Oil and gas professionals were given a rallying call yesterday as the countdown began to the biggest social event in the sector’s calendar.
The sponsors of this year’s The Press and Journal Energy Ball – which takes place on Saturday, October 1 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre – were entertained by acclaimed Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay at the Chester Hotel to thank them for their support.
Aberdeen Journals editor-in-chief, Damian Bates, said that, despite ongoing difficulties in the industry, it was important to come together to find new solutions.
He added: “This is the tenth year we have been hosting this event which is a really critical one for networks and businesses.
“There’s no doubt we are going through tough times, but when the going gets tough, the tough go looking for new opportunities.
“Although we are in tough times, the desire to innovate and make new opportunities has never been stronger.
“Contracts have been done and deals negotiated at the exhibition centre.”
The main sponsor of the event is CHC Helicopters and their director in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Mark Abbey, declared it was important to be prepared for a time when the market picks up.
He added: “We are going through difficult times in the industry.
“The key is to work together to find solutions and to understand what we need to do when the recovery comes back.
“In previous years, we have raised money for Wings for Warriors, a really lovely charity which helps injured servicemen to start a new career.”
Money raised this year will go to The Oil and Gas Chaplaincy Trust, which helps people in the industry who have fallen on hard times.
Reverend Gordon Craig, who works with the charity, expressed delight at being selected as the beneficiary of the event.
He said: “As the industry enters a difficult period, the funds we receive have dried up, but demand for our services has risen.
“So it is great to be chosen by the Press and Journal as one of the charities being supported at this year’s event.”