A brand new business networking event linking key energy hubs in Scotland and Australia has been hailed as a resounding success.
Aberdeen’s Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel was the venue for the recent inaugural Aberdeen-Perth, WA Gateway which was hosted by Granite PR, managed by Business Plus Scotland, and held in association with the Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference and The Government of Western Australia.
The event was chaired by Helen Tulloch of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult oil and gas consortium, and leading an impressive line-up of keynote speakers was John Atkins, Agent General for the Government of Western Australia’s European Office. He was joined by presenters who examined various aspects of doing business in both locations including Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference, Bank of Scotland, City of Perth, Emirates and Subsea UK.
The event drew inspiration from the success of Granite PR’s now well established Aberdeen-Houston Gateway and Aberdeen-Norway Gateway, offering a valuable and cost-effective platform for knowledge sharing and networking between two leading energy hubs.
Commenting on the success the inaugural Aberdeen-Perth, WA Gateway event creator and Granite PR and managing director Brett Jackson said: “By bringing together these two key energy locations in this unique and exciting way, we hope that this event will act as a springboard to further strengthen links, facilitate opportunities and enhance knowledge sharing for those keen to explore or expand. We are now looking forward to repeating the event in 2017 event.”
Keynote speaker John Atkins added: “Events such as this are important in enhancing inter-hemisphere appreciation and understanding. The challenges facing the UK oil industry are similar to those we have experienced in our mining sector, particularly iron ore, so there is great empathy between us too.
“Current and prospective developments in offshore Western Australia mean there is a need to access knowledge and expertise and much of this will be forthcoming from Europe. I hope that the Aberdeen-Perth WA Gateway will enhance the strong links between us and highlight the many things we have in common – not least the international view which prevails in businesses in both places. With that attitude we can do great things together.”
The Aberdeen-Perth, WA Gateway is supported by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference, Bank of Scotland, Emirates, Energy Voice, Entier, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Press & Journal, Quensh, SDI, Subsea UK, The Government of Western Australia.