The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Aubin leads charge in Abu Dhabi
Chemical engineering firm boosts turnover to more than £4.1m
One of the world’s biggest oilandgas shows got under way in theMiddle East yesterday, with a strong lineup of firms flying the flag for Scotland.
The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) is expected to attract in excess of 60,000 oil and gas professionals from around the world over three days.
The Scottish presence includes
“Our increased presence will help us manage demand for our products”
north-east offshore chemical engineering firm AubinGroup, whichyesterdayannouncedanewoffice in Dubai after “significant” business success in the Middle East.
Ellon-based Aubin said it had enjoyed growth of 52% in the region this year from the sale of its well services and pipeline products, boosting turnover to more than £4.1million during the 12 months to June 30.
We l l s e r v i c e s and pipelines director Ray Stirton, whoheadsupthecompany in the region, said: “Our increased presence will help us manage the demand for our products since introducing and expanding our local production.
“We will start with a teamof fourandexpect this to grow throughout next year.”
North-east accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael (JC) sees its appearance at Adipec as a “fantastic opportunity” to analyse the market and its potential for clients.
JC, which has 11 Scottish offices at locations including Aberdeen, Inverness, E l g i n , Fraserburgh, Huntly and Inverurie, said the recent drop in oil prices meant Scottish companies were looking for new countries to expand into.
The United Arab Emirates were a “popular choice”, thanks to their track record and relative stability, it added.
Business development director Craig Yeoman and corporate finance partner Graham Alexander are both at the show.
Mr Alexander said: “By visiting the exhibition and meeting financial experts on the ground, we can increase our knowledge about the operating frameworks in the region.
“We are also keen to find out how a price of just over $80 per barrel will impact upon investment and operational decisions in this key market and how this will, in turn, impact upon the global oil and gas market.”
Speakers yesterday included BP chief executive Bob Dudley, who said the recent tumble of oil prices would create discipline in the energy industry’s capital spending. He also said it was hard to predict where oil prices would go next.