It would be difficult for us to see out this year without looking back over the last 12 months and reflecting on what has been a disruptive and challenging year for the whole industry.
Many in the industry have been adversely effected by the oil price down turn and now the challenge of adapting to the conditions and working together as an industry has never been more important.
Having been in business for 20 years, this past year has been, by far, the hardest that I have experienced. The events of this year have transformed the way businesses are operating in the industry and have changed the way we work indefinitely.
We all must adapt to the changing landscape, an important part of this being the need to work together and to invest and strengthen the partnerships we have created over the years.
It is together as an industry that we overcome diversity and challenges, and ensure the longevity and success of our businesses.
For me there were four key areas that played a pivotal role in my year as an individual, and business owner.
Innovation
In my opinion this is the ideal time to get innovative. New technologies, approaches and business models that challenge industry norms and give the company, and its employees, new reasons to be excited for the future.
Positivity
I am a very positive person and I believe this has been a major factor in the achievements we have realised over the year. I believe in inspiring people to be great at what they do and give them the opportunity to succeed.
Staff morale
One of the most challenging aspects of this year has been maintaining staff morale as we, like most other companies in the industry, have had to make some very difficult decisions.
For me, reassurance, positivity and transparency has played a large part in maintaining moral within the team. I have always operated an open door policy with staff, which has allowed me to address issues and help staff where I can.
New markets
I don’t think many would argue that we in the oil and gas Industry have become complacent over the last 10 years.
The longevity of high oil prices led many of us into a false state of security which sadly made us as an industry very vulnerable. However, this downturn provides us with the opportunity to reflect and iterate upon our approach as well as reach out to other markets.
Our marketing strategy has had to change over the year as we focus on developing opportunities overseas.
May I take this opportunity to thank all our clients, partners and employees, and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year.