A glittering awards ceremony will be held in Aberdeen later this year to mark the resilience of the oil and gas sector.
Entries are now open for the Press and Journal’s second annual Gold Awards.
Last year’s hugely successful event celebrated the major milestone for the vital oil and gas sector – the 50th year of Aberdeen’s involvement in the development of the North Sea.
This year, the event marks the continuing success of the industry, celebrating the resilience of a sector that has been grappling with challenges not seen for decades.
Categories for the awards – run in association with the P&J’s sister website Energy Voice and title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management – include innovation, entrepreneur, large company of the year and new for this year, new energy.
Press and Journal editor-in-chief Damian Bates said: “We are delighted to come back again to present the Press and Journal’s celebration of the vital contribution the North Sea makes to the lives of people in the north and north-east of Scotland.
“Since last year’s inaugural Gold Awards the industry has faced some real challenges and as a result has made some great strides towards reshaping the industry so it is fit for the next 50 years.
“The second annual Gold Awards gives us scope to reflect on the achievements the sector has made, to celebrate that when the going gets tough, the tough have got going.
“While the industry has been adapting to new realities, we should grasp the chance to build new relationships and also relax, enjoy ourselves and celebrate. The P&J has chronicled every moment of the industry’s rise, fall and rise again, and we are confident it will come out of the current tough times stronger than before.”
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “Aberdeen Asset Management got involved in The Press and Journal Gold Awards on its inception last year, and are pleased to be a sponsor again in 2016. These awards offer a gold hallmark to businesses doing great things in this part of the world.”
The firm is also the sponsor of the Hall of Fame category, which will be decided by an esteemed panel of industry judges.
Last year, renowned petroleum economist Professor Alex Kemp became the first inductee into the Gold Awards Hall of Fame.
The UK’s official historian for the North Sea, his many accolades include an OBE, which he was awarded in 2006 for services to the oil and gas industry.
This year’s entrant will be someone who has demonstrated a proven track record of being an industry force for good. Dedication to the sector’s success, investment in its people and an appreciation for the wider community will all be considered.
Mr Gilbert added: “Times have been hard for the energy sector but it’s important to keep a focus on the positives by looking at businesses which, by being dynamic and enterprising, are achieving great things.”
The awards ceremony and dinner promises an evening packed full of entertainment, and an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
It will be held at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Pitfodels, on September 8.
A table of 10 costs £1,500 + VAT – to book, visit www.pandjgoldawards.com or contact Victoria Tait on 01382 575631 or victoria.tait@ajl.co.uk
