Organisers of an event celebrating the business links between the north-east and Houston hailed it as a “resounding success”.
The fourth annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway attracted a range of speakers, contributors and visitors from both sides of the Atlantic including a delegation of Houston business representatives led by the British Consul General in Houston, Karen Bell
Through a series of meetings, tours and networking events, the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway gave participants the opportunity to explore potential opportunities and further strengthen links between the global energy hubs.
The event’s flagship lunch took place at Macdonald Norwood Hall where delegates heard from a variety of businesses with experience in both the UK and US markets.
Amongst those presenting at the Aberdeen lunch were directors of Paradigm Flow Services who also welcomed the Houston visitors to their global headquarters at Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Around 100 visitors visited the purpose-built test facilities to see demonstrations of the firm’s subsea intervention technology.
Donald Ballantyne, commercial director for Paradigm discussed the challenges and benefits of expanding into Houston, where he said the firm has recently completed projects worth £4.2million.
He said: “The Americas and Gulf of Mexico is a key strategic target for Paradigm’s continued success and future expansion. Being the global energy hub, Houston is the natural location to continue building our resources and networks.”
Aberdeen-Houston Gateway creator and Granite PR managing director Brett Jackson added: “We are delighted that so many people gave their support to this exciting event which has provided an excellent opportunity to expand corporate horizons on both sides of the Atlantic. Current operating conditions mean that it has never been more important to look at diversifying and adding value and we hope that the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway will provide an important springboard from which people can grow their own businesses.”
A “Shire Showcase” takes place today at the Macdonald Pittodrie House hotel as part of the event.
