One of the most loyal supporters of a transatlantic business event has been honoured for his work to connect the North-east of Scotland with Texas.
Houstonian Travis Middleton was the first ever recipient of the Memorial Connector of Excellence Award created in is his memory and presented to him posthumously at 13th annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen on Monday, March 24th. It was received by his widow Jo from event creator Brett Jackson.
Houston-born Travis was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway. The award will be presented annually to recognise an individual who embodies the spirit of the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway and has demonstrated exceptional skills in fostering relationships, creating opportunities and driving business through effective networking and connection building.
This year’s Aberdeen-Houston Gateway once again attracted a busy room of speakers, delegates and supporters for a range of in-person and online presentations. The market overview was provided by Malcolm Forbes-Cable of Wood Mackenzie who was optimistic about the future, despite forecasting a slower energy transition.
He said: “We are witnessing the delayed energy transition emerge as the most likely pathway. However, it is worth emphasising that it is not an ‘either or’ thing and is very much about continued strong growth in renewables but with longer term need for oil and gas.
“From a UK perspective investment is moving out of the North Sea given the severe fiscal and legal headwinds faced by operators. The Chancellor unequivocally backed the Rosebank and Jackdaw developments which is a significant change, but this very much needs to be followed up by more concrete reassurances on regulation and of course fiscal reform – the current terms are costing the UK investment and supply chain jobs which does not align with the government’s growth agenda or benefit the UK’s energy transition strategy.”
Event chair Mary McIntyre of Houston-based Merrimac International added: “Merrimac was very excited to be part of the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway this year and enjoyed the conversation around the changing energy landscape. The forward-looking agenda and content were of great value to the audience and the event provided an excellent opportunity to meet innovative companies and professionals joining in the discussion.”
Other speakers at the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway 2025 included:
- Aberdeen City Council
- G Tech Innovation Centre
- Ex Industries
- Trademark Insurance
- PKF Texas
- Wings Travel
- Scottish Development International
- Jackson Walker LLP
- BoyarMiller
To find out more about Granite PR events, visit www.granitepr.co.uk
