Wednesday 7 October 2009

Help is on hand for SMEs at PILOT Share Fair 11

Oil & Gas UK has developed a brand new "Self Help Zone" for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) at PILOT Share Fair this year which will enable organisations to interact directly with representatives from some of the major financial institutions and management consultancies in the UK.

Four drop-in style booths will be available for confidential chats or informal networking with Accenture, HSBC, Barclays and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to discuss methods such as finance solutions, sustainable cost management principles and international marketing and export strategies.

In addition to this new development, Oil & Gas UK will also be showcasing its new web information portal which provides advice to SMEs to help lessen their exposure to financial and commercial risks. The portal provides a range of information from concise, practical tips through to recommended best practice on topics such as finance mechanisms, contractual measures and insurance information.

Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK's chief executive, said: "This is an entirely appropriate response to the challenges that our industry's supply chain is currently facing. The rationale behind the zone's creation is to offer support and raise awareness of helpful measures which can substantially benefit organisations during these turbulent trading times and we are delighted to have secured participation from some of the major financial and management institutions. Hand in hand with this new feature, the new web portal provides additional assistance and advice with the aim of reassuring SMEs in the supply chain that during this challenging economic environment, help is available."

One of the organisations available in the "Self Help Zone" is HSBC. Shona Tatchell, HSBC's senior manager for trade and supply chain in Scotland, said: "The relationship between the physical and financial supply chains has never been more important. Companies cannot afford to miss a single untapped source of liquidity or permit any idle capital on their balance sheets. Only comprehensive end-to-end financing solutions aligned with the entire supply chain can enable trading partners to deal more accurately with their receivables and payables, reduce overheads and more accurately forecast the future of their business. We believe that forging strong links and collaborations is key; and PILOT Share Fair provides an excellent opportunity to do this."

PILOT Share Fair 11, sponsored by CAN, will be held on Wednesday 4 November 2009 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Further information on the Self Help Zone and details on how to register for PILOT Share Fair 11 can be found at http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.