, London, on November 28. The event will be hosted by British athlete
Colin Jackson.
GMT will be competing in the Exporter of the Year category against companies representing other regions of the UK.
The company provides a fuel analysis service for ship owners, managers and operators. It was formed in 2007 by managing director
Andrew Shaw, operations director
Paul Livingston and technical director
Andrew McEwen, who had all previously worked together in the marine fuel testing industry.
The growth of GMT was triggered by the announcement of a strategic agreement with
Lloyd's Register (LR) and
Fobas, LR's fuel consultancy service, in August 2011. As part of the deal, LR took a non-controlling stake in GMT and the fuel testing firm provides the fuel analysis service for LR's many clients involved in the purchasing or use of marine fuels.
During the last three months of 2011, GMT opened three more labs at the Wilton Centre, between Redcar and Middlesbrough, and recruited 20 staff.
Earlier this year, GMT revealed that it was planning to take on more staff and equipment as part of its growth strategy.
Speaking to North East publication Gazette Live about its business and the award nomination, Andrew Shaw said: "Our promise to our clients is to report within 24 hours from receiving the sample. Speed is of the essence in the marine industry and we have it down to a fine art. Having laboratories across the world ensures we always deliver to deadline.
"Clients know that if they don’t use our service, it could potentially cost them millions. They may be spending $1m on a tank of fuel, so for the sake of $200 they get that ‘insurance’ and peace of mind that the fuel is fit for use.
"I’m delighted that GMT has been recognised in these awards. We’re very proud of our region and it would be fantastic to bring the award back to the North East.”
