Crannog Concept Limited (CCL), which already owns a successful portfolio of fish processing, cruise-boat and restaurant businesses, acquired The Underwater Centre from receivership in 2004.

Finlay Finlayson, the owner and managing director of CCL explained: "Many questioned our capacity to re-launch the centre as an international 'diving school of excellence' but we have achieved just that.

"Firstly, we realised that the centre needed a different set of management skills from those within our existing company structure. We approached HIE Lochaber, who quickly arranged the advice that we needed."

"Drawing down support from their wide range of business advice services, we selected a management consultant who helped us to focus attention on specific tasks. In a sense, it was like having an additional interim manager. It gave us a bit of breathing space, to look at our existing rationale, and allowed us time to plan what was needed to turn the new business acquisition around".

A new sales and marketing strategy was introduced, presenting the centre as 'the place to build a career in commercial diving'. The team focused on the ever-increasing number of enquiries from students worldwide, emphasising Fort William's location at the heart of the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

Finlay Finlayson continued: "We realised there was some mileage to be had in developing the overseas market. HIE Lochaber came to the rescue again, by organising specific advice on international business development".

HIE Lochaber business development manager, Robert Linton said: "As a direct result of implementing the advice that we supported, The Underwater Centre has achieved a high level of forward sales. It has re-energised the company, giving them the confidence to target and win international clients. The next challenge is to meet the interest from research companies who have chosen Fort William as the place to conduct sea trials."

The consultancy package, through a mix of coaching and mentoring, also showed CCL how to manage a large diverse operation. The new management structure was helped to develop a professional image, to give them a competitive edge in approaching potential investors. By being seen as 'investment ready', they gained access to the financial investment they needed for long-term sustainability.

Mr Finlayson added: "We are delighted with the results of the last two years' hard work. The ability to turn our vision into reality, however, was undoubtedly strengthened by the business advice that we received".