ONE and SE to Support SMEs in Decommissioning
A new partnership between private sector economic development company Opportunity North East and Scottish Enterprise will support Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access new decommissioning business and explore diversification into new market sectors.
The first decommissioning opportunity, on seabed debris clearance and sponsored by ConocoPhillips and Shell, is now live and accepting applications. The series of project-specific decommissioning opportunities will enable SMEs to present their capabilities, skills, and experience to operators in relation to real industry challenges. The programme aims to give successful SME applicants a range of benefits, including access to and feedback from end-user operators, improved understanding of operator needs, improved business cases, and business development support.
Mr Trevor Garlick OBE, Chair of ONE’s Oil, Gas & Energy sector board, says: “These new SME programmes, developed in partnership and co-funded by ONE and Scottish Enterprise, aim to create value for industry and the supply chain by matching existing capabilities with real industry needs, and ensuring that SMEs are ready and able to engage on commercial terms. Anchoring oil & gas supply chain SMEs long-term is a key part of strengthening and diversifying the economy. These businesses provide high-skill, high-value employment and capturing a share of decommissioning work and market diversification offers them significant medium to long-term growth potential and a further route to internationalisation.”
Mr Andy McDonald, Director of Energy and Low Carbon Technologies at Scottish Enterprise, adds: “This is a great example of a collaborative partnership that leverages resource from both parties to drive forward lasting economic impact for the Scottish economy. There is significant scope for established supply chain companies in Scotland to gain access both to the emerging decommissioning market, valued at between EUR 9.5 billion and EUR 13 billion over the next ten years, and to potential diversification routes. By working in partnership with ONE, Scottish Enterprise can ensure companies have the necessary skills, expertise, and networks to successfully take advantage of these opportunities and realise their growth ambitions.”