Wednesday 4 September 2013

Business and Energy Minister Tours Oil and Gas Exhibition at BIS, London

Over the next fortnight, the economic contribution and technical capabilities of Britain’s oil and gas industry will be showcased at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills’ (BIS) London Victoria Street office. On Tuesday 3 September Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon MP, toured the exhibition accompanied by Nigel Hares, co-founder of oil and gas development and production company EnQuest.

The showcase, which runs from the 2-13 September, features innovative exhibits from FMC Technologies, Halliburton, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS), Schlumberger and Technip, in a journey from the exploration for oil and gas, through to drilling, engineering and production.

Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon MP, said: “The oil and gas industry makes a vital contribution to our economy – employing over 400,000 people and providing a majority of our energy needs. Its businesses, particularly SMEs, are world-leading in areas like research and development and innovation.

“We must support industry if it is to capitalise on new opportunities and compete in the global race. This is why we launched the oil and gas industrial strategy alongside industry to create the right conditions so businesses can expand their operations in the North Sea, invest in new technologies and seek out growing markets overseas.” 

Oil & Gas UK’s Business Development Director, Stephen Marcos-Jones, adds: “The offshore oil and gas industry generates almost £40 billion for the economy each year. We hope that this exhibition showcases what is great about this British success story. With exhibits from our valued members – from drill bits to seismic technology, we are sure that the staff and visitors of BIS over the coming weeks won’t fail to be impressed by the cutting edge technology employed by our industry.”

This is a timely opportunity, as just last month Oil & Gas UK’s 2013 Economic Report highlighted the renewed commitment from Government and industry to extract oil and gas from the UK’s Continental Shelf (UKCS).

The showcase is the latest in a series of manufacturing exhibitions being at BIS’ Victoria Street headquarters to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the UK.

Ends

Oil & Gas UK is the voice of the offshore industry. Its aim is to strengthen the long-term health of the offshore oil and gas industry in the UK by working closely with companies across the entire sector, governments and other stakeholders to address the important issues that affect the oil and industry. Its 370 member companies are active in the UK continental shelf, from super majors to large contractor businesses and from independent oil companies to SMEs working in the supply chain.

For more information please contact Helen Jackson.