Taproom Talks

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny Dooley is joined by Jason Brown of Elementz. Did you know the energy sector is currently suffering from "fatigue" over failed digital transformation and AI projects? Jason, the CEO of Elementz—an industrial software company focused on subsea inspection and integrated solutions—sits down to share how he helped flip that narrative. Hear the story of a mechanical engineer who started his career running the line at IBM before launching Elementz, which achieved an incredible £2 million in revenue in its first year by simply focusing on doing one thing really well for customers.Jason shares the secret behind Elementz's rapid success, explaining how their configurable, end-to-end framework for asset integrity resonated deeply with operators across the globe, from Canada to Australia. But the real deep dive here is on industry collaboration. Jason details the "Compass" model: a unique approach involving seven major operators working together to "compound" data and accelerate the adoption of AI. He breaks down how they are moving past costly pilot failures by protecting intellectual property within a trusted research environment and ensuring their technology actually solves core business problems.Beyond the tech, Jason doesn't hold back on his candid concerns over current UK energy policy, describing the trajectory as leading toward a "cliff edge" and worrying about losing skilled people to other global basins. From de-stressing with 80s indie rock and abstract art to the essential career advice he’d give a 20-year-old engineer (hint: it involves seeing the world), this conversation covers the personal journey just as much as the professional challenge. Pull up a chair and pour yourself a drink—this is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the blue digital ecosystem

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny Dooley is joined by Colin Manson of Xergy/ Proteus (formerly Xodus) for round two, diving deep into the realities of scaling a tech business. Ever wondered what the biggest mistake a founder can make when building a brand new product? Colin gets candid, sharing that trying to sell 25 ideas at once was "utter madness" for a startup, and why keeping your product idea as lean as possible is the ultimate secret weapon for getting to market fast. Now, having secured an oversubscribed funding round of nearly £2.5 million, Colin reveals how Proteus is shifting from relationship-based selling (the "black book") to a disciplined, data-driven sales approach. He details the strategic pivot, including partnering with a sales-as-a-service company and building pipelines across four key regions, including Australia and the UK.It’s not all successful funding rounds and global domination, though. Colin gets refreshingly honest about the seven-year journey, revealing the "dark moments" of loneliness and the heady, scary feeling that the business might not make it. He also delivers unfiltered, must-hear advice for any company considering overseas expansion, contrasting the challenging, payment-delayed landscape of the Middle East with the more welcoming opportunities found in the Australian market. He even shares the hilarious story of realizing his initial dismissal of a 400-page sales playbook was wrong, and that the company is now following it "to the letter". Pull up a chair and grab a drink for this brilliant conversation that offers genuine insight into the mind of a mature entrepreneur.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Sam Long of Decom Mission, the specialist trade association for decommissioning across the oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables sectors. Sam, the Chief Executive Officer, shares his unique career path from growing up in a farming family in south-west England and being the son of a Natural History Unit member, to becoming Wood Group’s first environmental manager in the North Sea oil and gas industry in the early 2000s. Having been involved in decommissioning projects early in his career, Sam discusses how he views decommissioning as a critical "bridge activity" within the inevitable, decades-long energy transition.1The discussion explores the challenging dynamics of the decommissioning market, noting that while the UK is the number one global market, its domestic supply chain is fragile and heavily reliant on international activity for survival. Sam outlines the substantial uptick in UK decommissioning expected from 2027 through 2032, while simultaneously pointing to key international growth opportunities in Australia and Brazil. He also addresses industry challenges, including the high day rates caused by a shortage of vessels and the importance of reservoir isolation, which accounts for 50% of the decommissioning value but lacks the "glamor" of other projects like the Pioneer Spirit. The conversation closes with Sam reflecting on the cyclical ups and downs of Aberdeen's economy and his life outside of work, where he is a passionate cyclist and runner who has spent 15 years coaching youth and junior cycling.

Send us Fan MailTaproom Talks is taking an early 'Spring Break' but why not try out our newest addition to the Global Energy Network Podcast Family: 'AMPLFY - The Energy Supply Chain'This show is a spotlight for Members of our Global Network to share their products, services, journeys and culture you name it we want to hear about it!In this episode of AMPLIFY, host Dan Hyland is joined by Neil Shanks, Integrity Operations Manager for GDI, to discuss how digital twin technology is driving radical efficiency and safety in asset integrity within the energy sector.Neil, who previously managed 13 offshore assets for Repsol, explains how GDI's core platform, Vision, allows operators to move away from the traditional "bums on seats" model by onshoring critical work. Learn about the technology's three core components—high-quality photos, Point Cloud models, and digital twin models—and how GDI layers software capabilities on top to provide real, actionable output.The discussion highlights key operational benefits:Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) that can reduce the need for offshore inspection execution by 60% to 70%.External Condition Assessment (SCA) that is six times faster than traditional methods.Optimizing Inspection Scopes using historic data and algorithms to target the right areas. Reducing Repair Times significantly, with examples of turning around full offshore execution within 48 hours.Neil also touches on GDI's growth since its founding in 2016, its recent acquisition by 'ocean you' which is opening opportunities like Vision Subsea, and the strategic integration of AI to support human expertise. The episode concludes with Neil's view on the future of the industry, positioning asset integrity as the "conscience for the operator" to ensure continued safe production.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is joined by a returning guest as we dive into part 2 of Steve Rae's career journey. If you missed part 1 Steve spoke about his experience before, during and after the 1988 Piper Alpha Disaster but this time we are focussing on Fortitude: Action beyond Compliance and his journey from the tools to VP and eventually CEO/Executive Director of Step Change in Safety. Steve shares how he drove safety culture in diverse global operations, tackling challenges in Brazil and the "Wild West" environment of West Texas. The discussion also covers his intense role as a global HRC Director, his vision for internationalising Step Change in Safety, concerns about industry competence, and his tough but rewarding work as Chairman of the Pound for Piper charity, including the fallout from a memorial garden refurbishment plan. Finally, Steve offers leadership insights and career advice for the younger generation

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of taproom talks Kenny is joined by Mary McIntyre of Merrimac International, an executive search firm specialising in the global energy space, to discuss her extraordinary career journey. Mary shares how she navigated the challenging decision to buy out her company's Houston business during the tumultuous start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a commitment to her team and clients. She elaborates on the foundation of Merrimac International's success: building trust and a culture based on high-integrity values. Mary also offers an insightful breakdown of the executive search process for senior roles, the biggest red flags to look out for in candidates, and her perspective on the consolidation and market outlook for the US energy sector.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is joined by Martin Copeland of Serica Energy, the company's CFO, for a deep-dive conversation covering his 30-year career transition from a banking background in leveraged and M&A finance to his current role in the energy sector. The discussion focuses on Serica Energy's strategy for growth through M&A, including the merger with Tailwind and opportunistic acquisitions in the North Sea. Martin Copeland also shares his perspective on the significant challenges facing the UK oil and gas industry, particularly the impact of the Energy Profits Levy, the political climate in Aberdeen, and the critical need for government approval of new field developments like Rosebank and Jackdaw to restore confidence and activity in the basin.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is Joined by Steve Rae of Fortitude - Action Beyond Compliance to discuss his oil and gas career and the life-altering experience of the Piper Alpha disaster. Steve recounts his journey from the Aberdeen oil boom to working offshore. The core of the episode is his minute-by-minute account of the July 6, 1988 disaster, including his narrow escape from falling debris, the 70ft jump into the North Sea, and his subsequent rescue. He explains how this event fundamentally shifted his professional focus, fostering his strong belief that "a good work ethic delivers good safety" and leading to his current role as an advocate for proactive safety culture within the industry.We have a part II coming in a couple weeks where Steve discusses how this shaped his career going forward...

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is joined by Neil Carr of AMS Global Group, where he discusses his journey of co-founding the company.Neil, the Managing Director, shares how AMS Global was initially shelved in 2012 before relaunching in 2016/2017 amidst a volatile oil and gas market looking for efficiency. He details the company's growth from two co-founders to approximately 50 staff with global operations in the Caspian, Africa, and Spain.The conversation covers the expansion of their services from marine surveying to the high-hazard AMS Safety division, which focuses on breathing apparatus, gas detection, and emergency support. Neil also touches on the challenges of organically building a business, managing cash flow, and his personal journey of prioritizing health, including his new focus on fitness and setting physical challenges like the Caledonian eTape. Finally, he shares his pride in the company's culture, its community involvement, and generating opportunities for young people in Aberdeen.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Bob Morgan of Baker Hughes, a Services and Projects Delivery Director in the Middle East, who discusses his two-decade career journey from a mechanical fitter in Aberdeen to a global leader. Bob shares his experiences working offshore in places like the North Sea, Angola, and Houston, emphasizing that success in the Middle East is built on long-term relationships and cultural immersion, which helped his flexible pipe business grow exponentially to over $200 million. He also touches on the importance of embracing diverse cultures in leadership, championing team well-being, and advises young people in the energy sector to focus on hard work and mentorship rather than seeking immediate senior roles.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny Dooley is joined by Zara Higgins of ATPI as she discusses her remarkable 22-year journey in commercial roles, beginning with cold-calling sales at a newspaper in Forfar at just 16. Zara shares her career progression, including a move into hospitality and her experience with the volatile energy and shipping sectors at ATPI. She delves into the challenges and lessons learned from leaving and returning to ATPI, emphasizing the crucial role of brand strategy, the importance of building a commercially driven and collaborative team (highlighting the contributions of Charlotte in marketing and Lauren in sales), and her leadership philosophy of surrounding herself with smart, experienced people. Finally, she touches upon her current role leading the energy business line from Saudi Arabia.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny Dooley is joined by Dave Acton of Motive Offshore Group to trace his journey from a fisherman in Macduff and an ROV pilot working offshore in West Africa to becoming CEO of a global energy company. Dave discusses co-founding Motive with former TT guest James Gregg in 2010, the challenges of rapid growth and overcoming the 2014 industry downturn, and the role of private equity in fuelling their global expansion and M&A activities. He also delves into Motive’s core values (people, planet, product), their strategy for international growth, the impact of AI on the industry, and offers advice for aspiring energy sector entrepreneurs

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny Dooley is joined by Kevin Coll of Solab IT Services and Onboard Tracker where they cover his entrepreneurial journey from working in his family's bakery to launching two successful Aberdeen-based companies. Kevin discusses the strong work ethic inherited from his father, the early financial and personal challenges of starting Solab in 1991, and the inspiration behind Onboard Tracker, a crew management software now used globally. He shares how co-parenting shaped his philosophy on flexible, people-first workplace culture and explains how Solab and Onboard Tracker are driving international growth and digital transformation in the energy sector.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is joined by Steve Swindell former CEO of Xodus where they discuss the truth behind building and scaling a 20-year energy consultancy. Steve reveals his unexpected career launch, from chemical engineering in apartheid South Africa to a "sliding door" moment that led him to Aberdeen. He pulls back the curtain on the hardest lessons, including the cash flow blunder that almost sank the company, the harsh reality of private equity's "loan notes," and the personal toll of making business decisions that affected his closest friends. Plus, he shares his perspective on the North Sea's future, the reality of the renewables market, and his life's most rewarding challenge: fostering children.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Conrad Ritchie formally of Score Group and current chairman of multiple charities. Conrad dives into his nearly four-decade career in the oil and gas industry, starting as an apprentice the week of the Piper Alpha disaster and later serving as Managing Director.He shares the immense pride and financial investment behind Score Group's renowned apprenticeship program, which at one point took on 100 youngsters a year.Conrad reflects on navigating multiple industry downturns, the shock of his father's unexpected passing, and the difficult, years-long decision to sell the family business to private equity, prioritizing a buyer who would maintain the company's legacy and commitment to people. He then offers his controversial perspective on the North Sea energy sector, arguing that the push to renewables is "too quick" and that the government's approach is "hellbent on killing the industry," forcing the UK to import from less green nations. Finally, Conrad discusses his passion for giving back through his chairmanship of two local charities—a £7.5 million community medical hub and a prison museum—and offers invaluable advice for young people starting their careers.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny is joined by Aberdeen legend George Yule, whose career spans from a British Rail apprenticeship and early North Sea oil days to the boardroom. George shares the profound lessons learned as a young manager dealing with the devastating aftermath of the Chinook helicopter disaster. He recounts his entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of his first startup, Clean Ocean, during the $9 oil crash, to the explosive success of Dominion Gas, which he built and sold for £34 million in just 16 months. He also discusses his emotional time as Vice Chairman of Aberdeen FC, his legacy in developing the club's facilities, and how recent health battles, including cancer and a stroke, have reinforced his unique business perspective.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Stuart Broadley of EIC to discuss his remarkable 35-year career journey, spanning from a young leader steering a challenging Rolls-Royce legacy business to transforming the Energy Industries Council (EIC) into a global force. Stuart shares his experience running a factory at age 27, his time in the oil and gas sector with Wood Group, and his pivot to renewables with a wind turbine company. He then details the five key strategies that tripled EIC's membership and boosted its Net Promoter Score, shifting its purpose to become the global voice of the energy supply chain. Stuart also discusses his "get-it-done" leadership style and the EIC's belief in guiding, not commanding, its members through the energy transition as well as sharing a large part of his life that he’s never shared with anyone before this.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny is joined by Chris Bird of Riskwell, who is also the Chief Development Officer for Meridian Resources and the disciplined head of risk for Fiteq. Chris details his unique journey from an engineering apprenticeship to a distinguished career in oil and gas, with a focus on risk management and innovation.He shares how a mindset of inquisitiveness and courage led to remarkable project successes, including drastically reducing the cost of the Kingfisher project and pioneering offshore fracking using temporary equipment on a supply boat to exploit difficult fields like Chiswick. Chris recounts the early, high-profit success of the Cassandra project at Venture and the dramatic turnaround of Carvana as MD by radically restructuring the business and implementing a new client strategy. He also discusses the current challenges facing the oil and gas industry, such as smaller fields, rising cost bases, and issues with project delivery.Chris concludes by offering his philosophy for a successful career, emphasising the three internal aspects of passion, commitment, and courage, and explains his "random communication" leadership style, which enabled Venture to outperform major operators by being 30% cheaper and twice as fast.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny Dooley is joined by commercial diver and supervisor Chris Lemons to discuss his incredible journey in the deep-sea diving industry. Chris recounts his path from a "lost" young man to a saturation diver, detailing the challenging, high-pressure reality of the job, including the mental toll of living in a confined chamber for 28 days. The conversation also explores the catastrophic 2012 incident where a computer failure left him stranded on the seabed, his miraculous survival attributed to a combination of cold and the effects of breathing a specific gas mixture at depth. Furthermore, he offers an honest critique of safety standards and the "tick-box" culture in the offshore sector, contrasting the North Sea's environment with standards in other regions, and shares the profound lessons in leadership, resilience, and absolute trust that define his career.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny Dooley is joined by Zoe Ogilvie of Big Partnership. Zoe, who recently semi-retired, shares her journey in marketing and communications, from her early days in Paris, to establishing the Aberdeen office of Big Partnership. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of growing a successful agency, the importance of company culture, leadership through communication, and the evolution of the PR and marketing industry. Zoe also touches on her passion for football and her role as a director for Aberdeen Football Club, as well as her love for water skiing. This episode offers valuable insights into building a career, fostering a strong team, and adapting to industry changes, all while maintaining a personal touch and a "be nice to know" philosophy.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny is joined by Ian Ord of Fifth Ring, an Aberdeen-founded marketing communications business that has grown to serve clients globally. Ian shares his journey from aspiring accountant to advertising professional and the founding of Fifth Ring in 1993. He discusses the evolution of the agency from a generalist to a B2B specialist in the energy industry, its international expansion to Singapore and Houston, and the significant impact of the digital world on marketing and PR over the last 35 years. Ian also touches on the company's culture, its acquisition by DC Thomson, his current role as Global Director of Sunlight, and the importance of "owning your space" in business. He offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting on the stigma of failure in the UK compared to the US, and shares his personal experiences with cancer and his passion for cycling and charitable work. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the role of AI in marketing.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley is joined by Phil Mote, CEO and co-founder of Well-safe Solutions. Phil shares his incredible journey from an apprentice at Halliburton to leading a company that's revolutionising the decommissioning sector in the oil and gas industry. Discover the challenges of starting a business from scratch, navigating market downturns like Covid and the EPL levy, expanding globally to Australia and Southeast Asia, and the importance of talent and investment in a complex and ever-evolving industry. Get insights into Well-safe's unique modular approach to well lifecycle services and their vision for the future of the North Sea and beyond.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of taproom talks Kenny is joined by Beena Sharma from CCU International. Beena shares her fascinating journey, from starting with a law degree to transitioning into the energy industry, and eventually co-founding CCU International. She discusses the challenges of commercialising carbon capture technology, the importance of carbon utilisation, and the misconceptions surrounding carbon capture and storage. Beena also talks about her work with Women in New Energy and Internet Zero, highlighting the need for diversity and role models in the energy transition space. Finally, she offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and startups in the clean tech industry.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley is joined by Colin Manson from Xergy Group, who shares his journey from chemical engineering to building successful businesses in the oil and gas industry. He recounts his early career at Enterprise Oil and Genesis, leading to the founding of Exodus in 2005, which rapidly grew to 750 people. Manson discusses the sale of Exodus to a Japanese company in 2013, reflecting on the challenges and lessons learned. He then details the creation of Xergy Group, a tech business focused on the Proteus project management system, which aims to integrate AI for proposal writing and project optimisation. Manson also touches on his leadership style, the importance of a strong management team, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, Kenny Dooley sits down with Mark Skinner of Scotsbridge. Mark shares his journey from an apprentice mechanic to managing director of John Bell Pipeline, detailing how he and Brian Thompson grew the company and navigated the cyclical oil and gas industry. He also discusses the decision to sell John Bell Pipeline to Bianco Group and his subsequent role in internationalising their businesses, which ultimately led to the creation of Scotsbridge. Mark provides insights into assisting UK businesses in developing within Southeast Asia, focusing on the ASEAN region, and offers advice on leadership, building niche businesses, and the future of the North East's energy sector. He emphasises the importance of mentorship and giving back, drawing from his own experiences.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with Steve Beedie of Unspoken Wounds. Steve shares his incredibly raw and honest journey, from a challenging childhood in Banff and joining the Army at 16, to enduring harrowing tours in Kosovo and Iraq. He recounts the traumatic experiences that led to his struggles with PTSD, including a deeply affecting incident in Kosovo and the murder of six RMP in Basra.Steve opens up about his multiple suicide attempts, the immense personal toll of his mental health battles, and how finding Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" became a pivotal turning point. He discusses his transition from the military to the offshore oil and gas industry, and ultimately, his decision to leave a financially secure career to dedicate himself to Unspoken Wounds.Discover how Unspoken Wounds, initially a veterans' charity, evolved to support the loved ones of servicemen, and now helps energy companies foster open conversations about mental health. Steve passionately emphasizes the importance of asking for help, arguing that it's the bravest act and that a career is "just a fucking career" compared to one's life and family. This episode is a profound exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of addressing unspoken wounds

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Davis Larrsen, the CEO of Proserv. Davis, with over 30 years in the energy industry, shares his journey from the North East of England to leading a global company headquartered in Aberdeen. He discusses his progression from a financial analyst at Schlumberger to CEO, crediting strong mentors and a willingness to embrace uncomfortable challenges. Davis also highlights Proserv's strategic pivot into renewables, focusing on control technologies for cable monitoring and wind turbine systems, and the challenges of transitioning from traditional oil and gas. He emphasizes the importance of a strong, globally consistent company culture built on honesty, respect, and "winning behaviors," and calls for a long-term, cross-party energy policy for the UK.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Tristam Horn, an energy entrepreneur and former drilling engineer who founded Delta Tech in 2015. Tristam shares the challenging journey of building Delta Tech from the ground up, navigating early R&D, funding struggles during the 2015 oil price crash, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his business and personal life. He discusses the critical role of organizations like the OGTC (now Net Zero Technology Centre) in fostering new technology adoption, the importance of intellectual property, and Delta Tech's eventual acquisition by Expro. Tristam, now a senior product line manager at Expro, also touches on the cultural shift from a nimble startup to a global company and his passion for developing new technologies in the energy sector.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks features Kenny Dooley in conversation with Ray Riddoch, a veteran of the UK oil and gas industry since 1981. Ray shares insights from his decades-long career, from working offshore and overseas to leading Nexen (later CNOOC) as the largest oil and gas producer in the UK. He discusses the evolution of leadership, the impact of significant events like Piper Alpha, the changing industry landscape, and the crucial role of technology and people in the energy transition. Ray also offers his candid views on the pace of net-zero targets and the importance of fostering talent and understanding within the sector.

Send us Fan MailEver wonder how a guy goes from dusty limestone quarries to running a multi-million-pound business? Tune into this episode of Taproom Talks, where Kenny Dooley chats with Mick Beavers, the driving force behind Control Valve Solutions. Mick spills the beans on his incredible journey, kicking off in some seriously old-school quarries before building his empire.But it's not just about business wins. Mick gets real about his personal battles with mental health, sharing his story as a two-time suicide survivor. He opens up about the tough times and how those experiences totally shaped the awesome culture at Control Valve Solutions. You'll hear how a LinkedIn post about mental health absolutely blew up, connecting him with people struggling all over the world.Beyond the raw honesty, Mick dives into the nitty-gritty of starting Control Valve Solutions with a "stolen laptop" and a £15,000 kitchen loan (yep, you read that right!). He takes us back to the garage days and how landing a game-changing contract with Talisman completely changed everything. Plus, get the inside scoop on their custom-built "CVS Manager" software that keeps everything running smoothly.Mick also shares his take on riding the waves of the energy sector, including weathering the 2014 downturn and the whole COVID-19 mess. He talks about what's next for Control Valve Solutions, their dive into AI, and why they're looking to go global. This episode is a powerful listen about bouncing back, building a killer team, and the vital importance of talking openly about mental health.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with NJ Ayuk JD, Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and organiser of Africa Energy Week. They delve into NJ's journey from civil rights lawyer to a key figure in the energy sector, discussing his personal background and the formation of Centurion Law Group. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of building a Pan-African law company, including overcoming racial barriers.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Africa's energy independence, the initiatives of the African Energy Chamber, and the importance of judicial modernisation and strategic partnerships. NJ shares his vision for empowering young African entrepreneurs and defends the critical role of the oil and gas industry in the continent's development, highlighting opportunities for investment and innovation. The episode also touches on the personal sacrifices involved in his demanding career and his perspective on the demonisation of the oil and gas industry.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with Bob Keiller, Chair of Our Union Street and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Bob shares his incredible journey, from his early career to transitioning into the oil and gas industry, and eventually leading a management buyout of part of Halliburton's business. He recounts the audacious move of approaching Halliburton's CFO to buy the production services division, the challenges of securing funding (including that memorable presentation in London!), and navigating the 2008 financial crisis.Discover how Bob and his team quadrupled the value of PSN in just five years by focusing on culture, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Wood Group. Bob also delves into the complexities of integrating two large organizations, his unique approach to communication (including "your baby is ugly" notes!), and the importance of a well-defined leadership framework. He shares heartwarming stories that exemplify the company's core values, like helping an employee with cancer and supporting the Glencraft workshop for the blind and disabled.Finally, Bob discusses his current passion for helping other entrepreneurs, offering valuable advice on market validation, clear communication, and the critical role of cash flow for early-stage businesses. He also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and giving back to the community.Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and making a real difference!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with James Gregg, a co-founder and European Regional Director of Motive Offshore Group. James shares the incredible story of Motive, from its humble beginnings in a car garage to becoming a global leader in offshore equipment, now employing 380 people.James takes listeners back to his roots in rural Cornhill, growing up around his dad's car garage, which unknowingly laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit. He recounts his 15-year career at a hydraulic company, starting as a trainee and working his way up to general manager, transitioning the business from a fishing industry focus to oil and gas.Discover the "hardest thing" James ever did: leaving his secure role at 30 to start Motive. He reveals how a small shed at his dad's garage became the birthplace of their first manufactured HPU, and how building strong client relationships and achieving ISO 9001 accreditation were crucial early enablers for growth.The conversation delves into Motive's strategic evolution, from manufacturing and rentals to their CNI (Certification & Inspection) division, and their expansion into renewables. James discusses the pivotal decision to take on private equity funding with EV in 2018 to de-risk and fuel growth, and the subsequent transition to H2 Equity Partners, along with the major acquisition of Aquatic.James offers insights into how Motive maintains its strong "People & Planet" culture across diverse global locations, emphasizing internal promotion and hiring for mindset over just qualifications. He also shares candidly about the intense challenges faced during industry downturns, including re-mortgaging homes and micromanaging every payment to save the business. This episode is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and the power of people in building a thriving global enterprise.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Taproom Talks! In this episode, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with Annabel Sall, the dynamic CEO of Think PR. Get ready to hear Annabel's remarkable story of building a leading energy-focused PR, marketing, and design firm from the ground up over 21 years.Annabel takes us back to the beginning, sharing her vision for Think PR: to champion SMEs in Aberdeen. You'll discover how she networked her way through the local business scene, securing her very first client, a connection she maintains to this day. Learn about Think PR's impressive global expansion, as Annabel forged vital relationships in key energy hubs like Dubai and Houston, all while navigating the unique challenges of running an international business from Aberdeen.But Annabel's impact extends far beyond business growth. She's deeply committed to the community, serving on the board for Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A&ND) and actively contributing to Women in New Energy. Hear about the heartwarming success of their recent fundraising dinner, which raised an incredible £68,000 for A&ND, and why she believes in empowering charities through effective profile raising and public engagement.Annabel also gets candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, from managing financial responsibilities to adapting through oil price crashes, unpredictable energy markets, and global pandemics. This conversation is a powerful testament to resilience, the enduring strength of relationships, and the relentless drive to continuously learn and adapt in a fast-paced industry. You won't want to miss it!

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Taproom Talks! Today, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with David Sheret, the insightful founder of Sheret Offshore Energy. Join us as David recounts his fascinating career journey, beginning in marketing where he engaged with Aberdeen Football Club, and how that unique background eventually led him to establish his own strategic consulting and pre-screening firm in the dynamic world of offshore energy. David will unveil the distinct advantage of Sheret Offshore Energy. Discover how his firm provides candid, objective advice, meticulously preparing companies for complex transactions or capital raising. He'll share why integrity and deep industry experience are paramount in helping businesses proactively identify challenges and unlock their maximum value, setting his approach apart from conventional investment banking. Our conversation then plunges into David's seamless transition into the oil and gas industry. He'll reveal how his early marketing experiences became a foundation for a successful career in business development and sales. We'll explore his astute observations on the evolving landscape of the North Sea, the critical importance of life extension for subsea infrastructure, and the transformative role of data and technology in optimizing asset performance. Finally, David casts his gaze to the future of the energy sector, emphasizing the vital need for meticulous preparation and strategic engagement. This episode promises a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, hard-won industry wisdom, and a truly forward-thinking perspective on the complex challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the offshore energy market. You won't want to miss it!