Inverness-based AKVA Group hits back from cyber attack
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An Inverness aquaculture technology firm moved back into the black last year, despite being hit by a cyber attack.
It came as turnover increased at AKVA Group in the year ending December 31, 2021 compared to the previous 12 months.
A strategic report accompanying the firm’s latest accounts stated: “Despite falling victim to a cyber extortion attack to our organisation at the start of 2021, we responded well to this challenge and we are confident that this will not affect us fulfilling our strategy and reaching our targets.
“Brexit has affected the aquaculture industry in the UK, however the impact directly to AKVA Group Scotland has been limited.
“We started 2021 with a strong order pipeline over multiple AKVA product and service categories including sales to new customers and the ability to proactively visit Salmon Farm sites as Covid restrictions ease.”
A loss before tax of £43,000 moved to a pre-tax profit of £361,000 last year. For the same period, turnover increased from £13,762,000 to £16,546,000.
The report added: “Our ongoing and future innovation programme will play an important part in improving sustainability within the industry through improving fish health, reducing CO2 emissions, waste management and recycling fabricates and water.
“The group has started an internal process to make our environmental, social and governance focus more visible and measurable, and prioritise actions by their importance.”
The average number of employees dipped from 69 in 2020 to 63 last year, while staff costs increased from £2,910,000 to £2,916,000.
The ultimate parent company is Egersund Group ASA in Norway.
