Embracing change helps firm grow.

Established 30 years ago and based at the Offshore Technology Park in Walker, Newcastle, for 20 years, Shepherd Offshore has embraced the ever-changing demands within the industry.

The company, which provides material handling solutions, mobile cranes/plant, procurement and fabrication facilities, warehousing and project management teams, as well an in-house distribution company, has seen a 30% increase in vessel activities at its berths, with strong growth expected over the next five years.

It provides clients with complete supply chain management, and is highly rated by oil and gas companies such as Shell, Wellstream, Halliburton, BP and Exxon. The Walker site benefits from an 800m quayside frontage which is dredged to eight metres below chart datum.

One of its biggest assets is its heavy lift dockside cranes.

Director Charles Shepherd said: "We have the largest dockside cranage on the east coast of England, if not Scotland."

Its apprentice scheme, launched two years ago, is addressing the problems of an ageing workforce by creating a new generation of multi-skilled workers.

Since 1998, the firm has spent pounds 4.5m in conjunction with Newcastle City Council, on improving the quayside and increasing its capacity so that over 100 vessels a year can use the facility.

It has also built nearly 3,000 sq ft of warehousing and offices over the past five years.