When Publiq was founded in 2013, the ambition was simple: to deliver skilled people to demanding projects – in an orderly and predictable way. Twelve years later, the company has grown from a local player into a national staffing partner across industry, oil and gas, energy, construction and transport.
Along the way, Publiq has received the DN Gazelle distinction six times – and for the last five years in a row. In 2023, the company was also named regional winner in the South. For clients, that is not just a nice title, but a sign that they are working with a growth company that delivers consistently over time.
“We operate in some of Norway’s most demanding industries. Then we have to be at least as solid as the projects we staff,” says Publiq’s managing director.
Growth in industries where margins for error are small
Publiq supplies qualified personnel to the oil, gas and energy sector, to industry and construction projects, and to transport and renewable energy. Many of the assignments are large and complex, often with tight schedules and high safety requirements.
“Our clients work on everything from maintenance and modification to new developments and green energy. They don’t just need ‘some heads’, but professionals who can step in, take responsibility and deliver from day one,” says the manager.
Today Publiq has around 500 permanent employees and a large network of skilled workers and technicians working both onshore and offshore. The company staffs roles within electrical, mechanical trades, piping, welding, logistics, inspection and other technical disciplines.
Six DN gazelles – and five years in a row
The DN Gazelle is an award for growth companies with documented, profitable growth over time. That Publiq has now achieved gazelle status six times, and continuously from 2021 to 2025, the company sees as confirmation of both pace and robustness.
“For us, the gazelle distinctions are about more than growth curves. They show that we have control over finances, structure and deliveries – while we grow. That provides security for both our clients and our employees,” says the manager.
In 2023, Publiq was also named regional winner in the South in the DN Gazelle, and the same year the company received the “Company of the Year” award from NHO Agder. For a company that still has its head office at Brokelandsheia in Gjerstad, that means a lot.
“We are proud that a growth story from ‘outside’ the big cities can hold its own nationally. But most important is that every day we manage to provide the right people for the right projects.”
System, quality and collective agreements at the core
In the staffing industry it is easy to focus on speed. Publiq has chosen to build its growth on structure and quality. The company is ISO 9001-certified, Achilles-approved, an approved staffing company recognised by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, and an Audited Employer. In addition, Publiq has collective agreements with both Fellesforbundet and the EL & IT Forbundet union.
“That provides predictable terms for our employees and extra security for clients. We have a quality system that lets us scale up without losing the overview,” says the manager.
For clients, this means among other things:
- a clear process for clarifying needs and the job profile
- systematic quality assurance of candidates, courses and certificates
- a focus on HSE and compliance at every level
- a dedicated contact person and close follow-up throughout the assignment
“Many of the projects we staff are critical to safe operation. Then documentation, procedures and people all have to be in place.”
A secure employer in a demanding working life
For the professionals standing at the gate at six in the morning, it is crucial to have an employer who takes them seriously. Publiq places great emphasis on following up its own employees – before, during and between assignments.
“We know that rotational life, travel and shift work can be demanding. That is why we work deliberately to ensure that people feel a sense of belonging to Publiq, not just to the next project,” says the manager.
The goal is for employees to stay with the company over time, build experience across different assignments and get the chance to develop professionally.
“When people thrive and feel secure, clients get more stable teams and fewer unexpected stoppages. It is really quite simple: if we take care of our people, they take better care of the projects.”
From a local player to a national partner
Even though Publiq has grown strongly, the company wants to keep its closeness to both clients and employees. Today it has offices in several cities, but keeps its base and identity from Sørlandet.
“We have grown from a local player into a national staffing and competence partner, but we must never become so large that we lose the overview. We will still be available, present and close to the projects,” says the manager.
Going forward, Publiq expects continued high activity within industry, energy and infrastructure – and therefore a high demand for qualified professionals.
“The energy transition, major maintenance needs and new developments mean the battle for the best heads and hands will be tough. For clients, that means they have a partner who delivers – even when the market is demanding.”
