One of the UK’s most powerful and influential businessmen has urged energy companies to get involved in the first ever North Sea Industry Gold Awards.
There are just over two weeks left to submit entries to the event – which offers the potential to deliver real benefits to your business, staff and customers.
The Press and Journal, in association with our sister website Energy Voice and title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management, has launched the awards scheme to mark a major milestone for the oil and gas sector – the 50th year of the north-east’s involvement in the development of the North Sea.
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, believes that setting out to win awards is valuable in many ways.
He said: “The internal boost which winning an industry award brings to a team is extremely valuable. But the true value is in the credibility which winning an award judged by a panel of well-regarded professionals brings.
“A prestigious award acts as an independent benchmark for any company – differentiating them from their competitors. The raised company profile from an award win helps to increase respect from existing clients and also to attract a new client base.
“And it’s not just clients who notice award wins and understand their value. Awards are an excellent way to impress potential investors and stakeholders. Everyone – staff, clients, suppliers, investors and stakeholders – likes to be associated with a successful enterprise.”
The Press and Journal’s energy editor, Jeremy Cresswell, chairman of the Gold Awards judging panel, also believes there are significant benefits for companies which even just fill in the entry forms.
“The application process for entering these awards makes you look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors,” he said.
“It can be a valuable benchmarking exercise to show how companies stand out from the competition whether through innovation, diversity, growth, customer service, investment in people and strategic thinking.”
There are six categories companies and individuals can enter, including Most Influential Business of the Past 50 Years, Most Influential Business of the Next 50 Years, Emerging Leader, Global Impact, Innovation of the Past 50 Years, Innovation for the Future.
Plus, the event will also reveal the first winner of the inaugural Hall of Fame accolade.
The Press and Journal is delighted to reveal that Fifth Ring, the specialist marketing communications agency for the energy industry, has come on board as a category sponsor for the Global Impact award.
Press and Journal editor-in-chief Damian Bates said: “In this, the industry’s 50th year in the North Sea, it’s important that the Press and Journal steps back and, for the first time, celebrates the amazing achievements the people involved in this dynamic industry have produced in our own backyard.
“We have launched the Gold Awards to celebrate all the hard work and the massive success people and enterprises have achieved. It’s fantastic to be recognised, so I encourage all to enter so that people know what your business has achieved.
“Not only this, the night will be fabulous and provide an excellent opportunity for networking, where we can all remember the good times of yesteryear, and, just as importantly, look forward to the coming decades.”
Entering is easy and free of charge. Category hopefuls can apply by visiting the dedicated awards website. The closing date for entries is just a fortnight away, on May 8.
The new awards ceremony will be held on Friday, June 5 at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.
The night also aims to recognise the wider community, which has supported the sector through its ups and downs.
As such, husbands, wives, partners and children are encouraged be part of this celebration.
As the hopes of the industry’s longevity rest firmly on the next generation’s very capable shoulders, companies are also strongly encouraged to include at least two young members of the team who represent that future.
A table of 10 costs £1,500 + VAT. The website, www.pandjgoldawards.com, is live for bookings. Alternatively, Rachael Duff can arrange for tables to be ordered on 01382 575965, or e-mail rduff@ajl.co.uk.