North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG) is looking to an exciting 2011 with a new improved strategy that will further benefit members, a major rebrand, a newly elected chairman and board of directors and a major renewable energy seminar to be held in February.

The energy and engineering umbrella organisation has plans to greatly improve its information gathering service for the use of members, together with establishing closer links with developers and operators to improve the flow of information to and from the supply chain members.

Also, as part of its strategy for 2011, NSIG is strengthening its links with the community through instigating a competition for a major rebrand, including a name change, to local schools, colleges, UHI, and NSIG members. This will assist in raising the profile of energy industries throughout the area with positive implications for skills for the future. The group will offer a £1000 cash prize for the best name that is submitted by the closing date of 15 February. It will then have to be finally approved by both the board and the membership. Further details are available on application

NSIG is also hosting REact 2011, a major renewable energy supply chain update seminar on 17 February at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness. The event is open to both members and non members and will provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to receive renewable energy updates and important background information of relevance to the entire North of Scotland and Islands area. Presenters will include the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Renewables, Scottish Power Renewables, the Crown Estate, and NSIG member Global Energy, responding on behalf of the supply chain.

Ian Couper, chief executive of NSIG, said: “The North of Scotland will be producing a large proportion of the Scottish and the wider UK’s energy needs in the coming years and decades. It is therefore, extremely important that the supply chain in the area, from fabricators to engineers, to relevant trades and other service suppliers, are fully aware of developers’ potential requirements, timescales, opportunities and issues in order for informed decisions to be made. We are focused on acting as a source for providing our members with relevant renewable energy market information and we hope this seminar will be of great benefit for all attendees.”

The group has also appointed Les Clark as its new chairman. Mr Clark, who is chairman of Port Services Group, has been an active member on the board for four years, including two years as vice chair. Fiona Henderson, principal consultant at Halcrow Group has l become vice chair and the board is joined by new board members Sidney Johnston of AMEC, Bill Hives of RBG, Colin Peteranna of UBC and Steve Ham of The Underwater Centre at Fort William.

Mr Couper, continued: “We are delighted to welcome Les and the new members to the board. These are exciting times for NSIG, as we grow and develop the group further.

“With a depth of experience and knowledge in both renewable energy and oil and gas throughout the north of Scotland, Les’s appointment will further strengthen our offering for members. We are continuing with our process of making sure that as much of our operational area as possible is covered by board appointments. I would, however, also like to pay tribute to our outgoing Chairman, Mike Kydd, for his excellent guidance and participation through the previous years, and in leaving NSIG in an excellent position to move forward in the coming period”

Mr Clark said: “After a number of years on the board, I am looking forward to working with the group to implement our strategy this year, including the rebrand. NSIG is now a true supply chain organisation, with a voice that is heard and listened to at the highest level, and represents all aspects of the energy industry in the North of Scotland.

“This year we seek to step up our promotion of the supply chain services and facilities and build further on the group profile, with a view to establishing the Highlands and Islands as the key area for energy development.”

Colleges, schools, and members wishing to take part in the rebrand competition, or those wishing to attend REact 2011 should visit the NSIG website for further details www.nsig.co.uk

Tags: North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG)