Two award-winning Inverness entrepreneurs have led their firm into the top 30 business in the whole of the UK.
Iain Macphail and Kyle Smith founded IDM Energy during the Covid-19 pandemic and have grown to a team of 26.
But after winning a string of multi-million pound contracts in the past two years, the firm had now been ranked 29th nationally in the prestigious Elite Business 100 rankings.
Judged by business leaders across the country, it recognises firms that are demonstrating sustainable growth, innovation, leadership and future readiness.
It follows a year of continued expansion for IDM Energy, including supporting clients through a challenging winter of storms and growing its renewables portfolio.
They also secured multi-million-pound public sector contracts with organisations such as Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Canals.
Co-founder Iain Macphail said: “This is extraordinary recognition from our industry peers and something we are incredibly proud of. It reflects the high standards and commitment of our team, and it puts the Highlands and Islands firmly on the map for business excellence.
“When we launched IDM Energy during the pandemic, we believed anything was possible. But to be ranked among the UK’s top 30 elite businesses within five years is a remarkable achievement and a real testament to the strength of the business.”
Fellow co-founder Kyle Smith said: “Innovation, the use of new technologies and transparency sit at the heart of how we work with clients. So it is hugely rewarding to see that approach recognised at a national level.
“Our success comes down to our people. Their expertise, adaptability and commitment to supporting clients as a trusted long-term partner has made this recognition possible.”
IDM Energy has also been shortlisted for the Elite Business People’s Choice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is now open at:
https://elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk/business-directory/idm-energy
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of national awards for the firm. In 2025, Mr Macphail and Mr Smith were named National Winners of the John Caudwell Award, selected from more than 800 entrepreneurs across the UK.
They previously won Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland in 2024, and Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland in both 2022 and 2023.
IDM Energy’s mission is to deliver energy-efficient solutions that meet customer needs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
Its core values of honest advice and quality service have seen the company grow into a leading renewables contractor in the north of Scotland, with expansion from its Inverness and Stornoway bases into additional premises in the Central Belt last year.
Skog Media Associates 