Energy sector winners celebrate success
Scotland recognised its leading players in the oil and gas sector at a major awards ceremony last night (26 March 2009).
The Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards 2009 was held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and celebrated the success of companies, organisations and people who work in the energy sector.
Organised by Scottish Enterprise with support from the industry and key sponsors, the awards were attended by Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism who gave the keynote speech. Sally Magnusson hosted the black tie event which is known in the sector as the ‘Oil Oscars’.
In recognition of their success, winners received their very own statuette, created by renowned Scottish sculptor Gordon Lochhead of Silversculpture.
Judging was carried out by a panel of industry experts and this year the Overall Achievement award went to the offshore and remote sites division of catering and facilities services company ARAMARK Limited.
The category winners of the coveted awards are:
Export Achievement – sponsored by The Press and Journal
PSN (Production Services Network)
Internationalisation of Scottish Skills – sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority
Aberdeen Skills and Enterprise Training Ltd
Safety – sponsored by BP
Subsea 7
The Idea – sponsored by Department of Energy and Climate Change and ITF
Reservoir Fluid Dynamics (University of Aberdeen/UC Santa Barbara)
Rising Star – sponsored by AMEC Natural Resources
Jamie Dempster - iicorr Ltd
The Innovator - sponsored by Department of Energy and Climate Change
READ Well Services
Succeeding through People – sponsored by Chevron
Technip UK Limited
Small Company Great Performance – sponsored by the Offshore Europe Partnership
Cyclotech Ltd
Outstanding Contribution – sponsored by Shell U.K. Limited
Bob Keiller – PSN
Overall Achievement
ARAMARK Limited
Scottish Enterprise’s energy team director, Brian Nixon said:
“The Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards are a great opportunity to showcase the achievements, innovation and excellence that Scotland’s energy sector boasts.
“Once again, I am impressed by the level of interest and the high quality of entries that this year’s Awards has received. Despite the challenges of the global economic downturn, the sector’s workforce, companies and organisations continue to demonstrate commitment and confidence in the oil and gas industry.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners who have exemplified success and best practice.
“A recent industry survey that the Scottish Enterprise Energy Team carried out with our colleagues in the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) revealed, unsurprisingly, a number of future challenges for the industry to tackle. However, it also highlighted the sector’s first-class resources, talent and world-leading reputation which, with the right support, can continue to deliver its long term ambitions.”
Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, said:
“Scotland is a world leader in oil and gas technologies and it is important that we recognise the hard work involved in that success; from recent start ups through to SMEs and global groups; technology developers to engineering and service companies. Many outstanding and innovative firms are based right here in Scotland.
“We are doing all we can to assist in these difficult times with targeted business support and advice through the energy teams in Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. We have called for greater access to Scotland’s North Sea revenues and in particular for the development of a Scottish Oil Fund, where revenues could be invested for the benefit of future generations.
“We are committed to doing all we can to prolong the life of the industry and I am confident of the ability of the industry to adapt to the challenges that face us. I want to congratulate all those who have been nominated - you should be proud of your achievements and we are proud of your role in helping this industry to become so vital to Scotland.”
The category winners in this year’s awards each receive £5,000 worth of bespoke support to help them achieve their growth ambitions.
Scottish Enterprise works with Scotland’s energy industry to stimulate business growth through accessing new markets, developing new products and services and seeking new routes to investment.
Photography of the winners is available.