Oil & Gas UK Awards 2013 Winners Revealed

The winners of the Oil & Gas UK Awards 2013, sponsored by Shell U.K. Limited, have been announced.

All five were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Aberdeen on 7 November, where over 600 people from across the oil and gas industry and from throughout the United Kingdom gathered to celebrate the winners’ achievements.

The Oil & Gas UK Awards is the annual showcase event for the UK offshore oil and gas industry, which honours the top performing people and companies.

The winners, across five categories are:

• The Oil & Gas UK Award for People Development (sponsored by the University of Aberdeen) – AMEC

• The Oil & Gas UK Award for Business Efficiency (sponsored by Apache) – Apache/OGN Project Team

• The Oil & Gas UK Award for Mentoring (sponsored by Chevron) – Archie Crawford, Bilfinger Salamis UK

• The Oil & Gas UK Award for Young Technician of the Year (sponsored by BP) – James Gladden, BG Group

• The Oil & Gas UK Award for Overall Excellence (sponsored by ECITB) – Kenny Baxter, Chevron North Sea Limited

Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, Malcolm Webb, said: “Once again the Oil & Gas UK Awards have shone the spotlight on the talent, dedication and achievements of people and companies which we are exceptionally privileged to work alongside. They are superb examples of what makes this industry great.”

The People Development category recognises the outstanding efforts companies make in developing their people to perform at the highest level. Judges praised category winner, AMEC, for the development of AMEC Career Paths, an exceptional tool for its people, and for the company’s mutually beneficial work with local primary schools.

Efficiency, sustainability and innovation to deliver improved operational performance was clearly demonstrated by Apache and Newcastle-based OGN for the installation of the Forties Alpha Platform, making the project team a worthy winner of the Business Efficiency category. Judges commented on the measurable benefits achieved, with installed platform costs 20 per cent less and project duration six months shorter than the industry norm.

Awards for Mentoring and Young Technician of the Year recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals in the industry. Bilfinger Salamis UK’s Archie Crawford was praised by judges as an example of mentoring with the selfless spirit of someone helping others through his work with ex Ministry of Defence staff in particular, benefiting both his organisation and the entire industry. Young Technician of the Year James Gladden from BG Group impressed judges with the significant impact he has made on his company, including his leadership attributes which were noted as being of a high standard for someone so young.

The Oil & Gas UK Award for Overall Excellence this year went to Kenny Baxter, Operations Representative – Mechanical, Chevron North Sea Limited. Kenny’s commitment to learning and ability to get the job done – demonstrated by his work on the Rosebank field – were noted. Judges echoed the views of Chevron management in their praise of his flair and ingenuity across multiple projects.

Malcolm Webb added: “Judging by the quality of entries this year, there is clearly an abundance of real talent, innovation and enthusiasm in our industry – something which I’m sure will come as no surprise to those of us lucky enough to work in it.”

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all the finalists and not just the winners. Every nominee this evening has impressed our judges and every submission is a superb recognition of that individual’s worth to their company and colleagues.”

“As we head into the next chapter for offshore oil and gas, we must ensure that we drive innovation and secure the right business environment in which our industry can continue to thrive – only the people working within this industry can make all this happen. I look forward to hearing more stories of excellence for many decades to come.”

Speakers on the evening included Glen Cayley, Upstream Director, UK & Ireland, Shell UK Limited who gave the principal sponsor address, and Oil & Gas UK’s Malcolm Webb. Editor-in-Chief of Aberdeen Journals and Editor of the Press and Journal, Damian Bates, gave the keynote address, whilst Pauline Cook, former broadcast journalist and Managing Director of Frasermedia hosted the evening.

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Press Release, November 08, 2013