Young energy voices to be heard

The next generation of the UK’s oil and gas industry is being called on to make its voice heard on issues such as the energy transition and climate change.

Leading representative body for the sector OGUK has announced a second industry event aimed at graduates, young professionals and those starting out their career.

It follows the success of an intern event in July attended by more than 100 young people with placements in operator, service and supply chain companies.

The event, sponsored by Spirit Energy, will provide attendees with the opportunity to shape the future of their industry through direct involvement in Roadmap 2035: industry’s blueprint for a net zero future.

The audience will take part in an interactive workshop looking at

“This is a great opportunity for people starting out”

the five key themes from Roadmap 2035 before hearing from a panel chaired by OGUK supply chain director Matt Abraham.

Commenting on the event, in Aberdeen on Thursday October 24 Mr Abraham said: “The people joining our industry today are among the most important voices in shaping the industry of tomorrow.

“The world of work is changing at a time when our industry is also looking to the future through the energy transition.

“Understanding how we can meet the ambitions outlined in Roadmap 2035 will require fresh thinking.

“This event is a great opportunity for people starting out their careers to drive the future of the sector and make a valuable contribution.” WHSmith has bought US retailer Marshall Retail WHSmith has continued its march into the US by snapping up North American retailer Marshall Retail for $400 million (£312m).

Bosses said they had first started watching the business around four years ago when they made an active decision to pursue the $3.2bn dollar (£2.5bn) US travel market.

The previous owner of Marshall launched a sales process over the summer as WHSmith came out on top.

It means the retailer now has a further 170 stores in North America, including 59 in airports, with the remaining in busy tourist hotspots like Las Vegas.

Incoming chief executive Carl Cowling, who starts the new job in November, said: “We’ve known the business for about four years. We’ve been watching the market for years trying to think of the best ways to break in.”

The news came as the retailer revealed sales jumped 11% across the business to £1.4bn.

The travel division grew 22% to £817m – primarily due to the purchase of InMotion – or up 3% on a like-for-like basis.

Trading profits in the division jumped £117m.

On the high street, where WHSmith has 576 stores, sales fell 2% to £580m and profits were flat at £60m, although Mr Clarke pointed out: “Profits were flat last year and you won’t find many retailers who’ll say that.”

Pre-tax profits for the group in the year to August 31 were up 1% to £135m.