Reliable, Sustainable Solutions for the Global Marine Sector: Q&A with Andy Millar, Business Development Manager

Andy Millar, FIS Chemicals Business Development Manager

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FIS: You play an important role with FIS as Business Development Manager — can you give us an overview of your key responsibilities, focusses and goals in this position?

Andy Millar: I have an exciting role within FIS Chemicals, particularly in our drive to expand our established customer base and use our in-depth knowledge from supporting the Oil & Gas industry to provide highly effective chemical products and services to Marine clients.

When explaining the various benefits of FIS Chemicals to new and existing clients, I’m able to call upon an excellent product portfolio along with our dedicated R&D capability that ensures we continue to develop new solutions for the future.

My responsibilities are wide-ranging within the Marine sector — the development of new clients is of course a key priority, but providing Marine-focussed support to existing clients is very important too, along with development of the Marine profile of FIS Chemicals in general.

I have also been working on developing the wider support and delivery network to our Marine clients, building upon the existing network outside of the UK with strategic partnerships — looking particularly at Norway, South America and Europe.

FIS: Recently, you marked your one year anniversary with FIS, congratulations! What three words would you use to describe your first year with the business?

AM: Exciting. Challenging. Rewarding.

"FIS Chemicals have the added advantage that we can develop bespoke products to solve particular challenges and often we find that, with our large product portfolio of over 1000 chemicals, we have an existing product from a different sector that can meet or exceed the requirements of the clients."

FIS: Prior to joining the FIS team, your career has seen you work extensively in the Marine sector — can you tell us a bit about your career path to date?

AM: As a teenager, I always wanted to go to sea, and was lucky enough to spend a school summer holiday on board a coastal vessel as a supernumerary. This further reinforced my desire to build a career in marine and shipping, and I soon joined P&O as a cadet.

Having served on container ships for 12 years and obtained my Masters Certificate, I came ashore in to the London office, and after a few different roles, I was recruited to join a marine service company, where I spent 16 years with in sales and managerial roles, including some time based in Houston, Texas.

After returning to the UK, I worked for a couple of marine companies before joining FIS Chemicals in February 2024.

FIS: What do Marine clients need most from their chemical supplier? What's most crucial to them?

AM: Marine clients are in many ways similar to all clients — they are looking for a reliable supplier who can provide the right products, in the right place, at the right price.

The Marine sector has particular challenges in that the vessels are constantly moving around the world in different ports, which is why the use of our network is an important part of our offering.

FIS Chemicals have the added advantage that we can develop bespoke products to solve particular challenges and often we find that, with our large product portfolio of over 1000 chemicals, we have an existing product from a different sector that can meet or exceed the requirements of the clients.

"Marine sector clients rely upon our green chemical solutions to complement their strategic sustainability goals and the protection of the environments they work in."

FIS: How has the industry changed throughout your career?

AM: The crews and managers have less time to carry out maintenance and the margins are generally tighter within the operating environment.

This has seen a drive towards consolidation of clients and a push to suppliers who can provide broader ranges of products — which is a key strength of ours, thankfully.

FIS: As we approach Q2 2025, what objectives are top of mind at FIS?

AM: In many ways, more of the same — the expansion of our global network and the drive to provide sustainable solutions for our current and new Marine sector clients. They rely upon our green chemical solutions to complement their strategic sustainability goals and the protection of the environments they work in.

FIS: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any goals or big plans for the rest of the year?

AM: I enjoy riding my Harley around the UK and overseas. Travelling has always been part of my life and usually manage to explore different places.

This year, my wife and I are exploring the Carolinas on the East Coast of the US — not on a bike, but hopefully in a soft-top, taking in the sun!



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