There’s no doubt that the UK oil and gas supply chain – a world leader in R&D, technological innovation and high-end engineering – contributes a huge amount to the UK economy today.
A recent Ernst & Young Oil Field Services report found that the combined activities of 390 supply chain companies provided direct employment for 93,000 people and generated £27 billion in revenues.
Yet whether it be seeking out new opportunities, establishing themselves in different markets, or in pursuing upcoming opportunities in areas, such as offshore wind or North Sea decommissioning, the UK supply chain always needs support.
That’s where organisations such as the EIC come in, providing a series of dedicated services that help companies understand, identify and pursue business opportunities not just in the UK but globally.
This could be support in terms of generating opportunities for companies to get in front of buyers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, fostering a dialogue with operators and contractors about supply chain requirements, or simply clarifying the procurement processes. It also means helping companies come to grips with the different operating environments, competitors and cultural issues when entering new markets.
Most companies – from Tier 1 contractors right through to SME’s – join the EIC confident of their capabilities. They just need that extra bit of help in terms of identifying new markets for their innovative products and services.
Typical EIC initiatives include overseas delegations to countries as varied as Angola, Canada and Vietnam; overseas office support for members entering new markets; managing the UK Pavilion and hosting UK exhibitors at major international trade shows, such as OTC; and our own international supply chain event EIC Connect. Together, such initiatives enable suppliers to engage with the buyer and understand the specific requirements for advancing new energy projects across the globe.
The UK supply chain is also continuing to invest in its products and services resulting in some of the most pioneering technologies used in the sector today from EOR technologies and subsea solutions through to health and safety equipment.
Having evolved over four decades of operating in the North Sea and through the meeting of every challenge that has been thrown at them, the UK energy supply chain remains not only highly adaptable and reliable but also a model for innovation, quality and expertise.
Long may that continue!
Neil Golding is Head of Oil & Gas, Energy Industries Council (EIC)
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