Turning proactive oil firms like Shell into pariahs is misguided
Media reports of organisations announcing divestment and a distancing from oil and gas are increasing.
Opinion
Greenpeace and Big Oil – No straightforward answers to solving the climate crisis
Regarding Greenpeace's call for drastic change, at least there are signs that the North Sea oil & gas industry – UK, Norway, Denmark and The Netherlands - recognises the challenges and is prepared to curb its emissions.
Surge in demand for data science set to continue into the new decade
It’s fair to say that 2019 ended on a note of political and economic turmoil. But while the global oil and gas industry will face a number of uncertainties over the coming months, there is one trend I can predict with total confidence - the momentum-gaining groundswell in the adoption of data science and predictive technologies.
Flourishing Aberdeenshire customs consultancy has clear vision for 2020
2019 – the year that was dominated by the ‘B’ word. But for one Aberdeenshire firm sharing the same initial letter, 2019 was less dogged by controversy, and more gilded by success. Oldmeldrum based Bethan Customs Consultancy celebrated its 4th birthday with an expanding client base, boosted turnover, and an-ever growing team.
Reasons for optimism: Taking stock of carbon reduction achievements and possibilities
As we enter a new decade, I’m sure I’m not alone in reflecting on matters that are personally important, together with major issues that impact on society, the environment and the economy.
We’re having our ‘999 moment’ on the climate emergency – it’s time to respond accordingly
It is estimated that during 2019 over 20 million people in the UK contacted the 999 emergency services to request immediate police, ambulance, fire or coastguard support or to report an emergency.
Wide scope for UK to integrate greener energy sources
This is set to be a pivotal year for the oil and gas industry.
How second industrial revolution was cast to the wind
On the Friday before Christmas, the last of 140 workers at the Arnish fabriction yard on Lewis were paid off.
Unfortunately, facts rarely matter when it comes to the energy debate
The year 2019 once again proved that oil and gas remain indispensable resources to make the world a better place. They help to improve the lives of billions of people, many of whom would otherwise lack any access to reliable energy.
COP 25 was a cop-out but Scotland can’t rest on its laurels
News that the COP 25 meeting in Madrid ended in a not very satisfactory compromise doesn’t exactly fill me with hope that the world’s leaders have really got a grip of how serious the “climate emergency” really is.
2020 – A busy year ahead
Following the result of the general election, we can now expect to leave the EU at the end of January, although very little will change on that date as we will move into a transitional period when existing EU rules and trade terms continue to apply in the UK.
AXIS Network – 2020 must see energy firms continue drive towards gender equality
2019 was an incredible year for diversity and inclusion across Aberdeen and the wider energy sector, and we are excited to see that continue into 2020.
Big Oil is not the problem, it’s the solution
The turn of the year means boardroom leaders are planning – as well as playing soothsayer – for what’s next in 2020 and beyond.
Tackling taxation issues
With the festive season over, the start of a new year gives employers an ideal opportunity for a spring clean of their compliance processes and to identify any tax planning opportunities.
Sunrise or sunset for the North Sea?
While the UKCS may be regarded as a more mature basin than those in other parts of the world, that doesn’t mean that it is standing still or slowing down.
Is better collaboration the new force for change in oil and gas?
Current market conditions are making oil and gas operators understandably cautious about embarking on mega projects. When they do invest, shorter term payback options such as brownfield developments are generally favoured over longer-term, large-budget greenfield projects.
Plan, prepare and pre-empt: Watchwords for 2020
The new year always brings into focus those things which have been delayed or ignored over the last twelve months. In a corporate setting this can be damaging to a business and in the oil and gas industry, it could have significant compliance issues. With that in mind, there are some key areas oil and gas businesses should turn their attention to, to be fully prepared for entering 2020.
A new era for energy services
There’s a popular motto among digital entrepreneurs who celebrate disruption: ‘move fast and break things.’ It was the founding creed of Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and it reflects a culture of rushing new products and apps to market.
Driller Thriller
If I were to tell you about a dynamic, innovative, global technology company that had doubled its revenues in a single year, you’d be forgiven for making several assumptions: that the technology in question was digital; that the company was based in San Francisco or Silicon Roundabout; and that we were talking about a start-up focused on a new sector like fintech, healthtech or adtech.
Future looks bright as anniversary approaches
The start of 2020 marks my ten-year anniversary at Xodus, and I’m pleased to say that the future is the brightest and most promising that it’s been throughout my decade with the company. We have more projects than ever, an engaged positive workforce and a strong desire to help and support both clients and colleagues.
The 2010s wrecked the planet, but don’t despair yet
The past decade hasn’t done much to inspire optimism about the future of the planet.
‘Particularly significant’ year for Scottish energy sector as climate emergency came calling
As years go, 2019 was a particularly significant one for Scotland’s energy sector, most notably with the Scottish Government declaring a climate emergency, and outlining our commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy and society by 2045.
Making a positive impact today and tomorrow
Things can rarely be seen in only black and white.
Climate change litigation – what next?
The growth and diversity of climate change related litigation has reached a tipping point over the last year or so with higher profile cases, some of which appear to be targeting wider strategic goals beyond the remedies sought.
RSM’s 2020 oil and gas forecast: IR35, skills gaps and cautious optimism
Optimism with reservation