Reflections on the First Four Years of Ternan Energy

Four years ago, when we were talking about setting up Ternan Energy, we knew we wanted to do things differently. 

We wanted to create a business and a culture that put our team and our clients ahead of the traditional measures of utilisation and revenue.  

The founder members of Ternan all have significant experience in consultancy businesses. We felt that there was a need to look at consultancy differently, to do things our way and to build something that we would be proud to be part of. 

The foundations of Ternan were laid.  

Three core values are at the heart of who we are and how we run the business - Integrity, Independence and Innovation. 

For our Clients we offer an open, honest and customer-focussed approach. We’ll give you practical, expert technical advice that will save you time and money without compromising safety. 

If you don’t need us, we’ll say so. If you really need someone else, we’ll advise you of that as well. Expensive consultancy isn’t always the right answer. We want to add value to your project. I’m a great believer in what goes around, comes around. We’d rather gain your trust and respect – hopefully you’ll call us next time - than charge you for something you don’t need right now.

Within our close-knit team we encourage a culture of technical excellence in a supportive, flexible and fun environment. We trust each other. Everyone’s voice is heard. Everyone’s opinion is valued. Innovation is the natural outcome of the way we work together to solve complex issues. It’s who we are.

Since Ternan began in 2016 there has been a significant focus – across the energy industries - on low carbon, renewable technologies and sustainability. The #energytransition is here now and I am proud that, as Ternan, we are all contributing to this vital journey. 

Four years on, we have grown our Client base across a wide range of offshore industries. Before the end of the year we will employ 10 full time personnel (watch out for announcements of two senior appointments that we’ll be making in the next couple of weeks) with additional support coming from our extensive network of trusted Associates. Recent hires include three graduates and a summer placement intern from the University of Aberdeen. We are investing in our future. We have moved to new, larger, offices in central Aberdeen and are about to open an office in the South East of England. 

We are also about to re-launch our website in the next few days – watch this space.

Like everyone else, we’ve had to deal with the global pandemic and quickly get used to a new normal. We’ve always encouraged flexible, remote working for our staff and already had robust IT systems and processes in place to support this. We’ve also put significant resources into supporting our colleagues throughout the lockdown. The trust and teamwork we have built – which is at the very heart of who we are – has stood us in good stead.

As we begin to plan for a phased and safe return to our office in Aberdeen, we are cautiously optimistic for the future. We also recognise that we have a responsibility to give back and to make the word a better place where we can.  

I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the Ternan journey so far. Clients, colleagues, suppliers, associates, our families and friends - you know who you are. You have all played a role in getting us to where we are today. 

We are truly grateful for your support as we head into the next exciting chapter for Ternan Energy.

Here’s to another four years (and beyond).

 

Story by Mark Finch, Managing Director & Principal Geotechnical Engineer