Centrica Energy has revealed expansion plans for its business in Aberdeen, and has promised to relocate its upstream HQ to the city.
Scottish and British Gas owner Centrica, in addition to its gas and electricity retail and distribution businesses, also has a significant upstream presence in UK waters, with interests in more than 30 North Sea gas-producing fields.
This was enhanced considerably when it acquired Aberdeen-based Venture Production in a £1.3billion all-cash deal.
Centrica said yesterday its new upstream headquarters would be within Venture’s offices in Huntly Street, in the Granite City.
It is currently located at Windsor, and Centrica also has an important hub at Barrow-in-Furness, close to its Morecambe Bay gas fields.
A spokesman said Venture had almost 180 staff in Aberdeen and the Netherlands at the time of the takeover last August and the offices now housed 210 people.
He said about 20 would relocate from Windsor to Aberdeen and about 20 were being recruited to fill new positions.
These include business-development and commercial posts, finance and information systems roles, and operation and project jobs.
A recruitment advertisement in the Press and Journal yesterday said Centrica Energy had proven expertise in managing mature and so-called “orphaned” assets and aimed to build on that expertise as it continued to grow in the North Sea and internationally.
Centrica’s upstream business unit employs about 850 across a wide range of energy production and storage interests.
The spokesman said: “We made it clear when we acquired Venture that we would stay and grow in Aberdeen.”
Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw said at the time: “I know that the acquisition process will have created uncertainty for Venture staff, but I can reassure them that we intend to develop and grow the business and their skills and experience will be vital to a successful future.
“The deal sees us continuing our investment in the North Sea, which is good news for our customers and shareholders.
“It further reduces our overall exposure to volatile movements in wholesale gas prices and helps secure UK energy supplies.”
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