Small companies in UK's oil and gas sector get help

Small companies and organisations in the UK's oil and gas sector are to get help in accessing European 5th Framework (FP5) funds, thanks to work carried out by the Aberdeen-based Centre for Marine and Petroleum Technology (CMPT).
UK-ASSIST is an initiative set up with the support of the DTI's Infrastructure and Energy Projects Directorate (IEP) and Scottish Enterprise Energy Group. It also has industry backing from the sector's trade associations.
CMPT director of business development, Irene Hepburn, said: "UK-ASSIST will provide a dedicated 'Eurodesk' to help companies throughout the UK apply for 5th Framework funding, specifically the funding for hydrocarbon-related projects. The aim is to maximise the success of UK-led hydrocarbons technology development projects in gaining European funding. We were encouraged by the UK trade associations to introduce this service, which complements the services already provided by CMPT in the areas of new technology brokerage and the promotion of EU hydrocarbons projects. We are especially grateful for the financial assistance of DTI-IEP and Scottish Enterprise in ensuring that UK-ASSIST gets off the ground."

The initiative aims as proactive stimulation and reactive assistance. It will, among other things, identify the communities of small companies that subsequent measures should target; build effective communication channels; establish collaborative agreements with existing 'gateway' organisations across Europe; and, develop a contacts directory.
The CMPT says the availability of funds and information will not be enough to achieve a step-change in numbers of high-quality applications from small companies and organisations. UK-ASSIST will therefore stimulate activity by issuing short technical and market briefings; organising regional workshops; and, collaborating with trade associations to promote regional initiatives.