The 2019 edition of an annual celebration of excellence in the UK energy industry gets off the ground today.
Already a firm favourite in the north-east business calendar, this year’s Press and Journal Energy Voice Gold Awards – being held in association with Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) – are expected to deliver another exciting climax when the winners are unveiled at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday September 6.
The build-up to that prestigious event starts now, with the launch of the process for finding the most deserving people and companies for awards across a range of categories.
Entries are being accepted online from today at ww.pandjgoldawards.co.uk, or via an email to Laura Adam at laadam@dctmedia.co.uk, until Monday April 22.
About 300 people attended last year’s awards ceremony. There were 10 winners and one “highly commended” finalist, while Wood Group chief executive Robin Watson joined the Gold Awards’ hall of fame.
The competition is now in its fifth year and the various award categories, reflecting the depth and breadth of the energy industry, are expected to be as hotly contested as ever.
There are gongs up for grabs for “above and beyond”, innovation, health and safety, renewables, industry leader, and small and large company of the year while the Dr Mildred Dresselhaus award will recognise the contribution of an outstanding woman in energy.
There is also an apprentice award to celebrate the future lifeblood of the industry.
P&J editor Alan McCabe said: “We are delighted to launch this year’s Gold Awards to celebrate the vital contribution the energy sector makes to the lives of people in the north and north-east of Scotland.
“The awards ceremony in September will shine a light on the best in the business so I’m sure there will be no shortage of high-quality entries to go before our judging panel.”
Jim Milne, chairman and managing director of innovation award sponsor Balmoral Group, said: “The P&J Gold Awards have earned a reputation for acknowledging the very best talent, products and innovation in the industry.
“These values are held dear at Balmoral and we fully support the opportunity to celebrate such achievement.”
AWARD CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA
Apprentice Award
Every CEO was once someone’s apprentice. This award recognises those who are the future lifeblood of the industry. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an aptitude for learning, a stellar performance and a commitment to the industry. Testimonials are highly recommended for this entry. Employers can also apply on behalf of their apprentice. Apprentices come in all shapes and sizes. Entrants for this category should be engaged in “on-the-job” training with an employer, while also working towards the attainment of a recognised qualification.
Above and Beyond Award
There wouldn’t be energy without people. This award aims to recognise the outstanding employees who help fuel the energy sector. The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment, teamwork and appetite to be and do better. They would have gone above and beyond the call of duty and be a true reflection of the energy sector’s pioneering spirit. The entry can be submitted by the candidate themselves or on behalf of the candidate.
Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus Award
Given the scale of the gender imbalance in the oil and gas industry, we feel it is appropriate to have an award which highlights the contribution of woman in the sector. However, we would strongly encourage companies and organisations to enter female employees in the other categories, as well. From apprentice to CEO, this category is open to any woman who is making a positive contribution to the sector, mentorship and next generation of innovators. It is named after Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, who unlocked the secrets of carbon’s molecular structures.
Health and Safety Award
This award recognises the company that keeps the health and safety of its workforce at its core. The winning company will demonstrate an enthusiasm for continual improvement. The entry can include examples of workforce involvement in achieving health and safety excellence, backing from the wider leadership team and tangible examples of creating a safety-conscious culture.
Industry Leader Award
This award is open to outstanding energy leaders, who deserve to be recognised for their appetite for continued learning, mentoring and influence. There is no age restraint on this award; however, the winning candidate will have successful track record of leading within the sector, empowering people and being a sound ambassador and example of energy’s reputation.
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Balmoral
The way the world consumes energy is changing. Electric vehicles, windfarms and drilling rigs all have a part to play in securing energy’s future. Whether it’s a subsea tech breakthrough or a new way of approaching a problem or routine practice, this is the category for you. Money and time saved, increased output or barriers broken can all be used as evidence. Multiple companies can enter a joint bid if they collaborated on the innovation.
Large Company of the Year
More than 200 employees
The Gold Awards recognise resilience in both peaks in troughs. This award recognises the best large company, its commitment to people, its culture, the North Sea and the Aberdeen community. Project milestones, team achievements, planned investment, employee testimonials and CSR activity can all be used to support the entry.
Renewables Award
The Gold Awards is proud to have a category dedicated to recognising renewable achievements. This category looks to recognise the best project or innovation from the sector, including offshore and onshore wind, wave, tidal and solar. Whether at the concept and operational level, this award aims to recognise the renewable effort aimed at contributing to the UK’s energy mix.
Small Company of the Year
Less than 200 employees
This award recognises the best small company, its commitment to people, its culture, the North Sea and the Aberdeen community. Project milestones, team achievements, planned investment, employee testimonials and CSR activity can all be used to support the entry.
Hall of Fame Award
Sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments
This award recognises the industry heavyweights – the men and women who have shaped this sector, continually forging ahead on a local and global scale. The recipient is chosen by the judges. Previous recipients include Professor Alex Kemp, Balmoral CEO Jimmy Milne, Sir Ian Wood and Robin Watson.