Staying power

Aberdeen has built a reputation for excellence in supporting the UK oil and gas industry. But while the North Sea offers growth opportunities for niche operators, Aberdeen must reach out to other regions and new business areas. To remain an active source of oilfield services, a focus on R&D and innovative thinking will be needed, as well as timely government help. Tom Nicholls talks to Alasdair Locke, executive chairman of Abbot Group, Jim Milne, chairman and managing director of Balmoral Group, Jim Atack, managing director of Petrofac Facilities Management Europe, and Brian Nixon, director of energy at Scottish Enterprise