Champions of the offshore industry were honoured in style last night at the annual Oil and Gas UK Awards.
From operators to apprentices, the great and the good came together under one roof to share the best that the sector has to offer in terms of innovation, engagement and value creation.
The night was hosted by BBC Radio 4 Today’s programme Justin Webb with the entire spectrum of the oil and gas industry turned out in their best black tie attire.
Oil and Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie opened the proceedings at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
She said: “The 2017 Oil & Gas UK Awards celebrates all that is great and inspirational about our people and our industry.
“Despite the difficulties some in our sector still face, there is much activity taking place that merits high praise.
“The UK offshore oil and gas industry is re-inventing itself and differentiating from competing basins by adding efficiency gains and increasing productivity while supporting safe operations.”
Among the safe operations that was honoured last night was Shell’s work on decommissioning the iconic Brent field.
The firm won the ‘business innovation’ award for a large enterprise.
Representing the small to medium enterprises in this category was Operational Excellence (OPEX) Group Ltd.
Apprentice of the year went to Samuel Ash of Nexen, while graduate of 2017 was Joanna Reynolds of BP.
The awards recognises those making their mark in the UK oil and gas industry; those who have delivered tangible benefits to their employer – and are recognised as future leaders.
Mentor of the year, for passing on knowledge and expertise to the next generation, went to Alexandra Mary Fordham from Chevron’s North Sea division.
The award for diversity and inclusiveness went to Atkins after demonstrating that diverse teams and inclusive behaviors can improve business results.
Meanwhile the Maximising Economic Recovery (MER) UK prize was awarded jointly to Total E&P UK, with the Oil and Gas Technology Centre, and Apache.
The award recognises those companies whose cooperative approach and positive behaviours have helped to maximise the economic recovery of oil and gas from the UKCS.
Workforce engagement awards were scooped up by Fairfield Energy Ltd and Proserv for SME and large enterprise, respectively.
This award recognises the outstanding steps taken by companies to involve their people, give them a voice in the organisation and develop an empowering culture, delivering tangible commercial and reputational benefits for the company.
Finally – and for the first time – the Utlimate Gold Award for outstanding contributor to the industry, presented in association with the Press and Journal, went to John Hunter of Tendeka.
Ms Michie said: “This is an industry generating exceptional value for the whole of the UK – helping meet our energy needs and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“We are fortunate to have forward thinking and talented people who champion innovation, collaboration and leadership.”
