HSE Consultancy Optimus Continues International Expansion

Aberdeen headquartered safety, health and environmental consultancy, Optimus Safety Management announced its continued international expansion with the launch of new offices in Stavanger and Brisbane and the signing of a partnership agreement in Brazil. These new offices will allow Optimus to provide its expertise on the behavioral aspects of safety, health and environmental performance in the workplace on a global scale.

"We are developing a number of exciting, international opportunities," said Optimus chief executive, Steve Marples." Overseas expansion is an essential part of our business strategy. In today's marketplace, health and safety continues to be at the top of the agenda but businesses still struggle to make a positive safety culture a reality. We specialize in innovative cultural and behavioral change programs that address the real human causes of organizational dysfunction. We are driven to make a difference to organisations wherever they are in the world."

Optimus will be expanding its team of 40 advisors by 25% by the end of next year rising to up to 200 personnel by the end of 2012. It is anticipated that the just over half of these will be UK based with the rest in Australia where Optimus already has a Perth based operation, and South East Asia and a small number in Brazil.

The Brazilian partnership is with Red Flag Saude Occupacional Servicos. based in Macaé , Rio de Janeiro, Red Flag is a leading provider of occupational health services to the Oil & Gas industry in Brazil. While working with Red Flag, Optimus will continue the process of establishing Optimus Brazil Limitada which it is anticipated will be set up by November 1, 2009.

Since its formation by Steve Marples in 2003, the business has seen 180% year on year growth and reached the milestone of £1 million+ turnover in 2007. Optimus achieved £3 million turnover in 2008 and is on course to reach its target of £5 million this year. The Optimus business has grown totally organically -- based on increased demand in both the domestic market and overseas for its behavioral based health and safety programs.