Deadline extended for Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards

The new closing date for entries has been introduced in response to requests from companies that want to participate, but are currently facing a challenging business environment.

Organised by Scottish Enterprise, and supported by industry sponsors, the Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards 2009 showcase and recognise outstanding achievements across the sector.

This year, there are two new categories - The Idea, which is looking for just that, a great idea that is at the early development stage that can be taken forward as a game changer for the oil and gas sector – and the Outstanding Contribution Award which will recognise an individual who has made a positive impact on the sector from both a business and wider industry perspective.

The full list of award categories sponsored by industry stakeholders is:

• Export Achievement - this category will recognise business growth resulting from successful development of export activity in the oil and gas sector. Sponsored by The Press and Journal
• The Innovator – focuses on excellence in innovative technological solutions developed in the UK for the oil and gas sector.  Sponsored by Department of Energy and Climate Change
• Safety - the Safety Award focuses on hazard identification and mitigation. Sponsored by BP
• Succeeding Through People - this category recognises the importance of people, learning and development to managing talent. Sponsored by Chevron
• Rising Star - the Rising Star will be awarded to an individual who is an emerging talent within the oil and gas industry. Sponsored by AMEC Natural Resources
• Internationalisation of Scottish Skills - will recognise the utilisation of Scottish-based education and training for certification to develop Scottish business in international markets. Sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority
• Outstanding Contribution – this category will recognise an individual whose work has had a significant and positive impact on the Oil and Gas sector from both a business and wider industry perspective. Sponsored by Shell U.K. Limited
• Small Company Great Performance - this award seeks excellence in small company performance in the oil and gas sector. It is open to companies employing no more than 30 full-time employees. Sponsored by The Offshore Europe Partnership
• The Idea – wanted - innovative ideas with the potential for development. Sponsored by Department of Energy and Climate Change and ITF

From among the category winners the judges will select an overall winner who will also be recognised for Overall Achievement.

Brian Nixon, Director of Energy, Scottish Enterprise, said: “We understand that running a business in the current economic climate is challenging and by extending the deadline we hope that companies across the sector will take this opportunity to submit an application that could very well be an industry winner.  The awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious industry awards in the UK and we are looking forward to receiving a large number of high-quality entries from across the sector."

Find out more about categories and how to enter

The closing date for entries is 6 February 2009.

The category winners receive £5,000 worth of bespoke support to help them achieve their growth ambitions.

The awards ceremony and dinner will be held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 26 March 2009 and guests will arrive to a welcome reception sponsored by Mercuri Urval.  Further information and table booking details are also provided on the website.