Monday 10 August 2009

Pilot Share Fair 11 set to boost supply chain activity

Over 700 delegates are expected to attend PILOT Share Fair 11 on 4 November 2009 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Organised by Oil & Gas UK, PILOT Share Fair aims to bring together small to medium sized suppliers with the major purchasers in the oil and gas industry to provide information on future contracts necessary for long-term business planning.

The event, which is sponsored by CAN, a leading provider of engineering, inspection and maintenance solutions for major operators in the UK and worldwide, provides an excellent opportunity for suppliers in the UK to keep abreast of business developments and for industry to gauge suppliers appetite for staying committed and focussed to investing and developing the UK Continental Shelf.

Malcolm Webb, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: "Businesses in general have found 2009 a tough year and the UK offshore oil and gas industry is no more immune to these pressures than the rest of the economy. There is concern that oil and gas price volatility and the freezing of financial markets have suppressed exploration and impaired investment and production in the North Sea, with wider implications for companies and employment across the supply chain.

"Such concerns relate directly to PILOT Share Fair 11 and the rationale behind the event. Although the current economic climate is unquestionably difficult, the industry is still open for business. Indeed, it could be argued that this years PILOT Share Fair could be its most important yet."

Eleven companies - Amec, BG Group, BP, Nexen, Petro-Canada, Petrofac, PSN, Shell, Taqa, Total and Wood Group will present at the event, giving details of their future projects. Ian Rattray, sourcing manager with Taqa UK, commenting on his companys debut at Share Fair this year, said: "As a new operator in the UKCS, we are looking forward to presenting our plans at the upcoming PILOT Share Fair 11. We are keen to establish ourselves within Oil & Gas UK and to participate fully in industry initiatives supporting the supply chain. We will become signatories to the Supply Chain Code of Practice, of which participation in Share Fair is a vital element."

Delegates will be able to listen to over 80 presentations and more than 700 one-to-one sessions, in which they can discuss contract requirements in detail with prospective clients.

PILOT Share Fair 11 opens at the Aberdeen Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, 4 November from 7.00am (for registration). Booking for the one-to-one sessions will open in September. Further details on PILOT Share Fair and information on how to register are available from the Oil & Gas UK website at http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/new/features/pilotsharefair.cfm

 

ENDS

For further information, please contact Britta Hallbauer on 07891769113.