Awards for energy players who have met challenge

Dec 12 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

SHINING lights of the region’s oil, gas and energy sectors have been recognised at an awards ceremony hosted by industry body NOF Energy.

Subsea specialist CTC Marine Projects of Darlington picked up two awards as it was named Company of the Year and also collected the Innovation and Technology prize for its subsea trenching machinery.

The event, at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield, County Durham, also saw Robert Smyth of Costain Energy and Process from Manchester named Best Individual Newcomer to the Industry.

Meanwhile, the International Business Award was picked up by Hydra- tight Operations Ltd from Darlaston in the West Midlands.

George Rafferty, chief executive of NOF Energy, said: “This year has demonstrated the strength and depth of the energy sector as it has fought off the global economic downturn.

“The NOF Energy annual dinner and awards gives us the opportunity to highlight and reward the exceptional work our members have put in to maintain and build their businesses, despite the economic pressures some of them have faced.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, 330 invited guests were treated to an array of entertainment including an after-dinner speech by impressionist Kevin Connelly from BBC’s Dead Ringers programme.

Music was provided by String Fever and young jazz, soul and blues singer Lewis Dixon.