The East of England Makes a Splash at Aberdeen

Over twenty local companies are attending the 2009 Offshore Europe Exhibition, affectionately known to all in the oil and gas industry as the ‘Aberdeen Oil Show’. Held every two years this prestige event attracts energy exhibitors from all over the world, and none more so than the East of England.

Borough Council Economic Development Officer, Peter Wright explains, ‘This year’s stand is a joint effort with much of the organisation undertaken by our partners from the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and Waveney District Council. The Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative (GYMI) undertook the initial promotion for the event last November and was delighted when so many local companies came forward to book stand space at a time when the recession was starting to bite.’

‘I’m delighted to report that their faith in the energy industry is being vindicated, we have a very busy show here and the organisers have created another exhibition hall to meet the high demand. Our exhibitors are reporting pleasing levels of interest from the industry delegates attending the exhibition and conference, and are looking forward with some degree of confidence to the future.’

Exhibitors on the East of England stand well represent the wide range of energy industry service providers that characterize Great Yarmouth and its strategic role in serving both the Southern North Sea, and the world wide oil and gas sector. Pivotal to this role is the newly expanded port of Great Yarmouth and EastPort UK are not only exhibiting on the stand, but also hosting a stand reception to really get the message across about these new maritime opportunities in Great Yarmouth.

To complement this message Shaping Norfolk’s Future are holding a Dutch reception on the stand aimed at our cousins on the other side of the North Sea, whilst another sponsor, the Louisiana Economic Development organisation, is keen to match suppliers and customers from ‘The State of Opportunity’ across ‘the pond’.

Councillor Graham Plant, chairman of GYMI attended the show on Wednesday and visited the East of England stand, and also other local companies exhibiting at the show. ‘I was delighted to see such an effective presence for the East of England in general and Great Yarmouth in particular’, he explained. ‘Seeing local companies promoting their services at this prestige event, and talking to the high level delegates who showed such interest in the stands, really brings home to me just how well Great Yarmouth is regarded in this world-wide industry. It is of very great credit to all concerned.’