Energy burst 4 by NOF Energy

Issue

#04 SUMMER/AUTUMN 2014

this issue q HOUSTON NETWORK 10 q OFFSHORE SURVIVAL CENTRE 17 q INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS 24 q MEMBER NEWS 38

Houston The official membership magazine of NOF Energy

New NOF Energy Chairman Military2Energy Team Member Spotlight: Jenna Spencer NOF Energy Annual Conference Upcoming NOF Energy Events

www.nofenergy.co.uk

www.energyburstmagazine.com

Your first choice for materials testing Testing, calibrating, advising Chemical Analysis Coatings Corrosion Engineering Critical Assessment Forensic failure investigations Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT) Metallurgical testing Pipeline testing services Polymers Weld testing & qualification services

Europe europe@exova.com +44 (0) 330 222 0321

Americas americas@exova.com ventes@exova.com +1 (866) 263 9268

Middle East & Asia middle.east@exova.com +971 (4) 439 5800

www.exova.com Quote â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NOF Energy Burstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

10 05 Welcome 06 New NOF Energy Chairman 10 NOF Energy Houston Network 17 Offshore Survival Centre 20 Looking to Russia 22 Military2Energy 24 Building Your Brand Image

Why Employees Leave Member News Team Member Spotlight Energy: A Balanced Future 2014 Join us NOF Energy Events

45 35 36 43 45 50 50

of attendees said the conference and exhibition % 95 met or exceeded their expectations. *Results are based on data collected from registrants who provided feedback to the on-site independent survey company

14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;16 OCTOBER 2014

aberdeen exhibition and ConferenCe Centre / aberdeen, sCotland www.deepoffshoreteChnology.Com

MaxiMiSing ReSouRce RecoveRy For more than 30 years Deep Offshore Technology International (DOT) has been showcasing pioneering technology that has been shaping the future of the deep and ultra-deepwater industry. DOT showcases the most innovative technologies designed to withstand hostile and ultra-deepwater environments. DOT puts you at the heart of the leading industry forum which attracts the key industry experts and decision makers from the major E&P companies.

owned & operated by:

presented by:

supported by:

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Welcome from George Rafferty The official membership magazine of NOF Energy

Energy Burst introduction WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF ENERGY BURST. I AM PERSONALLY VERY PROUD OF THE POSITIVE REACTION THIS PUBLICATION IS RECEIVING FROM OUR MEMBERS AND THE WIDER ENERGY INDUSTRY.

n addition to being an excellent resource for information on the supply chain and market developments, it is also very much at the heart of NOF Energy’s commitment to help our members communicate with each other and the sector by providing profile-raising opportunities and a platform to highlight the extensive skills, innovation and technologyled solutions that have been developed by our members. This current edition continues that commitment with informative articles from members such as Wood Group Kenny and Maersk, which demonstrate the exceptional standard of solutions offered from within our network. Energy Burst also provides NOF Energy with another opportunity to keep the industry informed of developments within the organisation and the growing range of services and events we are delivering to support our members’ business development ambitions. This edition we look back at our most successful national conference to date, which took place in March and welcomed an audience of more than 400 who gathered to listen to a collection of some of the energy industry’s most respected experts and, of course, take advantage of the excellent networking opportunities. For the first time at the conference,

NOF ENERGY TEAM George Rafferty Chief Executive Joanne Leng MBE Deputy Chief Executive Clare Weirs Director Business Services

Onshore Gas, and in particular Shale, was on the agenda. This proved to be one of the most stimulating sessions of the day and demonstrates the interest in the sector from members of the supply chain. We are entering another interesting period for the energy industry with Shale Gas moving its way up the agenda alongside the ongoing investments in the UK Oil & Gas sector and more positive developments expected in the Offshore Wind industry, such as Siemens’ investment in Humberside and the Government committing financial support to five new Offshore Wind farms.

Paul Livingstone Business Development Manager Caroline Lofthouse Business Development Manager Kristie Leng Trainee Events Manager Jenna Spencer Business Relationships Executive Jennifer Smith Events and Marketing Coordinator Jenna Smith Business Development Assistant Nicola Smiles Assistant Accountant Danielle McCarthy Administrator

In addition, as was discussed at the conference, Nuclear New Build remains a key opportunity for elements of the supply chain and, overall, highlights the vibrancy of our sector at this time. Of course, NOF Energy aims to be at the forefront of developments across the sector to provide members with the best information, guidance and opportunities. I hope you enjoy this edition of Energy Burst and I hope to see some of you at our upcoming networking events, details of which can be found on our website, www.nofenergy.co.uk.

George Rafferty Chief Executive, NOF Energy

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Paul Charlton Announced as New Chairman of NOF Energy NOF ENERGY, THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION FOR OIL & GAS, NUCLEAR AND OFFSHORE RENEWABLES SECTORS, HAS ANNOUNCED PAUL CHARLTON AS ITS NEW CHAIRMAN. Member of Decom North Sea and he sits on the Subsea North East executive committee where he is chair of the Research and Technology Steering Group. Prior to becoming Chairman, Paul has been a Non-Executive Director of NOF Energy since 2010.

George Rafferty (left) and Graham Payne (centre) welcome new NOF Energy Chairman, Paul Charlton, (right)

aul, who is Chief Executive Officer of PDL Solutions (Europe) Ltd, succeeds the current Chairman, Graham Payne, who has held the position since 2012.

In addition to Paul becoming Chairman, NOF Energy has also welcomed new board members. Joining the board are Jamie Brown, Managing Director of Francis Brown Ltd; Bruce Heppenstall, General Manager of GE Oil & Gas and Alex Hayward, Managing Director of Phusion. With more than 30 years’ experience in the chemical and energy industries, Paul is one of the energy sector supply chain’s most respected figures. After spending his formative years in the chemical sector working in the UK and The Netherlands, he founded PDL Solutions in 2000. With established companies in Europe and the USA, Paul has grown PDL Solutions into being one of the most trusted and respected independent engineering consultancies operating within the oil & gas, nuclear and offshore renewables sectors. As well as being Chief Executive of PDL Solutions, Paul is a Non-Executive Board

Paul Charlton said: “I am very proud to become Chairman of NOF Energy. I have been involved with the organisation for many years and I can testify to the benefits of membership for companies looking to develop their presence in the key energy sectors. I am looking forward to helping drive NOF Energy’s future strategy, which will have the ambitions of the members at its heart. “I would like to thank Graham Payne for the excellent work he has done as Chairman, particularly overseeing NOF Energy through its landmark silver jubilee year in 2013.” George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “I am delighted that Paul is the new Chairman of NOF Energy. He has been a staunch supporter of NOF Energy for many years both as a member of the organisation and as part of our board. “I am also very pleased to welcome new board members Bruce, Jamie and Alex, adding to the deep and broad industry knowledge held by our board, which informs and directs our strategies.” “Paul’s Chairmanship begins at the start of another exciting period for NOF Energy. With more than 470 UK and international members, we have become one of the key supply chain organisations in the energy sector. Our market knowledge, extensive global network and member-focused services have become intrinsic parts of our members’ business development activities across the key energy sectors.”

ATEX Design & Manufacture Over several years Datalink has established itself as an expert in the design and manufacture of electronics for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX). • In-House Design Consultancy • Highly Qualified Design Engineers • Support for ATEX Electronic Design Certification • We offer a Full Turn-Key Solution • Manufacture small-to-medium volumes • Accredited to ISO9001:2008 standard • Product testing to ensure 100% functionality • Product compliance to regulatory standards (ATEX, EMC, LVD, etc) For more details contact: Dr Jim Allen E: JAllen@datalink-electronics.co.uk T: +44 (0)1509 231023

www.datalink-electronics.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Participants praise Teesside University’s new leadership course

loohcS ssenisuB ytisrevinU edisseeT

sessalcretsaM

ssenisub poleved ot noitasinagro ruoy dna uoy pleh ot dengiseD tnemeganam ssenisub fo saera yek ecnahne dna ytilibapac esnetni na era sessalcretsam ruo ,yaw lufrewop dna wen a ni dna lanosrep etaidemmi htiw ecneirepxe evitcaretni dna A NEW COURSE BEING OFFERED BY TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY :stISfiHELPING eneb ssTHE enisub

Inspiring business solutions for the energy sectors

FUTURE LEADERS OF INDUSTRY krow moREALISE rf yawa eTHEIR mit mPOTENTIAL. uminim htiw tcapmi mumixam • worromot ssenisub nwo ruoy ni laer rof ylppa dna yadot slliks wen nrael • emmargin orthe p ehLeadership t ffo dna noAccelerator pets nac uProgramme oy – tnemtim mocspoken mret-gnol on • articipants have ,sessmanagement alcretsam elgskills nis dhave netta developed nac uoy – since tnemebeginning gagne elbthe ixefl • about how their emmargorp deroliat a ngised ro course in March. .gnihcaoc dna gnilfiorp ,snoisses noitadilosnoc • The two-year course has been developed in conjunction with several leading industry partners including GrowHow, Lotte Chemical UK, Huntsman :slevel eerht ta dereffo era sessalcretsaM Pigments, SABIC UK Petrochemicals and Sembcorp. .evitucexe > pihsredael > tnemeganam >

Teesside University Open Learning in Engineering is the world’s leading provider of high quality engineering programmes available at HNC and HND. This flexible learning option enables key staff to study irrespective of location, be it an oil rig in the North Sea or a pipeline construction in the desert. ,sessalcretsam/ku.ca.seet ta erom tuo dniF .rebotcO ni trats sessalcretsaM .ku.ca.seet@htims.yma liame ro 868243 24610 no htimS ymA rD llac ro

retsam/ku.ca.seet

It is designed for employees from the manufacturing and engineering sector who usually have a minimum of three years of functional experience and may have a degree in a related discipline, but who have had no formal management or leadership training. The University is now recruiting for the next cohort of the programme which will begin in Q4 2014. Participants spend two days per quarter on the programme and undertake a variety of specially tailored modules in subjects such as self-management, human resources and performance management, communication and critical thinking. Already, many participants are seeing improvements in their core management skills, which are allowing them to add value in the work place and move towards achieving personal and career goals with many commenting that the days are exceeding their expectations.

Daniel Rees, an engineer from SABIC, based on Teesside, said: ”It’s nice to be on a course where you can challenge the contents and you’re given an answer that shows the facilitator’s understanding of the sector. ”The learning styles used are allowing us to develop through the application of the techniques.” Dave Fortune, Plant Manager from Fine Industries, added: ”I would recommend the programme, and have already done so to the company directors. ”I believe the course will give me the valuable skills needed to succeed, as well as reminding me and updating the skill sets I have already developed to achieve my current career success. ”I have always had a reputation as a firm but fair leader, and the course has already allowed me to reflect on possible character trait changes that I may have encountered on my journey. No other course has ever had this effect.” Stephen Trillo, HR Director Lotte Chemical UK, said: “This innovative programme has been developed in partnership between industry and Teesside University and we firmly believe that it stands out from the more traditional development programmes and are very confident that it will meet the needs of businesses across the whole of the manufacturing sector and beyond now and into the future.”

Teesside University Business School

Masterclasses

Dr Amy Smith, Corporate Programmes Manager for Teesside University Business School, said: “The leadership Designed to help you and your organisationprogramme to develop was business designed in collaboration with the process industry sector, but can be adapted to suit all sectors, and capability and enhance key areas of business management we are delighted that it is already proving beneficial to in a new and powerful way, our masterclasses are an intense participants.”

snoitulos ssenisub gniripsnI srotces ygrene eht rof

and interactive experience with immediate personal and ”The programme is a blend of experiential and taught business benefits:

learning. We have worked with the companies to ensure • maximum impact with minimum time away from work that everything on the programme is contextualised, it is • learn new skills today and apply for real in your own business tomorrow quite different to anything else currently on the market.” • no long-term commitment – you can step on and off the programme University hgih• fflexible engagement – you can attend single masterclasses, o redivorp gnidael s’dlrow eht si gnireTeesside enignE ni gniBusiness nraeLSchool nepOalsoytoffers isreavrange inU eofdisseeT leadership programmes including Leading Growth which is or design a tailored programme noitpo gninrael elbixefl sihT .DNH dna CNH tfully a elfunded baliaforvaeligible semSMEs. margorp gnireenigne ytilauq • consolidation sessions, profiling and coaching.

a ro aeS htroN eht ni gir lio na ti eb ,noitaFor comore l fo information evitcepsabout erri the ydnext utscohort ot ffofathe ts yek selbane Masterclasses are offered at three levels: .tresed eht ni n itcurtsnocor enilepip Leadership Accelerator Programme ono01642-342868 > management > leadership > executive.

email amy.smith@tees.ac.uk.

Masterclasses start in October. Find out more at tees.ac.uk/masterclasses, or call Dr Amy Smith on 01642 342868 or email amy.smith@tees.ac.uk.

tees.ac.uk/masterc

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

NOF ENERGY LAUNCHES NEW HOUSTON NETWORK A MAJOR NEW INITIATIVE IS BEING SPEARHEADED BY NOF ENERGY TO CAPITALISE ON OPPORTUNITIES BEING GENERATED FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS, THE GLOBAL HUB FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.

he business development and support organisation for the oil, gas and related energy industries has launched its Houston Network to offer local support to member companies that already have a presence in the City and to those that travel to market on a regular basis and are keen to secure work being engineered out of Houston.

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Houston in Texas is a global hub for the oil and gas industry with over

5000

energy related businesses in the region

NOF Energy has been in consultation with members to help shape this new network which has as its main objective facilitating winning new contracts and orders from major oil and gas companies and prime contractors based in Houston. Joanne Leng, MBE, NOF Energy Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The Houston market is important, not just because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, but for the many global projects that are engineered and procured from Houston.

Houston is the U.S. energy headquarters and a world centre for virtually every segment of the oil and gas industry including exploration, production, transmission, marketing, supply and technology.

“Many NOF Energy supply chain companies have a presence in Houston and we want to make sure these members and their local representatives network and engage more with each other and can tap into the business development support available from NOF Energy. “In addition, skills, services and products provided by UK companies can be transferred to other oil and gas developments and projects, such as those being delivered from Houston. “We have drawn up a new International Business Development offering for members and hopefully this new Houston network will just be the start. The Network was launched on June 17 at a NOF Energy networking lunch in Houston, where the keynote speaker was Aker Solutions, which has several operational sites in

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

the City and is one of NOF Energy’s Strategic Partners. Through its network of Tier 1 and 2 Strategic Partners, who are the major clients within the energy sector, NOF Energy encourages the formation of new relationships and partnerships as well as helping improve its members’ visibility in markets around the world. The Network will meet on a regular basis either informally as a small group or formally at one of the NOF Energy Networking lunches taking place in Houston. Members will be encouraged to share market knowledge, contacts and experiences of doing business locally, with NOF Energy facilitating the introductions and arranging the networking meetings and events. NOF Energy member, PDL Solutions Ltd, which has personal experience about the wealth of work available from Houston, has assisted in the setting up of the Network. The company has started to provide engineering design and analysis services to the US-based teams of its European clients. At first, they supported the market from its North East of England head office, as the relationships expanded it felt the need to deliver the support to US locations on a local in-country level. Since October, it has been seconding some of its existing engineers from Northumberland to their new Houston office with the intention of growing their US operation during the next three years to ten full time engineers. Other NOF Energy members that have a Houston presence include: Bibby Offshore has built on its traditional values and competencies to deliver services focusing on two key areas of subsea construction/inspection, repair, maintenance and offshore operational and maintenance support. As part of its continuing global growth strategy, Bibby Offshore has opened a division and international base in Houston. The company initially invested more than $5million/£3million into the new division, Bibby Subsea Inc. Arefco Special Products specialises in the design and manufacture of components from

OTC (Offshore Technology Conference and Exhibition) May 2015 is the offshore industry’s premier, global event! Join NOF Energy at the show

Houston is a leading domestic and international centre for virtually every segment of the industry -

exploration, production, transmission, marketing, service, supply, offshore drilling, and technology

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

The Houston market is important not just due to its proximity to the

Gulf of Mexico

but for many global projects which are both engineered and procured from Houston

Houston, the headquarters for many Fortune 500 companies, is home to most of the nation’s largest natural gas transmission companies, 600 exploration and production companies, more than 170 pipeline operators and a vast supply chain

advanced elastomer and plastic materials for customers with demanding applications of high temperature and pressure sealing, abrasive and corrosive media or complex dynamic systems. Based in Ashington Northumberland, it became part of the UTEX Industries Corporation, which is registered in Houston, in 2011. GE has been doing business in Houston since 1903. In 2007, its Oil & Gas business expanded its footprint in the area to grow its portfolio and help deliver faster turnaround times for customers. With its advanced technologies and services, GE Oil & Gas supports customers across the industry from extraction to transportation to end use. In Houston, the range of equipment production includes blowout preventers and

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

For a

North America projects list contact

NOF Energy now

associated equipment, all makes and sizes of turbo-machinery for the Oil and Gas and Refinery sectors, including gas and steam turbines, expanders, multi-stage centrifugal pumps, and centrifugal and reciprocating compressors. Global Energy Group: a Scottish based company headquartered in Inverness, focuses on the construction, enhancement and maintenance of energy industry assets as well as providing resource management and vendor inspection services. It has an office in Houston to act as a gateway to business opportunities in the Americas. Houston is both a domestic and international hub for virtually every element of the industry including exploration, production, transmission, marketing, service, supply,

offshore drilling, and technology. The City is also is home to more than 5,000 energy-related companies and is the headquarters for most of America’s largest natural gas transmission companies, 600 exploration and production companies and more than 170 pipeline operators as well as an extensive supply chain.

For more information www.nofenergy.co.uk/houstonnetwork or to discuss the benefits of being part of this network contact houstonnetwork@nofenergy.co.uk or call +1 713 260 9635 or in the UK +44 (0)191 384 6464.

ASD metal services klรถckner & co multi metal distribution

SUPPLIERS OF AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THE ENERGY SECTOR

0845 241 6506

ENTRUSTED TO DELIVER METAL SOLUTIONS e: energy@asdmetalservices.co.uk 1830

www.asdmetalservices.co.uk

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

New offshore survival centre in North East IN JULY 2014, A BRAND-NEW MULTI-MILLION POUND, WORLD-CLASS OFFSHORE SURVIVAL CENTRE OPENED ITS DOORS ON NORTH TYNESIDE.

PAUL STONEBANKS, MANAGING DIRECTOR

he ambitious £2.5m project has been developed by AIS Training to train workers from the offshore oil and gas, wind and maritime sectors how to cope in an emergency. The new 20,000 sq ft state-of-the-art survival centre includes an environmental pool, world-class restaurant, fire training facility, classrooms, changing facilities and meeting rooms and sits alongside AIS Training’s existing 120,000 sq ft specialist training village on North Tyneside.

”The opening of our new survival centre and onsite hotel enables us to offer delegates the full suite of training and competency assessment needed for offshore work.”

This gives AIS Training one of the world’s largest training portfolios for the offshore sector including industry-approved courses in rigging, rope access, painting and blasting, fire protection, electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as many more. Designing, developing and constructing a contemporary offshore survival centre, which rivals the best in the world in a timeframe of just six months, presented a challenge but one that managing director Paul Stonebanks wasn’t fazed by. Paul said: “From the initial concept designs through to the final finishing touches, we considered every element carefully to deliver the ultimate training experience. “We wanted the centre to have an extremely high quality finish with a unique look and feel that immediately identified it as an AIS Training facility. This means we can replicate the build in other geographic regions we’re currently working in, such as Trinidad and Tobago.

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

“It might sound flippant but we know that an important part of the training experience for customers is the quality of the food offering. Getting the restaurant area at the centre just right was a key priority. Everything - from the menu choices to the furnishings and overall ambiance – is the highest quality to enrich our delegates’ dining experience. “Similarly all the furniture in the restaurant has been custom built to create a relaxed, comfortable and sociable space. The initial customer feedback has been tremendous. “When constructing the centre, sustainability was also a central consideration. Although the main heating and water heating system is fired by gas, we created a bespoke heat recovery system to ensure maximum efficiency. The pool water, which has to be maintained at 27 degrees C, circulates through this system to partly heat the water for the rest of the building through a heat exchanger. We also have LED lighting and sensors everywhere to ensure it is as sustainable as possible. “The main feature of the centre is the environmental pool - 26m by 10m and 4m deep - where a helicopter simulator supported by a crane gantry is dunked to recreate a crash at sea. Safety and realism are the primary concerns for this

type of training and we ensured that all of the specially engineered equipment and gantries mirrored the offshore environment.” More than 3,000 offshore workers from around the globe will receive training at the facility per annum, with safety courses approved by leading trade associations including OPITO. AIS is happy to welcome any organisation wanting to visit the new centre. To arrange an appointment please contact Charlie Guthrie, AIS Marketing Manager on 07921 844901. www.aisgroup.co.uk

Our marine clients include: • Ministry of Defence • A&P in conjunction with MoD • Stena Line • Cammell Lairds • Babcock • P&O Cruises • Condor Ferries • Underhill Engineering • Carnival Cruises • Princess Cruises • Cunard • Trimline

Our offshore clients include:

Our land based clients include:

• BP • Nexen • Deep Sea Drilling • Maersk • ENSCO • Salamis

• The University of Liverpool • Gateshead Council • The University of Sunderland

Overview

Offshore industry

Durastic Ltd is the leading UK manufacturer, supplier and installer of flooring and decking systems. Established in 1921, the company has a solid reputation for supplying and installing primary underlays; including Durastic’s lightweight underlay, to weather decks, sound reduction and A60 Solas rated materials; all with associated finishes such as carpets, vinyls and epoxy resins. A full specification service and experienced, supervised contract teams ensure the best deck coverings are installed to the highest standards. Durastic’s products are covered by International Certifications and produced at its ISO 9001 Quality Assured manufacturing facility.

• Specialist skills & systems have been fully extended into the offshore oil industry

Durastic flooring can be found on: • Oil and gas platforms • Cruise liners • Transatlantic ships

• Now used by some of the worlds major platform and rig owners • Extensive product range has capability to solve any floor or deck covering issue within the harsh offshore environment • Products meet the stringent specifications required on offshore structures and our team are fully competent and qualified to work offshore • Experience in flooring and decking on fixed, semi-submersible and jack-up platforms, together with drill ships and FPSOs, specifically: Helideck covering • living quarter flooring including (galleys, stairwells, corridors, bedrooms, bath rooms) • drilling rig flooring • fire resistant walkways and deck coverings.

• Military vessels

Durastic Ltd

Unit 9 Gibraltar Row, King Edward, Industrial Estate, Liverpool, L3 7HJ Tel: 0151 227 4888 Fax: 0151 227 4999 john.gallagher@durastic.co.uk Technical enquiries to: John English, john.english@durastic.co.uk www.durastic.co.uk

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Looking to Russia THE ERDF FUNDED NECC ‘ACCESS PROGRAMME’ WAS LAUNCHED IN AUTUMN 2013 TO HELP NORTH EAST COMPANIES INITIATE A MARKET PRESENCE IN THE THREE EXPANDING MARKETS OF BRAZIL, INDIA AND RUSSIA.

O NYNZI MAUNG, ACCESS PROGRAMME LEADER

n a recent market visit to Russia, a country boasting the second largest market of Oil and Gas in the world, Access Programme leader Nynzi Maung met with a number of UK business support agencies including the UK Embassy Moscow commercial team, the Consul General in St Petersburg and the Russo British Chamber of Commerce. The country’s burgeoning Oil and Gas sector was a recurring topic of conversation throughout her stay. Nynzi comments: “As Programme Manager, it’s my role to provide practical support to North East companies wishing to fully exploit the trading opportunities in Russia.

“Russia’s oil and gas sector value reached 23-25 billion US dollars in 2012 with experts predicting further growth in the next 10 – 15 years. It is the second largest oil producing country with up to 14% of the world’s proven oil reserves. Nynzi continues: “It’s estimated that Russia will need to invest approximately $1 trillion to develop the new Oil and Gas fields, which will include the creation of the appropriate infrastructure by 2030.* Russia is currently importing more than a third of its Oil and Gas equipment. This, coupled with the increasing demand for technologies and expertise in extracting hard to recover and offshore reserves, presents a vast array of opportunities for companies looking to

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Making your mark in Russia. Key market entry tips:

penetrate the sector.” International involvement in the oil sector is essential and significant. Current estimates show that 76 million tonnes of oil (15% of Russia’s annual production) is produced in fields in which foreign companies have an interest. There are a numerous other UK companies already involved in supplying the industry e.g KCA Deutag, PSN, Clyde Union. Nynzi continues: “There are a wealth of opportunities available in Russia – people just need to know what help is available to them, which is what we are seeking to do via the Access Programme.” The Access Programme project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. For further information contact Nynzi Maung on 08450 768391 or email nynzi.maung@necc.co.uk. *Source: “Think Russia”. UKTI 2012

1. Take the market seriously – visit! You can’t do it from a swivel chair in the North East. 2. Prepare marketing literature (& website) specific to the Russian market and of course get it translated into Russian. 3. In addition, get all technical guides and specifications translated into Russian, not just the aforementioned marketing and promotional literature. 4. Be prepared to negotiate on price – other European competitors do – don’t be left behind. 5. Consider market presence via a subsidiary, a representative office or a reliable distributor. 6. CEO to CEO level contact is vital. The most senior person should travel over; don’t send the office junior just because they speak Russian – would you be impressed if it were the other way round?

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

here are many initiatives that have been put into place over the past few years to solve ‘skills and resourcing gaps’ in the energy sector. With over 20,000 military personnel leaving the Armed Forces each year, it makes perfect sense to consider their potential as a means to help solve this problem, especially when you consider the skills set that many of them have developed whilst serving. Although many of them don’t directly possess the relevant energy related experience or qualifications they do have a wide range of transferable skills that are in demand in a variety of sectors, but in particular the energy sector. It is also of great interest to note that military personnel are allocated funding to cover the cost of retraining courses, when they leave the forces and some of this funding is available for up to 10 years after they leave and can be used for courses that result in a level 3 (or above) qualification. The UK Armed Forces are already considered to be one of the nation’s best trained workforces, with a demonstratable ‘Unique Combination of Highly Developed Skills and Qualities’ that have been developed in demanding environments across the globe.

‘Service people have a strong work ethic, they possess the ultimate ‘Can do’ attitudes – they are trained to achieve their objectives against all odds, working to strict deadlines, often with limited resources, and still getting the job done. They are conditioned to perform in difficult conditions and under immense stress, yet still be able to think clearly on their feet.’ In the past three years over 3000 ex military personnel have successfully moved into this exciting, challenging and demanding sector, with many describing it as a natural progression from their military careers, offering an opportunity to use the skills developed and experience gained to their advantage. British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) and NOF Energy have been working together since 2011to bring military talent to the energy sector through the medium of their ‘Military2Energy’ platform, which operates both online and through a number of energy career events in Catterick (N Yorks). This platform has proved to be very effective for both sides of the equation, it has opened the eyes of the Armed Forces Community to sector needs and requirements in terms of personal and technical skills, qualities and qualifications, whilst at the same time offered the sector a wide access to Armed Forces excellence. The 2014 Military2Energy careers event will take place in the Catterick Leisure Centre on 4th September 2014, preparations are underway for this event. NOF Energy Members are able to access the Military2Energy online service for a year once payment has been received for their stand. This allows exhibitors to engage with the Armed Forces Community prior to the event. For more details contact Stacey Holmes on 0845 308 2406 or on Stacey.h@bfrss.org.uk

Invest

GET CLOSER TO THE NORTH SEA ACTION

Be part of somewhere Genuinelyâ&#x20AC;Ś Innovative: an exciting hub of engineering excellence with pioneering research and developing centres, providing innovative solutions for the most challenging global offshore and marine products. Supportive: one port of call for expert advice and guidance to help your business locate, expand and flourish in NewcastleGateshead. Connected: three major ports, an international airport and offshore energy fields just off our coastline puts you right at the heart of the North Sea action. Networked: reap the benefits of an established and collaborative supply chain, world-leading universities and an enviable skilled workforce.

NewcastleGatesheadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inward Investment Team provides a range of services to help establish and expand businesses. Our service is bespoke and is led by client needs. www.InvestNewcastleGateshead.com @tynetoinvest

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Building your brand image from within THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

n recent months I have visited a number of manufacturing companies in the North East and it is absolutely clear how many have upped their game when it comes to communicating and engaging with their employees.

DANIEL O’MAHONEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BRADLEY O’MAHONEY PUBLIC RELATIONS

Research confirms that companies that fully engage and communicate with staff outperform those that do not. For example, it is proven that: • A workforce that feels valued and whose views are listened to will be more committed to the business • An engaged workforce is a more productive workforce. The more efficiently they work the more profits the company makes • An engaged employee takes less days off than one that is not • A business that treats its workforce well will attract higher quality staff

Research further confirms that unless employees are directly involved in wholly transactional activity (selling products or services for which they gain financial reward based on repetitive activity) then remuneration is not the main priority for them. The important issues are: • Involvement in decision making • The extent to which they feel able to voice their ideas, and managers listen to these views, and value employees’ contributions • The opportunities they have to develop their jobs • The extent to which the organisation is concerned for their health and wellbeing. Positive responses to the engagement indicate: • A positive attitude towards, and pride in, the organisation • Belief in the organisation’s products/ services

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

• A perception that the organisation enables the employee to perform well

worrying scarcity of the skilled engineers and technicians.

• A willingness to behave altruistically and be a good team player

Skilled people can walk into a new job tomorrow. For this reason manufacturers, who see the opportunity for growth, recognise that they need to do as much as they can to ensure that they do not just attract the skilled staff they need, but retain the skilled staff they have. They need to continually reinforce the message to employees that they are truly valued and that they are working for an ambitious, forward-thinking and responsible employer.

• An understanding of the bigger picture and a willingness to go beyond the requirements of their job In short, it is important to people that they work for a business they feel proud of. And, why wouldn’t they? We spend more time at work than we do with family and friends after all! More companies recognise that their behaviour is being continually scrutinised and, despite the recession, people are making decisions as to whether they stay with a company, based on these ‘softer’ issues. Likewise, those considering a new job offer will look at the internet to assess the reputation and image of a company. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the manufacturing sector. Here, one of the key reasons why companies are keen to demonstrate that they are employee-friendly is down to supply and demand – there is a

Ask yourself three questions, do your staff understand your vision for future, do they have an opportunity to input their views, do you tell them that they are valued? If not, perhaps you should consider reviewing your internal communications. Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations has been providing public relations advice to clients in the private sector for over 20 years. Please contact us on +44(0) 191 519 7450 www.bradleyomahoney.co.uk Twitter @BradleyOMahoney

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Training Centre for Subsea Technology Awareness, Training and Education Advanced ROV Training Facility Courses include: • Work Class ROV Skills • General ROV Awareness • High Voltage Safety Awareness • Fault Finding/Diagnostics • High Pressure Hydraulics • Umbilical Re-termination Location: Darlington, County Durham. Local Air and Rail links

For more information: E: enquiries@c-state.com T: +44(0) 1325 387 480

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Hip-hopping babies, and their message for your company THEY`RE ALL THE RAGE - ROLLER SKATING BABIES, DOGS THAT DO TRICKS, BIZARRE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. THE BASIC STUFF OF THE VIDEOS BILLIONS OF PEOPLE WATCH EACH YEAR.

he babies roller skating to hip-hop, of course, actually have a serious purpose. For Evian, they’re the best advert ever. Starting off as a TV ad eleven years ago, they’ve gone viral.

TONY CARTLEDGE, DIRECTOR, HT MEDIA

Each new episode is now so successful, as many as four million people watch them every week. Not on TV of course – but on websites like Vimeo and YouTube. On Evians’ own website. Passed around on social media, and via e-mail. And what they demonstrate is the advantages of video. Not only can it achieve huge coverage, it is the cheapest form of marketing around. It also works better than just words, according to Dr James McQuivey of Forrester Research - who found people retain 95% of a video message, and just 10% of text. And it is also a versatile tool. Many of the large companies in the rapidly growing North Sea Oil and Gas sector in the North East undertake

Another engineering solution from IHC EB - the largest pipe-lay tower built at the Port of Tyne - an achievement filmed for IHC by NOF Energy member ht media

large and complicated engineering projects. Increasingly they commission videos showing the progress of such contracts, not only so they have a record of their own work, but also so they can demonstrate to other firms how well they do the job. You might want a video to increase sales; to increase the company profile; or maybe highlight a brand you particularly want to promote; or maybe to increase the attractiveness of your company website to achieve all three of the above. For example, if your company website relies on text only, it might look very nice. But if you’re after creating interest and attention (which you probably are!) you’re definitely missing a trick. Recent research by Comscore suggests that people visiting a retail site stay two minutes longer when there is video content, and are 64% more likely to buy. People are hungry for information. But not boring information, and not slow information. So thousands of words on your website, however beautifully written, are largely wasted. A brief but attractive video will not only attract interest but hold the attention. According to Dr James McQuivey, one minute of video has the impact of 1.8 million words of text. The video content is, of course, your choice. It could be a direct sell or a more subtle brand awareness message. But unlike a TV ad it’ll be there for ever – or at least as long as you want it to be ! And if you get it professionally produced it’s going to be far more effective. In the meantime, you can distribute it via social media, use it at exhibitions, sales conferences, for internal staff briefings, and, if you like, show the family what you do between 9 and 5. www.ht-media.com

A specialist consultancy operating within the dynamic global oil and gas market.

www.nigelwright.com

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Leading the way for UK Fire and Rescue Services

s the first Fire and Rescue Service in the UK to set up a Community Interest Company, Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Management provides a high quality, cost-effective safety service to the private sector, with all profits being reinvested into key projects that improve safety for local communities. The experience and professional background of CFB’s trading arm – CFB Risk Management – couldn’t have been better suited for this venture. For more than 40 years CFB has been protecting one of Europe’s largest clusters of high-hazard industry; Teesside is home to 34 Top Tier COMAH sites, including the Wilton, Seal Sands and Billingham chemical complexes, the SSI Steelworks, the busiest port (based on tonnage) in the UK, a nuclear and other power plants and numerous maritime, offshore and renewable projects; and more. As a FRS it is widely acknowledged as being highly professional, reputable and dependable with a proven track record of safety through understanding and managing high hazard risks. And with one of the largest COMAH workforces in the country in its patch, it is perhaps not surprising then that CFB Risk Management has seen significant growth in recent years.

Today CFB Risk Management provides an Integrated Emergency Management service to some of the largest names in the oil/gas, petrochemical, nuclear and energy markets. Its services reflect both this varied client base as well as the wealth of experience gained from the private and public sectors, which includes developing best practice not only in industrial emergency response (e.g. industrial fire fighting, technical rescue and emergency medical care) but all other related services that aim to achieve greater safety in hazardous industrial environments. These range from providing fire safety management, fire engineering, emergency planning, and consultancy, to security/maintenance, emergency response, and training/exercising – the building blocks of its Integrated Emergency Management service, which is available separately or as one complete bespoke package. ‘We provide high-quality services tailored specifically to customer requirements, including the provision of a high-quality, cost-effective integrated emergency management service, enabling customers to focus on their strategic goals and core competencies, while relying on the services provided by a dedicated emergency services

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

provider and fire-fighting specialist,’ explains Managing Director Ian Hayton. Since the launch of CFB Risk Management in April 2011 the company has secured a multi-million pound contract with one of the world’s largest producers of Acrylonitrile at one of its largest production facilities based in Seal Sands, Teesside and Ian Hayton says that there are many other significant opportunities in the pipeline. CFB Risk Management’s success is having a number of positive impacts in the community. It has led to the creation of 28 full-time jobs and 140 part-time jobs (and there are plans to increase the workforce later this year) and the creation of an apprenticeship scheme - all whilst offsetting the impact of Government spending cuts, and while ensuring the safety of local communities. ‘In just over three years we have exceeded our expectations,’ said Ian Hayton, ‘We have created a core team of 28 people with specialist skills and experience and are looking to increase that number further to meet current and future demand. In addition we have a number of teams on the ground providing 24/7 emergency cover. ‘We have invested a considerable amount in state-of-the-art equipment and vehicles for our teams to ensure that they can provide the high

In just over three years we have exceeded our expectations. We have created a core team of 28 people with specialist skills and experience and are looking to increase that number further to meet current and future demand.

quality and cost-efficient service companies need to deal with safety and risk management.’ Looking to the future, CFB Risk Management is already busy searching globally for further contracts, pursuing its aim of becoming an internationally-known risk management company. Its innovative answer to generating income to help maintain fire-fighting services, safeguard jobs and communities is attracting attention from Fire Brigades around the UK. ‘We are growing year on year with very healthy forecasts not only generating income to safeguard our vital fire and rescue service and improve safety for our local communities but also creating jobs. Our success to date demonstrates that we are providing a real answer to offsetting the impact of public spending cuts in the UK,’ concludes Ian Hayton.

global expertise & precision Fabrication/Construction

Machining Services

Decommissioning/Recommissioning Product/Solutions for Offshore Wind Design Engineering Services

t +44 (0)1502 527800 w www.akd-engineering.co.uk

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Strength in Numbers WOOD GROUP KENNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S (WGK) NEWCASTLE OFFICE IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

art of the international energy services company Wood Group, the Newcastle base was established in October 2011, and initially provided integrity management services in the UK, Europe and Middle East regions. Since this time, staff numbers have increased steadily, allowing WGK to expand their capability offering and geographical range. With a team of 13 and plans for expansion, WGK Newcastle now provides riser engineering expertise alongside integrity management services. Key to this increased capability is a delivery management service specifically tailored for flexible and umbilical delivery during the execution of a project. Coupled with extensive experience in riser engineering, this delivery management capability represents a differentiated, integrated offering to clients that helps to reduce project disconnects. Specific services include document and project control, technical evaluations, independent

verification of riser designs, specialist riser inspection support and the overview and management of the riser installation. The Newcastle team recently provided all delivery management support for the supply of flexible and umbilical risers, and flowlines on the Ikhwezi Development off the southern coast of the Western Cape of South Africa for PetroSA and quality assurance services for the Champion Waterflood project for Brunei Shell Petroleum. John Guy, Package Delivery Manager, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted that as our delivery management expertise expands we are offering an ever increasing capability to our clients. Operators are given peace of mind that their riser engineering projects are being managed by experts when utilising the growing number of subsea suppliers located in the North East of England. With new employees on board, we are now also able to offer umbilical dynamic analysis and

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

research and development into flexibles from the Newcastle office.” The Integrity Management Services side of the business has continued to lead and support global customers focusing on Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS), pipeline risk assessment systems and pipeline Fitness for Service (FFS) studies along with project management capability. Na’el Barghouthi, Newcastle Team Manager, said: “As regulations continue to evolve and assets continue to age, engineering excellence is needed more than ever. We deal with global customers, allowing us to share best practices between operators worldwide as well as our experience in tackling integrity related concerns. Newcastle’s office is not only about services to operators, but about working with Oil & Gas operators to ensure that accidents do not happen due to lack of integrity of a given asset. In addition, we also manage the International Registered Marine Insulation Inspection Course (IRMII) which is the leading industrial training course” WGK Newcastle product manages NEXUS Integrity Centre, a world-class asset integrity management software suite,

Newcastle’s office is not only about services to operators, but about working with them to ensure accidents do not happen due to a lack of integrity arguably the only all-of-facility integrity management system available today. It can be integrated with leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to reduce data duplication and improve productivity and the Newcastle office was involved in its implementation within companies in Oman, the Gulf of Mexico and Norway. NEXUS IC version 6 is currently being prepared for its global launch along with global user forums. As NOF Energy’s newest Strategic Partner, with an experienced workforce and diverse capability, it’s clear that WGK’s future is bright in Newcastle.

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A Competitive Edge Picture this scenario: One Tuesday morning, you arrive at work to find officials from the Competition and Markets Authority in reception. You are told they are investigating whether one of the company’s senior managers discussed future price strategies with your competitors at industry conferences, which would be illegal under competition law. The officials plan to stay for the whole day, reviewing company documents and interviewing employees. The company e-mail and telephone system have been suspended to preserve evidence and prevent other companies being tipped off about the investigation. Now ask yourself: • Does your business train directors and employees to avoid competition law

risks, minimising the probability of such an investigation? • Does your business have a plan to deal with an unannounced inspection of this type? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘no’, it is time to consider investing in a competition compliance programme. This wouldn’t happen to my company- would it? It is often wrongly assumed that investigations such as those described above are very rare, and that only large, multi-national companies are at risk. In fact, the rules apply to companies of all sizes, and the competition authorities regularly use inspections or mandatory information requests as a way of uncovering evidence about anti-competitive arrangements. The following

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

are all typical examples of arrangements that are likely to restrict competition illegally: • agreeing with competitors the prices, margins or discounts that will apply to products in future; • agreeing with competitors to target different areas or customers and stay off each others’ ‘patches’; • agreeing with competitors who will bid, or what price will be bid, for public sector contracts; • sharing commercially-sensitive information about prices, markets, demand or capacity The risk that a company will be tempted to enter such an arrangement in an attempt to ‘stabilise the market’ often increases in difficult economic times. The potential penalties outweigh any short-term benefit, however, as shown in the box below.

Penalties for anti-competitive arrangements Fines of up to 10% of company turnover Prohibition on bidding for public sector contracts Prosecution and imprisonment of individuals involved in secret anti-competitive arrangements Disqualification of directors who contributed to, or should have prevented, the activity

What is a competition compliance programme? An effective competition compliance programme is a system that protects your company against the risks of investigation and penalties by giving employees the tools to recognise and avoid arrangements that could break competition law. It also enables early detection and damage limitation if things should go wrong. The key word here is ‘effective’: a detailed rule-book that gathers dust in a desk drawer will not prevent a breach of competition law from taking place. Effective compliance programmes, such as that developed for NOF Energy by Ward Hadaway: • identify the key areas of risk for that particular business • deliver tailored face-to-face training, with case studies and quick reference guides, for both the board and employees (either all staff or those most likely to encounter risky situations) • set up internal company procedures so that any concerns can be swiftly detected, reported and dealt with by senior management and, where appropriate, legal advisers How else can I improve my company’s compliance with competition law? Taking a selective approach to the industry events you attend can reduce the risk that your employees become embroiled in anti-competitive arrangements. Organisations such as NOF Energy set the ‘gold standard’ by requiring members and delegates to comply with competition law rules at their meetings and events. Introducing a competition compliance programme will protect your company wherever it does business and enhance your brand as a reputable trading partner. Ward Hadaway’s compliance programme can be tailored to your company’s needs: for an informal discussion about how we could give you a competitive edge, please contact Sarah Podesta on 0113 205 6683 or email sarah.podesta@wardhadaway.com

Geoff B Associates In Company CPD Accredited Training Course Standards, Specifications & Testing The training programme introduces Standards, Specifications and Test Requirements within a framework of; Corrosion and Alloy Selection Principles: Forging, Casting and Heat Treatment Processes. The programme can be tailored to in company requirements: • Materials (Carbon & Alloy Steels, All Stainless Steel Types, Nickel Base Alloys, Commercial Titanium) • Processes (Heat treated; cast, forged & rolled long products) • Metallurgy (Offshore, Valves & Pumps) • Specifications (Norsok M-650, NACE MR 0175, API 6A & API 6A 718)

North East Centre For Offshore Medicals Medicals to UK00A standards by experienced partners. Approved list of medical examiners for British Gas Offshore. Facilities: Drug and Alcohol Screening Full record keeping.

Contact: Geoff Bolton Course Venue: In company at your premises 18, Carousel Walk, Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds, LS25 6LP T: + 44 (0)7525 422055 E: geoff.bolton@geoffbassociates.com www.geoffbassociates.com

The Surgery, Front Street, Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH3 4LE Tel: 0191 388 7034 Fax: 0191 388 3912

MACAW Engineering is a leading independent engineering consultancy working closely with global operators of oil & gas production facilities, pipelines and utility systems to reduce risk, maintain integrity and extend the service life of client assets.

CFB Risk Management is the trading arm of Cleveland Fire Brigade and has a proven track record of protecting one of Europes largest clusters of high hazard industry. We are a trusted provider of industrial: - Fire Safety Management - Fire Engineering - Emergency Planning - Consultancy - Security - Emergency Response - Training & Exercising - Integrated Emergency Management Find out how we can help you.

+44 (0) 1429 874088 info@cfbriskmanagement.com

Our Services Include: • Integrity management • Corrosion mechanisms • Materials (carbon steels, CRA materials and polymers)

• • • • •

Coating systems Inspection methods Welding consultancy Failure Investigation Aerial Inspections

Floor2, Q5, Quorum Business Park, Newcastle, NE12 8BS, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)191 2154010 E: info@macawengineering.com www.macawengineering.com

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

A CLARE FENWICK, WATSON LILY

s the global Energy sector continues to boom, talk of ‘skills shortages’ and an aging workforce continue to prosper. A recent report commissioned by LinkedIn, Talent Trends 2014, surveyed 18,000 professionals across 26 countries. They found that 85% of respondents are either actively looking for a new job or are open to talking to Headhunters and Recruiters, an increase from 80% in 2012. The 2013 NOF Energy survey report collated responses from 23% of its members. Results showed that addressing the skills shortage remains in the top three challenges to the energy industry. Initiatives such as Military2Energy, which supports

the recruitment of ex forces personnel into the energy industry, have noticeably eased the immediate skills shortage. However, in their quest to source, attract and hire the best candidates in the marketplace, companies are failing to retain their own high performers. The cost implications of replacing staff can be substantial. Statistics show figures of at least 1.5 x salary to replace one employee. Multiply this by high staff turnover rates and the results weigh heavy on an organisation’s balance sheet. However, evidence suggests that few companies excel in the art of employee retention. This is a view I support. As a Headhunter with 20 years’ experience successfully seducing

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Contrary to what most people believe, ‘more money’ is not the top reason why individuals move on top talent to explore new pastures, I have concluded that what motivates a person to leave their current company falls into two broad categories – Recognition and Reward. Ultimately, the 21st Century worker wants to feel ‘valued’. This not only applies to financial compensation. It includes being able contribute, opportunities for career advancement, a challenging workload, inspiring leadership and a good work-life balance. In fact, contrary to what most people believe, ‘more money’ is not the top reason why individuals move on. The LinkedIn study concluded that although this is the top reason respondents gave as motivation to look elsewhere, in reality the majority of people actually moved jobs for improved career prospects. Understanding what motivates your staff to listen when Headhunters like Watson Lily come calling is the first step to retaining your top talent. However, there is generally a disparity between the reason given for leaving a job and the reality. Resigning is difficult

and employees often want to exit without too much fuss. Likewise, employers often don’t want to delve too deeply. Clearly this is a missed opportunity to uncover valuable insights. Counter-offers are commonplace when a candidate in the energy sector resigns. However, this often only takes into account financial motivators, side-stepping the real reasons behind the resignation. In my experience this is a short-term solution, ‘papering over the cracks’, and the motivations for leaving generally resurface within 6-12 months. All of the research suggests that it is time for organisations to take a honest review of how they measure up on the R&R scale. The majority of reasons why employees leave their job are within the control of the employer. The best way to retain employees is to stay in touch with what they are thinking. An employee may occasionally be offered a great opportunity elsewhere. Providing that great opportunity in your company will help you to retain your top talent AND reduce your hiring costs.

+44 7515 869968 clarefenwick@watsonlily.com www.watsonlily.com

We pointed Alby to the support he needed to help his business grow. Part of the national network of Business Growth Hubs

Hart Biological was a small business with big ambitions. So we pointed owner, Alby Pattison straight to specialist consultants and training experts whose help has made him confident of doubling the company’s turnover by 2019. We’re here to help Tees Valley businesses grow.

Tees Valley Unlimited is a Tees Valley Business Compass partner.

To find out more visit our website at: www.teesbusinesscompass.co.uk

Reef Subsea has a wealth of experience installing and trenching flexible products in the offshore Oil & Gas and Renewables sectors. Managing sophisticated vessels and technically advanced subsea trenches, Reef Subsea optimises field life - supported by a team of enthusiastic, multi-skilled employees with many years of international experience. Our comprehensive portfolio of integrated subsea services includes:

• • • • • • • •

SUBMARINE CABLE INSTALLATION & TRENCHING FLEXIBLE PRODUCTS INSTALLATION & TRENCHING TRENCHING - SIMULATENOUS OR POST SEABED MAPPING & EXTENSIVE SURVEYS ENGINEERING INCLUDING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT QHSE MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL FEED STUDIES

Reef Subsea is dedicated to bringing value to our clients’ projects through excellence in safe and quality engineering and project management solutions.

For more information please contact us:

01642 704400

•

info@reefsubsea.com

•

www.reefsubsea.com

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

News

training involving live exercises. On Teesside, Falck Safety Services’ training facility gained a prestigious industry endorsement by becoming the world’s first industrial training facility to hold approval to deliver all five Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training modules as well as both of the Renewable UK wind industry specific training courses. Colin Leyden, Managing Director of Falck Safety Services, said: “This sustained period of development has further strengthened our capacity to meet the increasingly challenging logistical and workforce training requirements for clients in the UK and throughout the world.”

Colin Leyden, Managing Director of Falck Safety Services.

Falck Safety Services Further Enhances Its Safety Training Offering

state-of-the-art helicopter landing platform at The Fire Training Group’s (TFTG) training centre at Aberdeen Airport.

Falck Safety Services, which annually delivers safety training to more than 260,000 people, has overseen a sustained period of investment, achievement and development at its UK centres. It has strengthened its ability to meet the safety training needs of international clients working in increasingly hostile and difficult working environments.

The Helideck platform, which replicates those used to transport Oil and Gas industry personnel to offshore installations and vessels, provides industry-leading training. The facility can be used by personnel working on offshore wind farms and associated vessels as the Renewables Industry continues to develop.

Falck Safety Services has 28 centres worldwide including bases in Teesside and Scotland, providing training for delegates from the Oil and Gas, Renewables, Shipping, Defence and Aviation industries.

In addition, more than £100,000 has been invested in hi-tech training rooms for Major Emergency Management Initial Response (MEM IR), OIM Controlling Emergencies (OIM CE) and CRO Emergency Response.

The company specialises in real-life exercises that replicate industry scenarios. This embraces classroombased training, the use of simulator equipment, including helicopters, or being in a pool using a dinghy or raft.

Working with its partner global risk and emergency management specialists Altor Risk Group the facility features the latest Control Room Operator (CRO) software, which replicates realistic offshore training situations and control room areas.

In the past 12 months, the substantial investment in its UK facilities has included spending £400,000 on a

The facility, at the Fire Training Group (FTG) at Aberdeen airport, also incorporates real-time scenario

People with ambitions to secure offshore work need to complete the Minimum Industry Safety Training course and Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET) certificate. Falck Safety Services has an unrivalled portfolio of professional safety training courses delivered from more than 28 training centres worldwide. For a full list of training courses, please visit www.falck.com

Specialised Management Services Ltd Celebrates its 15th Year of Innovation Specialised Management Services Ltd (SMS), a leading specialist in hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical control systems, is celebrating its 15th anniversary since inception on 30th April 1999. In its earliest incarnation SMS was a small support company which manufactured small and low value control units in Great Yarmouth. Following an intensive period of business development and international support of parent

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

company, Alderley plc, SMS has grown into a well-established global manufacturer of large control system packages, successfully delivering over 150 units with a total value over £34 million since 2005. Through investment in infrastructure SMS now boasts a strong operations team of coordinators and technicians offering a vast range of offshore hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical services on a global basis. The SMS projects team has grown from strength to strength and has more than doubled in size since 2007. Through strong collaboration across the whole team, which consists of project engineers, CAD engineers and a QHSE department, they ensure all projects are delivered on time and customers are fully satisfied with the service provided. Innovation has always been an important element for SMS and in 2012 they developed and successfully delivered the first containerised IWOCS HPU (Installation and Workover Control Systems Hydraulic Power Unit) to a leading international oilfield services company. Since then SMS has seen a surge of enquiries and successful contract wins for similar Well Intervention equipment from various major end-users. SMS has established themselves as a recognised quality service provider and trusted partner for major EPC’s and producers. This is reflected by ongoing positive client feedback, demonstrated recently by receiving a gold award from a major client for their high standard of customer services, project management and consistent delivery of product excellence. Dave Howlett, Managing Director of SMS, comments “We are thankful to our many clients for their support over the last 15 years. This coupled with the loyalty and focus of our employees has made our growing

success achievable. Through this ongoing commitment we will continue to successfully meet and exceed customer requirements in an increasingly varied and challenging industry.”

powerful computers and virtual reality platforms. A high level of intuition and intelligence are inbuilt within the system which is handled by a human operator with extreme dexterity because of the degree of millimetric precision that is required.

Assystem and F4E: A New Step for the ITER Nuclear Fusion Project

Since 2009, Assystem has been heavily involved in the concept design phase of the various types of remote handling equipment that will be required to install, maintain, and recover the diverse components of the ITER Tokamak during its operational life.

Assystem, a leading innovation and engineering consultancy, has signed a multimillion contract with Fusion for Energy (F4E) - the EU organisation responsible for Europe’s contribution to ITER. This contract, expected to run up to seven years, focuses on the ITER Divertor Remote Handling system. It confirms Assystem’s position as a key engineering partner within the ITER project, the biggest international energy project which is under construction in Cadarache, in the South of France. The Divertor is a key component of the ITER machine. Located at the bottom of the vacuum vessel, its function is to extract impurities from the plasma, in effect acting like a giant exhaust system. The Divertor Remote Handling systems include the equipment required to safely and reliably position as well as extract each of the 54 removable cassettes within the Divertor. Remote handling is widely used in space exploration missions, underwater or ground operations. The system brings together high tech robotics, advanced technological tools,

New Senior Appointment in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Division Modus Seabed Intervention Ltd has announced the recent appointment of an AUV Development Manager. Angus Cooper has joined Modus to spearhead their development and growth plans in the deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle services. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to adopting and driving new and advanced technology applications and will build upon Modus’s already established AUV business line. Angus has a long proven track record in the offshore sector, specifically in geosciences, survey and IRM and has held senior executive sales and business development positions with Hallin, Thales, PanGeo Subsea and Fugro.

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Get closer to the North Sea action FROM THE BOOMING OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THROUGH TO SUBSEA TECHNOLOGIES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, INCLUDING OFFSHORE WIND, TIDAL AND WAVE ENERGY; NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD IS A PLACE OF INNOVATION.

ur well-established offshore and marine cluster of more than 200 businesses has earned us a global reputation for engineering excellence which continues to grow in strength, influence and importance. The North Bank of the Tyne has been the most dynamic hub for inward investment and job creation in Newcastle in the past five years. Over £100m of private sector finance has been invested in Walker Riverside, creating a superb deepwater, heavy load-out facility for a range of projects including subsea test and demonstration, engineering, fabrication, research and development, and large scale construction as well as mobilisation and demobilisation projects. Market demand for bigger capacity at the Offshore Technology Park led to the biggest crane on Tyneside undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment. The renovation of the 200ft high hammerhead crane - a well-known

landmark at Walker Quay in Newcastle since 1930 – played a key part in helping to secure a £30m investment by steel wire rope manufacturer, Bridon International, which manufactures the world’s largest offshore ropes at the Neptune Quay site. Work has started on-site to develop the Neptune National Centre for Subsea and Offshore Engineering (due to open spring 2015). The centre – a joint venture between Subsea North East, Newcastle University and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) – is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together industry and academia to create a world-class engineering research facility. It will be complemented by a new purpose-built AIS offshore survival training centre in North Tyneside. The state-of-the-art training complex provides training for every offshore career path in an extremely realistic and highly technological environment. A number of international companies are reaping the benefits of the continued investment and improvements to

infrastructure. Technip, a world leader in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry, has officially opened the world’s most advanced steel tube manufacturing facility on the Walker Riverside. Housed in one of the tallest single floor buildings in Europe (58 metres) the facility is strategically located where Technip Umbilicals - a wholly owned subsidiary of Technip – already has a manufacturing site with a 600-strong workforce and an extensive research and development capability. The site boasts an ideal location next to a deep water berth with easy access to all Norwegian, southern North Sea and all European fields as well as good shipping to the rest of the world. Jean-Louis Rostaing, Managing Director, at Technip Umbilicals, said: “This investment will contribute to consolidating our leading position in our sector by ensuring that we have the capacity and capability to meet our clients’ needs for both steel tube and thermoplastic umbilicals. The fact that the technology is housed in what is believed to be one of Europe’s tallest

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

”A number of international companies are reaping the benefits of the continued investment and improvements to infrastructure” single floor buildings says everything about our ambition.

is geared up to meet the demands of the most challenging global projects.

“With this fantastic new facility backed by a world class workforce, we can look forward to the future with great anticipation and confidence. There is already strong market demand with over a year’s worth of orders already booked into the new facility.”

“I’d certainly say that like many other manufacturing companies in the area, our success is down to a focused market approach complemented by the combination of creativity and technical expertise displayed by our outstanding team of people, who strive to excel in everything they do.”

Another company celebrating success on the banks of the River Tyne is BEL Valves. 50 years of engineering excellence has cemented its reputation for delivering bespoke valve solutions for critical upstream Oil and Gas applications, onerous service conditions, HPHT and ultra-deep water projects. With increases in demand from these focus markets, BEL has embarked on some significant expansion plans. The continued investment will expand BEL’s footprint at St Peter’s in Newcastle from 11,000m2 to over 20,000m2 enabling them to enhance their manufacturing and R&D facilities to meet an increasing demand. The additional space also makes room for the growing number of engineering, supply chain management, project management, sales, service, commercial and logistics personnel employed, a growth of which has seen employee numbers nearly double in 10 years, currently at around 540. Neil Kirkbride, CEO at BEL Valves, commented: “We’ve been part of the industry here for 50 years and witnessed its fascinating developments throughout that time. The area is embracing new ways of manufacturing and

This level of investment combined with the exceptional skills and innovation present on the banks of the Tyne is ensuring that NewcastleGateshead has the facilities to manage the most complex projects at a time when North Sea operations are becoming more technically challenging and time critical. Through a bespoke package of business support services, Invest NewcastleGateshead is committed to helping marine and offshore sector businesses locate here and prosper. Join us and be part of something special. For more information visit www.InvestNewcastleGateshead.com Follow us on Twitter @tynetoinvest

Technip Umbilicals

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most capable steel tube umbilical assembly plant Designed to serve the future needs of the industry State of the art instrumentation and control system including intergrated steel tube welding station Large capacity storage carousels Perfectly located in Newcastle upon Tyne adjacent to the River Tyne with direct deepwater access

www.technip.com

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Energy Burst Team member spotlight Jenna Spencer, Business Relationships Executive

Q> A<

What does your job at NOF Energy involve? My job purpose is to maintain, develop and protect the intellectual capital of the business. Our intellectual capital is the value of employee knowledge, business training and proprietary information which allows the business to develop and grow. This is at the heart of our business and includes managing our information, including membership data and CRM, and coordinating external relationships in place within the business, such as member communication and engagement. I provide marketing support to the business on an adhoc basis, and also provide executive support to the directors.

How long have you been with the organisation and what sort of projects have you worked on with NOF Energy? I have been with NOF Energy for nearly two years now (how time flies!) My role has developed and evolved a lot over this period. I have worked on some exciting projects within the Industry Intelligence service, as well as developmental work on our new CRM system and achieved ‘CRM Champion’ status within the team.

Q> A<

What is your favourite part of the job?

I really enjoy being an Ambassador for NOF Energy and feel proud to be working in this industry meeting so many different people at all levels. I love getting involved in marketing projects as it brings out my creative side. I also have a huge passion for helping people, so

Why do you think companies benefit from being members of NOF Energy?

Being part of Business Development I have seen first-hand how companies can benefit from NOF Energy membership. NOF Energy is not a company that strives to recruit lots of members, although it’s fantastic how the membership and team have grown over the last year. We focus on providing quality business development support and like to build relationships with our members and retain current members ensuring they are accessing all the support available. NOF Energy membership should be seen as an extension of a company’s business development team, and an additional resource that companies can tap into when needed. We work and strive to save members

enjoy providing support to members and contributing to their marketing and business development needs.

Q> A<

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work, being a new home owner - shopping has become my new hobby! I enjoy spending time with friends and trips to the cinema. I also have a HUGE collection of DVD’s. I have a Chihuahua puppy named Ted who also takes up a lot of my time, as he’s very lively and mischievous!

If you could have three famous people (dead or alive) over for

JENNA SPENCER

time, providing opportunities that lead to real business such as industry intelligence, industry contacts, facilitation of introductions and many more. Companies can tap into the different services available – and it’s great that they can pick and choose what services they want to utilise.

a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Firstly I would have to say Channing Tatum – Love him! Then Simon Cowell – Although he would be intimidating I’d like to try and impress him with my hostess skills (Not my singing). And finally Ant & Dec – they would be such a laugh and would probably make it less awkward around Simon Cowell.

Q> A<

If you could take three items to a desert island what would they be? Water, my sunglasses and iPod – I could do with some sunshine & a holiday!

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

NOF Energy launches programme to enhance operators and contractors knowledge of the wider supply chain NOF ENERGY HAS LAUNCHED A SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE OPERATOR AND CONTRACTOR COMMUNITY TO HELP THEIR ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO DEVELOP A MULTI-FACETTED UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AND ROLE OF SUPPLIERS AND SUB- CONTRACTORS TO THEIR BUSINESS

he inaugural programme involved NOF Energy organising a comprehensive week long programme for engineering graduates from Maersk Oil UK with visits to several member companies active in subsea, pipeline engineering and fabrication. The Supply Chain Engagement initiative is targeted at both operators and contractors, specifically those who are members of NOF Energy’s Strategic Partner network with the aim being to help graduates learn

Left to right: Maersk Graduates Ayman Saleh, Laura Fraser and Martin McIver on a tour of BEL Valves led by BEL’s Will Dacre (right)

more about the wider energy industry and the role the supply chain plays. Joanne Leng, MBE, NOF Energy Deputy Chief Executive, said: ”The Supply Chain Engagement Programme offers unparalleled access for engineering graduates to learn more about the supply chain companies at different levels within the project life cycle. Our members give up valuable time to spend with the graduates, technical presentations are delivered but these are then followed by tours of the facilities where graduates can experience what goes on at shop floor level. ”Interaction between the graduates and the host companies has been very encouraging, we hope to see our members maintaining a dialogue with these graduates as they progress with their careers. At the end of the day establishing relationships between operators, contractors and the wider supply chain is vital for the proficient delivery of projects in the energy sector.” She added: ”The inaugural programme has proved so successful we now are offering it as part of the support we provide to our Strategic Partners.” Any operators and contactors interested in accessing NOF Energy’s Supply Chain Engagement Programme should contact Joanne Leng on +44 (0)191 384 6464.

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Energy: A Balanced Future 2014 NOF ENERGY’S FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE WAS ITS BIGGEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL TO DATE AND DEVELOPED THE ‘ENERGY – A BALANCED FUTURE’ THEME BY INCLUDING SHALE GAS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

he Hilton Hotel on the south bank of the Tyne in Gateshead was full for NOF Energy’s fourth annual energy conference in March.

Delegates, sponsors and speakers totalled almost 400, the largest gathering in the event’s history, with almost 30 companies taking exhibition space in the adjoining foyer. It was a great opportunity to network with friends and acquaintances, make new contacts and listen to some of the UK’s leading experts from across the energy sector. George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “There was a real buzz throughout the conference and exhibition halls, which reflects the continuing importance of the UK energy sector and the supply chain’s enthusiasm for debating the challenges the country and the industry face in the coming decades. “It is essential that the UK achieves the correct balanced

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

energy mix and this conference made it exceptionally clear the role supply chain companies have in supporting the country’s energy ambitions. “Of course, Oil and Gas was a key focus for many in attendance and there was a lively debate around the Oil & Gas UK presentation regarding the challenges to maximise the benefits of the resources remaining in the North Sea. “While Oil and Gas will remain the dominant component of the energy mix for some time, a strong proportion of the supply chain has transferable skills and technologies for other sectors such as Offshore Renewables and New Build Nuclear. “It was evident from the conference, both from our speakers and the delegates from across the industry, that Offshore Renewables and New Build Nuclear are still very much on the agenda for the UK’s energy requirements, but require increased levels of confidence, driven by Governmental decisions, to enable them to reach their full potential. “The introduction of Onshore Gas to the conference proved to be very worthwhile as it generated considerable discussion, not only about how the supply chain can be a part of the sector’s growth, but also some of the barriers the industry has to overcome including its relationship with the public. “Overall, the conference demonstrated the continuing role NOF Energy has to play in the industry to support its members who will make a valuable contribution to the country’s ambitions to achieve a balanced energy future.” Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of United Kingdom Onshore Operators Group (UKOOG), which represents the UK Shale Gas operators, hosted a panel discussion on the subject. Ken was joined by Don Pierson, Senior Director of Business Development for Louisiana Economic Development, Garry Varney, Vice President, Supply Chain Devon Energy, an

independent oil company active in many of America’s shale plays and Jon Gluyas, Professor of Geo-Energy at the Durham University’s Durham Energy Institute. Louisiana is home to America’s largest shale play; the Haynesville, and Pierson described shale gas as a ‘game changer’ in his home state and the rest of the United States. He said: “This is a fabulous resource which has led to a renaissance and rebuilding of manufacturing capacity in Louisiana and across the United States. “Shale gas has a part to play as part of a diverse energy mix in the UK and nearby countries.” Garry said the major pinch points for American shale operators are water management, power infrastructure - with many of the wells being remote from networks logistics and securing skilled staff. He said 70% of Devon’s supply chain spend is on support services, with 30% on materials. Ken highlighted how the Institute of Directors says the shale industry could be worth £3.7 billion to the UK economy. He said: “As North Sea Oil and Gas production falls this

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

will lead to a 1.25% fall in GDP, and a Shale industry, which will be taxed at 60%, can help fill the gap and benefit communities. “We have to ask ourselves, do we want to create jobs and secure our energy supplies?” Former UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry has been a strong supporter of NOF Energy for many years. The Conservative MP for Wealden, Sussex, opened his address by highlighting how the three main aims of energy policy for Government are; security of supply, stable prices and more low-carbon energy. He said: “Security is the most important part. We are fortunate to have our own indigenous resources and it is essential that we use them. “We now have a great milestone with the strike prices for Nuclear. Since 2007 we have moved the Nuclear issue high up the agenda

”The Shale industry could be worth £3.7 billion to the UK economy”

and we are now one of the most exciting places in the world for the industry. “Offshore Wind has great potential and if the costs can be brought down we can be the dominant player globally. The industry is skilled to do it locally and then ship these skills around the world “With Shale Gas, we have large resources and the highest standards of operation in the world, both onshore and offshore.” In the Renewable arena Christian Egal, Chief Executive of EDF Energy Renewables

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

explained how its Teesside Offshore Wind farm was its first in UK waters. Opening last year it took 12 years from conception to completion, and has seen of the 27, 2.3MW turbines installed in waters up to 14 meters deep, 1.5kms off the coast. David Powell, Vice President, European sales, GE Hitachi Nuclear said: “These are exciting times in the Nuclear industry. It has taken a few years coming but we are on the cusp of a new era of nuclear. “We were about to witness a massive investment that will drive the country forward, “If we are looking for a balanced energy policy in the UK then Nuclear plays a large part in that.” Whilst investment levels in the North Sea Oil and Gas industry are at an all-time high, boosting employment opportunities in North East supply chain, the nature of the basin has changed markedly in the last decade, explained Ronan Ferguson, Senior Business Analyst, economics, for Oil & Gas UK. With some fields now over 30 years old increasing amounts of maintenance is eating up cash and detracting from exploration, he explained. Ronan said operational expenditure had increased by 250% in the last two years to £9 billion, with production rates falling sharply over the same period. He said: “2013 saw the lowest level of exploration in the history of the basin with just 15 new wells drilled and drilling is now taking 17 days longer than in 2009.”

”This is an incredibly vibrant sector, one which can generate tremendous excitement and after 40 years it is still exciting”

Charles Hendry concluded: “At this stage in the game we are stretching out the tail of the industry. “In 1972 if we looked ahead and knew 40 billion barrels had been recovered then many would have thought the industry would be finished, but new technologies have prolonged the life of the industry and we may have another 40 years. This is a fantastic, long-term industry. “NOF Energy is an integral part of the future and its members are encouraging a new generation of young people into the industry. “There is a new optimism in the North Sea, a real focus, demonstrated by a co-ordinated approach across government and its support for the Wood Review. “This is an incredibly vibrant sector, one which can generate tremendous excitement and after 40 years it is still exciting and can provide great opportunities for your children and grandchildren.”

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Benefits of membership NOF Energy delivers high quality and professional business development services. If your business is looking to grow or be part of the supply chain donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the chance to tap into the support available to help you win new business. The benefits include: Targeted networking opportunities Exclusive member only events such as The Annual Supplier Day Heavily discounted rates for members to attend events Business development support, facilitated introductions to industry contacts Inter-trading and collaboration opportunities between members Regular industry and sector updates Access to client presentations highlighting projects and procurement Subsidised industry reports International business development support to grow your business overseas Referrals to fellow members based overseas for advice and assistance on trading internationally

Talk to us today...

Advice and support from partner organisations Reaching the largely untapped resource of the Armed Forces Community Human Resources support, graduates into industry days organised Proactive promotion of membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; news stories Support from a professional PR company Access to social media groups and channels Advertisement or editorial placement opportunities Enhancing your company profile through sponsorship Inclusion in the online Supply Chain Directory Access to the members only area of the website Face to face business support and advice from the NOF Energy team Signposting to fellow members to exchange contacts and industry information

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

Don't just take our word for it Scan the QR CODE to link to our corporate video

Be part of a powerful network

www.nofenergy.co.uk/joinus +44(0) 191 384 6464

The cost of membership starts from just ÂŁ505 + VAT* per annum. * Correct at the time of print August 2014

ENERGY BURST EDITION 4

OIL & GAS NETWORKING LUNCH WITH BIBBY OFFSHORE

WHEN 18 september 2014 WHERE Newcastle Racecourse, North East England

PRE-CONFERENCE NETWORKING RECEPTION

OIL & GAS NETWORKING LUNCH WITH HOULDER

SPONSORED BY HOULDER WHEN 10 March 2015 WHERE Sage Gateshead, North East England

WHEN 24 september 2014 WHERE Hardwick Hall, North East England

NOF ENERGY NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

OIL & GAS NETWORKING LUNCH WITH MAERSK OIL

PLATINUM SPONSOR: INVEST NORTH EAST ENGLAND