International delegation visits East of England Energy Zone

Business experts from across nine countries visited major energy companies in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft to assess the region’s strong involvement in the resurgent oil & gas industry.

It was part of a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) tour, organised and hosted by the East of England Energy Zone (EEEZ), aimed at showcasing the region’s skills and encouraging new inward investment.

As well as visiting ODE, Perenco, Sembmarine SLP and AKD Engineering, the visitors watched a presentation by AMEC at the Novus Centre, Great Yarmouth. They were welcomed by Chris Starkie, managing director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership

“It was a tremendous opportunity to remind business officials and experts from embassies and other overseas centres that this region comprises England’s leading oil and gas supply chain,” said James Gray, EEEZ inward investment director.

“The day-long visit also allowed us to show them some of the key local industries with their insight into working in the Southern North Sea (SNS) as well as servicing energy centres across the globe from this region.
“We wanted to underline the 50 years experience the two towns have in the oil & gas sector and the continuing opportunities in the SNS. We certainly spread the message far and wide with visiting delegates coming from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and USA,” said Gray.

At the Novus Centre, the delegates also met around 20 members of other local energy businesses as well as council representatives from Suffolk, Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft