July and August saw the latest round of UK Committee meetings take place . We were hosted by RSM in Leeds for the Northern meeting, DNV in London for the South and Emerson in Aberdeen. We would like to extend our thanks to the hosts for their hospitality and making us most welcome at their premises.
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The meetings saw engaging conversations around subjects that are important to the supply chain, including the lack of speed with which the energy transition is happening. Many members still have oil and gas at the heart of their business, and financial support to the supply chain is hugely important for this.
It was also noted that the low percentage of local content in UK projects remains an issue. Exporting, meanwhile, is becoming more important for companies, which means they will grow more outside the UK. The Middle East remains a magnet, with opportunities across both oil and gas and the clean tech sectors.
There is a strong desire for the industry to come together to take challenges to the government and suggest solutions. The supply chain currently working in oil and gas will be the same companies working in carbon capture, hydrogen and energy storage.
The EPC contractors are learning from supply chain requests, with the removal of the lump sum turnkey project model, which is no longer used, being an example.
There is lots of product development and company acquisitions taking place, creating stronger, end-to-end offerings to clients.
The EIC provided updates on our recent and forthcoming activities such as our networking events, the new Survive & Thrive podcast and the successful round table meetings which we held in preparation for our contributions to the Future of the North Sea consultation. There was also discussion around the spending review and industrial strategy along with a demonstration of the new EICAssetMap platform and additions to EICSupplyMap.
Introduction to the EIC Committees in the UK
If you aren’t familiar with the Committees, we have included below a summary of what’s involved.
We have three UK Committees covering Scotland, the North and the South.
Each region holds three meetings per year, which last 2 hours maximum, including networking time. They move around the regions and are hosted by members or linked to events where possible.
Committee members are expected to attend at least two of the in-person meetings. On the occasion they are unable to attend, they can send a colleague to represent them. Each committee can have one representative per company, but it is possible to have one person on each committee from the same company.
Your input prior to the meeting will be minimal, as we recognise that people are busy. The agenda is sent out about a week prior to the meeting so that attendees can come prepared with ideas for discussion.
Topics include those shown above but this is not an exhaustive list. These groups are for our members to help us steer the direction of the EIC, so we are always looking for new items for conversation.
Each region has a Chair and Vice Chair who have input into agenda, lead the meetings, keep discussions on track and ensure all voices are heard.
Notes are taken during the meeting by the EIC manager and shared with the group afterwards. Any actions to be taken are clearly noted and followed up by the relevant parties. The following meeting sees a review of progress on any actions and the opportunity to ask questions.
Want to join your local Committee?
We are always looking for new applicants for the Committees, so, if you would like to be involved in regional discussions, help steer the EIC for the good of the energy supply chain and network with your peers, please contact me to find out more.
Helen Doona, Senior Membership Manager, UK
Phone number: 07921 438061
E-mail: helen.doona@the-eic.com