Scottish Enterprise energy team director Brian Nixon said yesterday it was more important than ever for Scottish companies to look to new markets.
He told the Press and Journal at OTC that, despite challenges in the global economy, he was heartened by another strong Scottish contingent at the world’s biggest oil and gas industry trade show.
The director said: “OTC is a critical platform for Scottish businesses to promote their products and services.
“In particular, it provides companies with the opportunity to show the rest of the world their innovative new products and ideas, secure valuable new contacts and announce important contracts and deals.”
Mr Nixon said Houston was regarded as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, but it also offered many more opportunities; operating as a window to worldwide oil and gas markets. He added: “While we all recognise that there is increasing pressure in our sector, OTC 2009 clearly demonstrates optimism within the industry.
“There are significant numbers of companies participating here with the aim of winning new, and building on, existing business. We know that many companies are still seeing prospects for growth and the working partnership between Scotland and Houston is very important for future success.
“With more than 600 representatives from Scotland here in Houston looking to seize those business opportunities, OTC is clearly a very important event for our industry and for Scotland’s service and supply base.
“The lower oil prices we are currently experiencing mean that there is considerable pressure on the supply chain to improve efficiencies and performance and cut costs.
“Scottish Enterprise is working with companies to help them through the current conditions and to continue to maximise growth and innovation.”
Mr Nixon said, however, there were “real indicators” of new innovations, technology and ambition.
He added: “At our Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards 2009 last month, companies such as Futuretec, Lux Innovate, Read Well Services and Sensornet received industry recognition for their new ideas and products; all great examples of continued innovation.
“As traditional markets contract, it is more important than ever for Scottish companies to look to new markets, particularly internationally. Scottish Development International (SDI), a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government, provides support to Scottish businesses to enable them to trade and expand overseas.
“Indeed, the Scottish Pavilion here at OTC, which is organised by SDI, has around 40 companies exhibiting.
“In response to the current economic climate, SDI is also increasing its activities to help more companies to move into new markets overseas.
“Our recent annual international activity survey revealed that Scotland’s oil and gas supply chain grew 10% in yearly sales to a record £14.2billion in 2007-08.
“This demonstrates that the industry can remain strong despite the economic climate.
“By providing companies with unparalleled access to a strong academic, industry and government base, Scotland remains an internationally attractive location for inward and outward investment. With an excellent business base and the support of bodies like Scottish Enterprise and SDI, the future of Scotland’s energy sector remains positive.”
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